UFC’s notorious ticket prices continue to make headlines. Putting all controversies aside, Dana White & Co. are gearing up for this year’s blockbuster, UFC 322, headlined by the welterweight title clash between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev. The multibillion-dollar promotion is making its annual trip to New York City, returning to the iconic Madison Square Garden.

Since hosting Conor McGregor vs. Eddie Alvarez in November 2016, Madison Square Garden has held seven major UFC events each year in November (except in 2020 due to COVID). As UFC 322 gets ready to welcome fans in 2025 with 12 high-profile fights, the co-main event will see a women’s flyweight showdown between Valentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili, running alongside the headliner. Ticket prices have soared, with the lowest-row sections starting around $600 on Ticketmaster, while premium seats in Section 2F, Row 1, go for $22,836.

On Instagram, MMA-focused page Red Corner MMA highlighted the eye-popping ticket prices, noting, “If each ticket in Section 2F at Madison Square Garden was priced around $23,788 (via Ticketmaster), that section alone could generate between $5.2 million and $7.1 million in sales. We can’t confirm every seat costs that much, but if it did, it’d make 2F one of the most expensive sections in combat sports history.”

Unsurprisingly, the ticket prices are extortionate, and fans are feeling the financial strain. This year’s UFC event at Madison Square Garden has already outpaced last year’s UFC 309, which featured the heavyweight title clash between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic. Back then, tickets ranged from $469 to $11,419, generating an impressive $16,673,954, ranking as the fourth highest live gate in UFC history. Naturally, this has left many UFC fans frustrated and unhappy.

Fans cry “daylight robbery” over soaring UFC 322 ticket prices

Ticket prices for UFC at Madison Square Garden are usually high due to the venue itself. The surge isn’t just because of the headliner, after all, Madison Square Garden holds 19,500 fans, which adds even more pressure on ticket costs. But $22,836? I mean, does that sound like something the average fight fan can afford? It’s a huge sum, but for a hardcore UFC fan, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially with Islam Makhachev fighting for his second belt. As one fan put it, “Islam’s worth it.”

Some fans also offer a different perspective on true dedication despite the eye-popping prices. “Insane amount… the hard-core fans will never see cageside,” hinting that devoted fans might have to settle for cheaper tickets, watch back-to-back PPVs at home. One fan wrote, referring to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s infamous line, “Russian link Brada.” Meanwhile, UFC’s PPV costs $79.99, and the promotion has been battling piracy for years. With prices like these, the promotion risks pricing out fans, who in turn might turn to piracy again.

While they’ve seen limited success in the U.S., tackling it internationally has proven much more difficult. Earlier this year, the UFC shifted away from the traditional PPV model in favor of an OTT platform with Paramount+, as its partnership with ESPN is set to end by the close of the year. Starting January 2026, fans will be able to access UFC events for just $12.99 per month. Still, the conversation around UFC 322 ticket prices hasn’t died down. One fan slammed the cost, commenting, “Daylight robbery. Billionaires row.”

Another joked about wanting to join the fight for that price: “For this price I want to be in the octagon throwing hands too.” Not all fans object to the 2F section prices, which come with VIP perks beyond premium seating. In‑venue hospitality includes a dedicated VIP entrance and check-in, athlete appearances, meet-and-greets, and photo opportunities. From weigh-ins to the post-fight Octagon experience, premium ticket holders get to see it all, though affording it likely requires a multimillion-dollar income. As one fan noted, “I mean if you make a few millions a year why not.”

Even with ticket prices soaring, UFC 322 continues to sell strongly. What’s your take on the $22,836 ticket? Do you think it lives up to all the hype surrounding the fight card? Share your thoughts below.