Report: UFC to adjust ticket prices for debut show in Russia

Ahead of their debut event the Russian Federation, the UFC has reportedly optimized the event by offering tickets at greatly reduced prices.

According to tass.ru, the UFC will offer tickets for the UFC: Moscow show that range between 1,500 rubles (approx. $24 USD) and 32,000 rubles (approx. $513 USD). The state-run media organization spoke to the UFC’s Senior Vice President of International and Content, David Shaw, who confirmed that “if a person wants to be closer to the octagon, he can do it for quite an adequate price, less than those that are in our other events.”

In 2015, the Russian economy plunged into its worst recession in over 20 years. The country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) shrank by 3.7% and real disposable income collapsed by 10%. A severe drop in oil prices coupled with stunning currency depreciation took its toll on Russia, causing the number of Russians living in poverty to increase by 3.1 million to 19.2 million in 2015. Soaring inflation rates impacted average households and government revenue, and led to a period of declined foreign investment that continues to impact the country.

With less disposable income, the average Russian citizen is simply unable to spend as much on indulgences such as sports and entertainment. In fact, the recent economic downturn has resulted in a significant drop in ticket prices for MMA events in Russia. Ticket prices for a standard MMA event now begin at 500 rubles (approx. $8 USD), which is significantly less than the cost of cheap-seat tickets to UFC shows in North America.

”We can not say directly that we have lowered the price of tickets,” Shaw continued, “It’s just that there is a large part of the Russian population that would like to see the UFC, so we made sure that everyone who wants to attend the tournament, will be able to do it.”

By comparison, UFC 226, which takes place in Las Vegas, features ticket prices ranging from $70 to $1,725.00, while tickets for the UFC Fight Night: Singapore show begin at $48.

UFC: Moscow is scheduled to take place on September 15 at the Olimpiysky Stadium and is expected to feature a main event between heavyweights Alexey Oleinik and Mark Hunt.