“Never been more expensive” – Ariel Helwani hits out at UFC following PPV price hike

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Ariel Helwani hit out at the UFC following the recent hike in the price of standalone PPV events

The UFC recently increased its cost for standalone pay-per-view events for the third time in a short period. The increases have been rampant especially after the Endeavor UFC acquisition.

Standalone PPV events that had been costing $69.99 are set to cost $5 more – $74.99. Only a year ago, ahead of UFC 257: Poirier vs McGregor 2, the prices had gone up to $64.99 from $59.99.

The recent move to increase the cost was met with widespread resentment from the MMA community. Many pointed out to the fighter pay issues still lingering despite the hike in PPV costs.

Ariel Helwani
Ariel Helwani now works for MMA Fighting and BT Sport

Famed MMA journalist, Ariel Helwani was the embodiment of every MMA fan following the announcement. Taking to Twitter, he hit out the promotion for still not putting an end to the fighter pay dispute.

Helwani tweeted:

“It’s never been more expensive to be an MMA fan. The UFC has never been more profitable. Everything is doing great. Sponsorships, gate, buys, ratings. Best year ever! So is it wrong to wonder why the fighter’s cut/pay isn’t increasing, as well? Of course not.”

UFC 270 – First PPV to kick off 2022

UFC 270 will be the first PPV event to kick of 2022. It is said to take place on the 22nd of January, 2022 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

A fierce heavyweight contest between the champion Francis Ngannou and the interim champ Ciryl Gane will be headlining the event.

Ciryl Gane and Francis Ngannou
Ciryl Gane and Francis Ngannou

The co-main event features yet another title fight. A trilogy fight (flyweight) between Brandon Moreno and Deiveson Figueiredo.

But, before that, UFC Fight Night 200: Kattar vs Chikadze kicks off the calendar year.

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