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The viewer number of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has skyrocketed in recent years. While it’s impossible to count every single person that tunes into these events, there are published pay-per-view (PPV) figures that show us exactly what we need to know.
Throughout its years of operation so far, there have been many huge events that have drawn in even bigger viewer numbers. Nowadays, the amount of PPV UFC purchases is similar to those in other popular sports such as boxing.
With top-billed UFC fighters used as a successful promotional tool, making fight predictions using UFC betting odds is also easier than ever before. Let’s take a closer look at the 5 most watched UFC fights in the history of the promotion.
From the build-up to the execution of this fight, it’s safe to say that this is the ultimate UFC event. Fans eagerly awaited the biggest fight in UFC history featuring McGregor at the height of his popularity and the immovable Khabib.
The excitement for the event was further emphasized by the events that occurred just before the fight. By this, we’re talking about the long-standing feud between the two fighters even before this 2018 match inside of the Octagon.
This specific event at UFC 229 was bought by approximately 2.3 million people who were lucky enough to bore witness to one of the most spectacular and unpredictable fights in UFC history.
In round four, underdog Khabib shook the foundations of the promotion by winning via submission. The Octagon quickly exploded at the Irishman’s loss and a fight was started within the pair’s entourage!
Poirier won this trilogy clash which saw the second-highest number of PPV purchases in UFC history. Approximately 1.8 million fans everywhere eagerly tuned in as these two prepared to face off yet again.
However, it wasn’t meant to be. McGregor suffered a devastating broken leg injury which ended the fight far earlier than anticipated. Only moments later, McGregor was already brainstorming how to set up a fourth match for the two.
As a result of McGregor’s insistence on a future rematch, Poirier expressed his admiration of ‘The Notorious’ and his ability to promote.
McGregor butted heads with Nate Diaz in what turned out to be an insanely bloody contest that truly went the distance. UFC 202 was what truly put McGregor on the map in general.
While Diaz emerged victorious in their first match, this rematch at UFC 202 in 2016 would go on to sell 1.6 million times — showing just how hyped fans around the globe were to watch the pair battle it out yet again.
The rounds saw both fighters land numerous powerful blows, knockdowns, and impressive combinations. Diaz previously won by submission so McGregor did right by attempting to remain on his feet as often as possible, and by dragging the fight out throughout all five rounds.
McGregor dominated in the first two rounds and managed to knock Diaz to the floor three times by the end. Once the bell sounded at the end of round five, McGregor managed to win via a majority decision.
Yet another rematch, UFC 257 deserves a high-priority mention in this list. This rematch between Conor McGregor and his old rival Dustin Poirier was bought a total of 1.5 million times according to PPV data.
McGregor had previously knocked Poirier out of the first round of their match in 2014, so 2021’s UFC 257 saw a great opportunity for Poirier to get his revenge. The UFC built this show up to be one of the promotion’s largest fights in history, especially as it was one of the first fights to feature a live crowd after the global pandemic.
Millions of people tuned in to watch as Poirier knocked McGregor out in the second round. Though this fight showcased the Irishman’s star quality, it highlighted Poirier’s status as a well-rounded fighter.
With Donald Cerrone making his way up the ranks, he would go on to face champion McGregor at UFC 246. This was the fight that made McGregor come out of retirement.
Around 1.3 million people paid to see these two welterweights fight. Though the fight was short it was very impressive for both fighters. McGregor responded to a head kick from Cerrone by delivering one of his own — with just as much force and power as his opponent.
As Cerrone stumbled backward in a daze, McGregor was able to unleash a variety of punches that ended the fight by TKO only 40 seconds after the sound of the first bell. As far as UFC fighting moments go, this viral sensation went on to be watched millions of times afterward.
These are 5 of the most watched and most explosive fights in UFC history. While this list features a solid roster of talent, it’s pretty clear that McGregor’s name continues to dominate as a promotional tactic.
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