The main reason is that it will be the first live MMA event to be shown for free on ABC in the United States.
Founded in 1948, the channel is available to around 98% of the US, which equates to a potential reach of over 300 million people. The UFC’s highest viewing figures on Fox was 5.7 million for Velasquez vs Dos Santos in 2011.
The sport is obviously still far bigger in the US when it comes to viewers, so the potentially astronomical numbers this weekend will have a significant effect on the worldwide viewership statistics.
The ratings should also be boosted over here too, with the Fight Island time difference seeing the main card beginning at 8 pm on BT Sport.
It will also be the first event to have fans back since the pandemic hit.
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