International UFC fans may have an increased chance of attending a fight card this year after the organisation suggested that it plans to hold more international events moving forward.
Las Vegas has traditionally been the UFC’s home, with many of its more high profile fight cards being held at the T-Mobile Arena in Sin City while the UFC’s very own Apex facility on the outskirts of the city holds many of its more minor events.
But according to information outlined at a Wednesday call with investors TKO Group Holdings chief financial officer Andrew Schleimer said that the Apex cards will become less regular as the fight league increases its presence overseas in 2025.
“In 2025, we expect to hold fewer events at Apex in Las Vegas,” Schleimer said as part of the financial call. “While the calendar for the full year isn’t finalised, we expected to host a higher number of international events as compared to 2024. While these events are expected to result in increased revenue, they have a lower margin profile as compared to Apex events.”
The Apex has become a central part of the UFC’s business model since it was first introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic as a way to hold fight cards in a controlled environment. Events have continued since, with operational costs significantly lower compared to other venues.
The full schedule for international events in 2025 has yet to be revealed — but it is perhaps worth noting that October will mark a decade since the UFC has held a fight card in Ireland.
