Conor McGregor’s return to the UFC in Abu Dhabi on Sunday ranked as one of the all-time highest pay-per-view buys for the promotion, according to reports.
On Monday, Sports Business Journal reported that UFC 257, the final event on Fight Island Triple Header, clocked 1.6 million buys – 1.2m on ESPN+ in the United States and 400,000 internationally – making it the third most successful in UFC history. Since the world's lead mixed martial arts organisation is not a publicly traded company it does not disclose financials.
McGregor's rematch with Poirier topped the bill at Etihad Arena, with the American sealing a devastating second-round TKO win. The bout marked McGregor's comeback to the octagon for the first time in more than a year – it was also his UAE debut – further proof the Irishman remains the sport's biggest draw.
UFC 229 in 2018, which was headlined by Khabib Nurmagomedov’s victory against McGregor, remains the promotion’s record pay-per-view generator, at a reported 2.4m. Meanwhile, UFC 202 in 2016, featuring McGregor’s win against Nate Diaz, apparently racked up 1.65m buys.
Should the report on UFC 257 prove correct, McGregor is now understood to have been involved in five of the top six most-selling MMA cards of all time.
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies direct from Dubai to Rio de Janeiro from Dh7,000 return including taxes. Avianca fliles from Rio to Cusco via Lima from $399 (Dhxx) return including taxes.
The trip
From US$1,830 per deluxe cabin, twin share, for the one-night Spirit of the Water itinerary and US$4,630 per deluxe cabin for the Peruvian Highlands itinerary, inclusive of meals, and beverages. Surcharges apply for some excursions.
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Election pledges on migration
CDU: "Now is the time to control the German borders and enforce strict border rejections"
SPD: "Border closures and blanket rejections at internal borders contradict the spirit of a common area of freedom"
How to vote
Canadians living in the UAE can register to vote online and be added to the International Register of Electors.
They'll then be sent a special ballot voting kit by mail either to their address, the Consulate General of Canada to the UAE in Dubai or The Embassy of Canada in Abu Dhabi
Registered voters mark the ballot with their choice and must send it back by 6pm Eastern time on October 21 (2am next Friday)
Federer's 19 grand slam titles
Australian Open (5 titles) - 2004 bt Marat Safin; 2006 bt Marcos Baghdatis; 2007 bt Fernando Gonzalez; 2010 bt Andy Murray; 2017 bt Rafael Nadal
French Open (1 title) - 2009 bt Robin Soderling
Wimbledon (8 titles) - 2003 bt Mark Philippoussis; 2004 bt Andy Roddick; 2005 bt Andy Roddick; 2006 bt Rafael Nadal; 2007 bt Rafael Nadal; 2009 bt Andy Roddick; 2012 bt Andy Murray; 2017 bt Marin Cilic
US Open (5 titles) - 2004 bt Lleyton Hewitt; 2005 bt Andre Agassi; 2006 bt Andy Roddick; 2007 bt Novak Djokovic; 2008 bt Andy Murray
MATCH INFO
Inter Milan 2 (Vecino 65', Barella 83')
Verona 1 (Verre 19' pen)
