As the UFC gears up for an exciting year ahead with a new broadcast agreement on the horizon, the organization is looking to expand its reach beyond the UFC APEX for future events.
During a recent financial call with investors, TKO Group Holdings CFO Andrew Schleimer outlined the UFC’s plans to hold more international events in 2025, noting that while these events may bring in more revenue, they also have lower profit margins compared to APEX events due to cost control measures.
Schleimer stated, “In 2025, we anticipate fewer events at APEX in Las Vegas, with a higher number of international events compared to 2024. While these events are expected to boost revenue, they come with lower profit margins than APEX events.”
The UFC first began hosting events at the APEX during the pandemic as a safer alternative to traditional venues. Even post-pandemic, the UFC continued to utilize the APEX due to its cost-effectiveness and state-of-the-art production capabilities.
Schleimer also mentioned that three UFC APEX events will be relocated to international locations in 2025, although specific details were not provided.
The UFC has already started branching out to international markets, recently holding events in Saudi Arabia with plans for more in the future.
In addition to UFC Fight Night events, the promotion announced a return to Montreal with UFC 315 scheduled for May, marking a comeback to the Canadian city after several years.
While the full schedule for UFC events in 2025 has yet to be revealed, negotiations for a new broadcast rights deal in 2026 could lead to an increase in the total number of events in the coming years.