UFC Fight Nights and UFC PPVs differ in terms of viewership and revenue generation. While UFC Fight Nights are typically broadcast on cable television, UFC PPVs are available through pay-per-view platforms. This distinction affects the number of viewers and the financial compensation for fighters.
Fighters participating in UFC PPVs generally receive higher pay compared to those in UFC Fight Nights. This is because PPV events generate more revenue through pay-per-view purchases and ticket sales. As a result, the UFC is able to allocate a larger portion of the revenue towards fighter salaries.
On the other hand, UFC Fight Nights are often used as a platform to showcase up-and-coming fighters or those who are not yet established as pay-per-view draws. Consequently, the compensation for fighters in these events tends to be lower. However, it is worth noting that UFC Fight Nights still offer valuable exposure and opportunities for fighters to gain recognition and progress in their careers.
For example the upcoming UFC Fight Night Alexa Grasso vs. Valentino Shevchenko.
Why is Valentino Shevchenko fighting on a UFC Fight Night Card and not on a PPV? After she was the best Women MMA fighter in the UFC after Amanda Nunes Retirement and her long reign as Flyweight Champion before her recent loss to Alexa Grasso in a fight she was winning?
Valentino Shevchenko is fighting on a UFC Fight Night Card instead of a PPV for a few reasons. Firstly, despite being considered one of the best Women MMA fighters in the UFC, her recent loss to Alexa Grasso has affected her standing in the division. Secondly, the UFC likely wants to build up her momentum again before placing her on a high-profile PPV event. Lastly, the promotion strategically schedules fighters on different cards to maximize viewership and maintain a consistent flow of events throughout the year.
I personally feel that she probably should deserve a PPV event but there are some positives to the fight being on ESPN+ without needing to pay the extra money for a PPV. This could lead to Shevchenko or the other fighters being seen by more viewers that see the worth and value of having skilled fighters like her on the UFC roster as well as the skill and growth of Women’s MMA. For example from Roundy Rousey’s Reign over the Womens UFC to the present. Which could lead to more interest in the Womens divisions now that Amanda Nunes has retired. I just hope that the fighters still get compensated for their hard work and that in the end it becomes a positive for the sport and Womens MMA in general going forward. Especially with the talks of the PFL, and Bellator, possibly being partially bought and merging in the future. Which could lead to there being a bigger Fighter Organization that could possible compete with the UFC in the future. Either way I am looking forward to this Fight Night; especially after Israel Adesanya’s shocking defeat last week to Sean Strickland. There has been a lot of crazy upsets and fights lately this year but it just shows how crazy the sport is and do not ever really know what could happen next.
The MMA Historian 