Report: UFC 251 Bags 1.3 Million PPV Buys
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight veteran Jorge Masvidal told the combat sports media that he was a bankable star and bona fide pay-per-view (PPV) draw, which is why “Gamebred” couldn’t understand why the promotion was unwilling to pay him to fight for the 170-pound title.
Looks like Masvidal had the last laugh.
The overwhelming amount of support I have received before, during, and after this journey has been humbling. Still got a lot of goals to meet. All of you that tuned in to see me win, thank you. Those that tuned in to see me lose, thank you. https://t.co/4SCJzwHV10
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) July 13, 2020
UFC was forced to enlist the short-notice services of “Gamebred” for UFC 251 on July 11 in Abu Dhabi, thanks to a positive coronavirus test returned by Kamaru Usman’s original opponent and welterweight number one contender Gilbert Burns. A move that appears to have paid dividends for all parties involved.
UFC 251 bagged 1.3 million PPV buys, according to Mike Coppinger of The Athletic, the best since Khabib Nurmagomedov strangled Conor McGregor in the UFC 229 headliner back in late 2018, though it’s important to note that UFC 251 also featured the Alexander Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway championship rematch, as well as the Petr Yan vs. Jose Aldo title fight.
Three PPV main events for the price of one.
Masvidal was bested by Usman after five rounds of action but his new contract, as well as his impact on the promotion’s bottom line, is likely to keep “Gamebred” atop the matchmakers wishlist for the foreseeable future, assuming he doesn’t pull a Nate Diaz and disappear into a cloud of smoke.
For more UFC 251 results and fallout click here.
https://www.mmamania.com/2020/7/13/21323182/report-ufc-251-bags-1-3-million-ppv-buys-most-since-khabib-mcgregor-2018-mma
