The UFC’s highly anticipated return to Perth was billed as another blockbuster, but the reality fell short of expectations. The RAC Arena, once a hive of energy packed with sell-out audiences for past UFC shows, now sits notably empty, with tales of poor ticket sales and expensive discounts offering a stark contrast to the promotion’s recent triumphs in the city. The question behind UFC Perth 2025 is simple: what went wrong for Dana White‘s dream event?

Just two years ago, Perth was regarded by Dana White as a shining example of the UFC’s expanding worldwide reach. UFC 284 in February 2023 drew a record-breaking 14,124 fans, nearly filling RAC Arena’s 15,000-seat capacity. The event earned an estimated AUD 5.9 million in tickets, setting the standard for Australian indoor sporting revenue. The trend continued in August 2024, when UFC 305 drew over 14,000 fans to RAC Arena. These events not only generated significant ticket revenue, but they also boosted Perth’s overall economy, with millions coming into local hotels, restaurants, and tourism.

Perth had established itself as a significant destination on the UFC calendar, attracting fans from around Australia and beyond. That history makes the current situation even more shocking. Instead of another sell-out, 7News Australia reported that UFC Fight Night 2025 has barely filled around half of the arena, with an attendance of around 7,500. The vacant seats indicate fading interest, or at least people are hesitant to pay the high-ticket fees this year. The channel’s journalist revealed, “UFC Fight Night is being staged at RAC Arena, but the venue is only about half full, and tickets are now being discounted.” He further added, “The response to UFC’s return visit to Perth this year has been disappointing, not the sellout of previous years.”

The disparity between historical and current events will surely be surprising for the UFC boss. Where fans used to scramble for limited tickets that vanished quickly, this year’s event has experienced sluggish attendance. In response, sales platforms have begun to bundle tickets with travel and dining credits, suggesting that demand has really weakened.

Taken together, these factors point to a significant shift in the UFC’s fortunes in Perth. What was once a surefire sell-out city has become a difficult market, raising questions about whether the promotion underestimated fan demand or pushed costs over what locals were ready to pay.

Ticket prices and revenue paint a really bleak picture

One of the most significant factors reducing demand appears to be the cost of entry. Standard tickets started at more than AUD 200, while premium packages went past AUD 1,000, possibly shutting out many fans. Compared to prior years when tickets sold out quickly, the increased pricing tactic by Dana White and company seems to have failed.

The financial ramifications are evident. With attendance limited to around half capacity, reasonable estimates project ticket sales between AUD 2.25 and 3 million (roughly USD 1.48 million to USD 1.98 million), only half of what UFC 284 generated in 2023. Even with discounts and bundled incentives, the disparity compared to previous years is staggering.

For the UFC and its CEO, the contrast is shocking. In just two years, Perth has gone from attracting record-breaking crowds and revenue to suffering with half-empty stands. If this trend continues, it could force the company to reconsider its pricing, marketing, and scheduling strategies in one of its most promising international markets.