TMZSports.com
Dana White and the UFC is hosting one of its most ambitious events at the Sphere on Saturday — and that’s saying a lot for a guy who built an entire “Fight Island” — an event that the UFC’s boss tells us wouldn’t happen without Tom Brady!
White joined Babcock on TMZ Sports TV Show (airs nightly on FS1) this week… where he revealed that TB12 was the inspiration behind the first Sphere esports event.
“I went to the Sphere with Tom Brady. He invited me to go to U2 with him. If Brady hadn’t invited me, I wouldn’t have even gone to the Sphere yet. It’s almost like this was meant to be,” said the UFC CEO about the mega-event.
FYI, the Sphere is a state-of-the-art venue in Las Vegas that offers an incredibly unique and immersive viewing experience unlike anything the world has ever seen.
In fact, White says his fight promotion is under contract with MGM, and if not for a dispute, UFC 306 would almost certainly have taken place at the T-Mobile Arena — which is partly owned by the casino giant.
“No matter how it happens, this was meant to be. It’s a one-time, one-time thing. I’m under contract with (MGM) and I’ll be back with (them) after this event.”
If you haven’t heard about Saturday’s UFC 306 card, also known as Noche UFC — which takes place on Mexican Independence Day weekend — it takes place on September 14 in Sin City… and features two title fights, including a showdown between “Suga” Sean O’Malley against Merab Dvalishvili.
Dana says the ultimate goal was to celebrate Mexican heritage…and what the people brought to the world of wrestling.
“I call this my love letter to the Mexican people on Mexican Independence Day. We’re going to talk about their traditions, their culture, their history and their contributions to combat sports,” White told us.
Doing all this wasn’t cheap… but Dana says it looks like the promotion will make for a historic night.
“I’m $20 million into this thing, but pre-orders, we had the biggest pre-orders in UFC history for any event we’ve ever done. And the gate looks like it’s going to be $23 million, which is the biggest gate we’ve ever done.”
Check out the full interview with Dana… he tells us what viewers at home can expect from the event and also previews some of the fights he’s most excited about.
And remember, if you like it, you can thank the GOAT!