2024 has been yet another stellar year for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, but what was your favorite moment from the past 12 months? Was it Jon ‘Bones’ Jones’ iconic comeback at UFC 309, or perhaps it was Max Holloway’s insane last-second knockout over Justin Gaethje? Interestingly, neither of those two moments are front and center for the man at the top of the promotion.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
During an appearance on First Take, UFC CEO Dana White shared his personal favorite moment of the year, surprising many by not mentioning Jones, Holloway, or UFC 300. He declared, “Without a doubt, it had to be The Sphere – pulling off The Sphere [for UFC 306].”
White emphasized that the Las Vegas show at The Sphere would go down in history as one of the most visually stunning events, not just in combat sports but in all of sports. He expressed disbelief that anyone could replicate what they achieved that night. “If the production team here at UFC doesn’t win every single award there is in television, then the awards are BS,” he stated passionately.
While UFC 306: O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili certainly showcased an impressive production with a budget of $20 million, White indicated that hosting a pay-per-view event of that size and grandeur is unlikely to happen again. Reflecting on the uniqueness of the event, he noted, “That was a one-and-done [event].”
UFC 306 reportedly generated over $21.8 million in ticket receipts, making it the largest gate in UFC history. The event also set records for VIP experience sales, merchandise sales, ticket sales for The Sphere, and sponsorship revenue. Continuing to reflect on the year, White remarked, “This has been a record year for us again, not just in terms of financially for the company but [for] breaking arena records.”
Looking ahead to 2025, White shared plans to expand the UFC’s reach. “Next year my focus is to go to a lot of places that we haven’t been to in a while or ever,” he explained. He mentioned aspirations of entering Spain, returning to Los Angeles and Seattle, and revisiting Chicago.
In a 2022 interview with GQ Magazine, White was asked about his most satisfying moment in UFC history. He reminisced fondly about Chuck Liddell’s iconic knockout of Tito Ortiz, stating emphatically, “When Chuck Liddell knocked Tito Ortiz out – that was my favorite, favorite moment that has ever happened in UFC history.”
White’s history with Ortiz adds depth to this favorite moment, as their relationship soured after a notorious incident on a private jet. He recounted, “We were on a private plane on our way to Japan, and Tito and I were messing around…” This led to a physical altercation that nearly resulted in chaos as the plane was taking off, highlighting the intensity of their past.
Although White didn’t specify when the flight incident occurred, it is evident that Liddell’s knockout remains an unforgettable moment, standing tall as his all-time favorite in UFC history.
