The return of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to Ireland has become a point of discussion among fans and executives alike. Despite the fervent support of Irish mixed martial arts (MMA) enthusiasts, UFC executive Dave Shaw recently highlighted notable obstacles preventing an immediate return. The last time the UFC graced Irish soil was back in July 2014, with the electrifying knockout of Diego Brandao by Conor McGregor at UFC Fight Night 46. This event attracted a crowd of 9,500 attendees at Dublin’s 3Arena, which has a maximum capacity of 13,000. Although these figures indicate a healthy interest in the sport within the country, the current limitations of this venue could hinder future events.
According to Shaw, while the 3Arena is regarded as a great venue, its capacity poses a significant limitation for hosting the larger scale events the UFC typically puts on. He stated, “It’s a small venue. It doesn’t have the space that we need necessarily.” In the world of professional fighting, the ability to accommodate a large audience is crucial for both the financial viability of the event and the electrifying atmosphere that is vital for MMA. For an organization known for its high-octane experiences, a smaller venue may not yield the excitement and revenue that UFC expects from a location such as Dublin. Though Shaw expressed optimism that organizing an event there “isn’t an insurmountable challenge,” the realities of venue constraints cannot be ignored.
Despite these challenges in Ireland, Shaw confirmed that the UFC is eyeing a return to the United Kingdom, with plans to hold an event there in 2025. Shaw suggested that London is a more likely location for the next UK event, given its much larger arenas and capacity to host the audience required for a UFC show. The organizational strategy reflects an evolving approach, allowing the UFC to reassess its international footprint as it enters the last year of its current media rights deal in the U.S. This transitional phase could lead to expanded opportunities in Europe, including revisiting Ireland later down the line.
The prospects of the UFC returning to Europe appear promising, with Shaw indicating intentions to bolster international events moving beyond 2025. As the organization seeks to rejuvenate its global presence, fans in Ireland can remain hopeful that Dublin will eventually become a viable location for UFC’s spectacular shows once again. The landscape of MMA continues to evolve, and while there may be hurdles currently, the strong MMA community in Ireland and the passionate fan base may leverage their influence to improve the staging capabilities in the future.
While the immediate reality indicates that the UFC’s return to Ireland is complicated, the future remains bright. As the organization aims to expand its reach and revitalize its brand internationally, the Irish audience could see a return worth waiting for.