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The basics:

• UFC 316 generates $27M in total economic impact for Newark
• Event drew 17,300 fans, produced $6.5 million gate
• Visitor spending topped $13 million, supporting 179 local jobs
• UFC returns to Newark for UFC 328, continuing annual run

As UFC prepares to return to Newark this weekend for UFC 328, newly released figures show last year’s sold-out UFC 316 event delivered a $27 million economic jolt to the region.

Applied Analysis conducted the study. It found that UFC 316, held at Prudential Center June 7, 2025, generated millions in total economic impact – driven by strong visitor spending, job creation and global exposure.

The event drew more than 17,300 fans for a sellout crowd and produced a $6.5 million gate. The totals reinforce Newark’s position as a reliable stop for major UFC cards. Direct spending tied to the event reached $15.1 million, including more than $13 million from visitors, while the broader ripple effects pushed total activity to $27 million.

The report also highlighted the event’s draw as a destination, with about 80% of attendees traveling specifically for UFC 316 and 71% coming from outside New Jersey. Visitors spent an average of $1,048 during their stay – nearly double that of a typical trip – supporting 179 local jobs and generating $11 million in wages.

The event also produced $1.1 million in state and local tax revenue and delivered massive visibility for the region, with 63.5 billion media impressions valued at $655.7 million.

Impact outside the ring

UFC Chief Operating Officer Lawrence Epstein said these results reinforce the powerful role UFC plays as an economic driver for host cities.

“From record-breaking attendance to millions in direct visitor spending, this event delivered meaningful impact for local businesses, supported jobs, and brought global visibility to the Newark metropolitan area,” said Epstein. “We’re grateful to our partners and fans who have made UFC such a great success in the Garden State.”

UFC noted the support of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (which owns and operates the Prudential Center), and the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority in making the event possible.

“Newark has established itself as a premier venue city for UFC worldwide events and we are ready to welcome the world to this year’s championship contest,” said Baraka. “It’s our honor to be able to offer fight fans the full array of Newark’s diverse culture through our cuisine, entertainment and nightlife, shopping and hospitality – and we are privileged to serve as a world class destination for everyone who travels here.

“We thank UFC for the enormous talent in its rosters, in the ring, and out.”

Raising the bar

UFC’s May 9 return marks its fourth consecutive year in Newark, headlined by a middleweight championship bout between reigning champion Khamzat Chimaev and former titleholder Sean Strickland. The card also features a co-main event with flyweight champion Joshua Van defending his title against Tatsuro Taira, along with additional bouts including Alexander Volkov vs. Waldo Cortes Acosta and Sean Brady vs. Joaquin Buckley.

Jake Reynolds, president of Prudential Center and the New Jersey Devils, said each UFC event continues to raise the bar for live events — delivering unforgettable moments, generating positive economic impact for the area, and attracting passionate fans worldwide.

“Prudential Center is proud to welcome UFC back to Newark for another Premium Numbered Event which will be broadcast across the globe on Saturday, May 9,” said Reynolds. “We look forward to building on New Jersey’s combat sports tradition by hosting another electrifying night here in Newark for UFC 328.”