5 biggest crowds in UFC history

The UFC is a spectacle. In the past, the sporting element of mixed martial arts was prioritized by the promotion in its search for legitimacy. But as MMA superstars like Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey launched the UFC into the light of mainstream attention, things changed.

Not only did the sport grow, with more MMA hopefuls than ever before, but the UFC became one of the most successful combat sports promotions of all time. The level of fanfare it generated led to record-breaking crowds as fans grew more eager to watch their favorite fighters compete right before their eyes.

The thundering roar of spectators rising to their feet due to a fighter suffering a devastating knockout has become synonymous with a well-received event. But some crowds are larger than others. With UFC 284 having come to a close, Australian fans endeared themselves to the MMA world as a crowd.

But how do the spectators at UFC 284 stack up alongside the biggest crowds in the promotion's history?

#5. UFC on Fox 14: 30,000 in attendance

Back in 2013, a new star arose in the promotion's light heavyweight division. Alexander Gustafsson, a Swede, faced Jon Jones in a back-and-forth fight that was so wildly entertaining that it was inducted into the fight wing of the Hall of Fame years later.

At Tele2 Arena for UFC on FOX 14 media day. This venue is massive. Saturday's going to be something special. http://t.co/l7U00gom77

While 'The Mauler' was unsuccessful in dethroning 'Bones', he earned the respect of the MMA world for bringing Jon Jones closer to the brink of defeat than anyone ever has. So after he bounced back with a TKO win against Jimi Manuwa, 'The Mauler' earned a title eliminator against the late great Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson.

Their bout took place in 2015 in Gustafsson's hometown of Stockholm, Sweden. Up to 30,000 fans turned up to watch their local hero climb his way back into title contention. Alas, there was no fairytale moment in front of his hometown crowd. Instead, 'The Mauler' suffered a brutal first-round TKO to 'Rumble'.

#4. UFC 198: 45,207 in attendance

Fabrício Werdum was born in Porto Alegre, not Curitiba. But that didn't matter to the capital of Brazil's Paraná state. He was Brazilian and UFC 198 took place on home soil. In 2016, Anderson Silva was no longer a titleholder in the promotion after suffering two shocking defeats against Chris Weidman three years prior.

How can you not talk about #UFC198 around the office this AM? Here's some #TalkingPoints ➡️ bit.ly/1Ow7EZX https://t.co/fMm6feLGMg

Thus, 'Vai Cavalo' was Brazil's only champion in Dana White's promotion at the time. This led to massive fanfare. As he rode the wave of praise he earned for defeating Cain Velasquez for the heavyweight title, he was scheduled to defend his new crown in front of his fellow countrymen. His opponent was Stipe Miocic.

Werdum was favored to win by the 45,207 spectators who longed for another Brazilian at the helm of the promotion. Unfortunately, once the bout started, 'Vai Cavalo' lunged after his foe. Miocic retreated and Werdum ran face-first into a punch that KO'd him stiff.

#3. UFC 129: 55,724 in attendance

If Georges St-Pierre has critics who question how much star power he commanded during his run as the promotion's welterweight champion, all fans need to do is reference UFC 129. Back in 2011, the Canadian legend was on top of the MMA world as one of its greatest stars.

Toronto hosted UFC 129 at the Rogers Centre in April of 2011

A sold out event that had over 55,000 fans in attendance

The city is hungry https://t.co/g7EsvCT47L

While other events were held in Canada, the province of Ontario only legalized MMA as a legitimate sport a year prior. The event, therefore, was its first-ever MMA PPV and the first time that the Ontarians had the chance to watch their national hero 'GSP' fight in their hometown.

So after the PPV was announced, with 'Rush' headlining against Jake Shields, ticket sales soared. The two men were on lengthy win streaks at the time and fan interest in their bout led to a new gate revenue record as 55,724 spectators watched 'GSP' soundly defeat an opponent who hadn't lost in over six years.

#2. UFC 193: 56,214 in attendance

At one point in time, UFC 193 held the record for the largest crowd in the promotion's history. There was a good reason for this. It was headlined by Ronda Rousey. Back in 2015, 'Rowdy' was a crossover star who appealed to everyone from MMA fans to mothers and young girls.

UFC 193 took place two years ago today.

With over 56,000 fans in attendance at the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia, it was the most attended event in UFC history. https://t.co/qcbGsdW9SC

She was an undefeated force who finished every single one of her foes with supreme ease, capturing the imagination of fans in a manner similar to Mike Tyson's sensational rise in boxing in the late 80s. In 2015, Australian fans of 'Rowdy' had the chance to watch her as she faced Holly Holm.

56,214 fans made the journey to the Marvel Stadium in Melbourne to watch what everyone expected to be an easy and effortless win for Rousey. Instead, Australian fans witnessed one of the greatest upsets in the promotion's history as Holm dominated 'Rowdy' en route to KO'ing her in the second round.

#1. UFC 243: 57,127 in attendance

Australia waited a long time to have one of its very own as a champion. So after Robert Whittaker was promoted to the undisputed middleweight champion after capturing interim gold against Yoel Romero, fans from Down Under rejoiced. Thus commenced dreams of 'The Reaper' defending his title on home soil.

Israel Adesanya won the UFC Middleweight title from Robert Whittaker at UFC 243 on October 5, 2019. With 57,127 fans to witness the moment, UFC 243 remains the event with highest live attendance in UFC history.
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#ufc243 #ufc #israeladesanya #robertwhittaker https://t.co/tlBBxxjKNP

His chance came at UFC 243 when he faced New Zealander-Nigerian Israel Adesanya. The record for the largest crowd attendance was owned by the spectators of the event. But in 2019, that record was shattered after 'The Reaper' and 'The Last Stylebender' locked horns at Marvel Stadium.

Despite Whittaker's best efforts, the bout wasn't entirely competitive. Adesanya dropped him right as the first round came to a close and then ultimately finished him in the second round with a crisp counter-KO in front of 57,127 fans.