UFC 306, held at The Sphere in Las Vegas, marked a historic $22 million gate, surpassing previous records and showcasing the venue's impressive technology. Dana White faced skepticism over the event's cost, but it ultimately drew significant attendance, including notable personalities. Despite the financial success, criticisms emerged regarding the fight card's quality, particularly the co-main event between Valentina Shevchenko and Alexa Grasso, which lacked excitement and failed to engage fans. UFC fighter Brendan Schaub highlighted that the event prioritized spectacle over the actual fights, calling them underwhelming. White acknowledged the mixed reception of the fights and even joked about the dull performances impacting fan interest. Additionally, a broadcast error mistakenly identified boxing champion Terence Crawford as rapper Kendrick Lamar, further drawing attention to the event's production flaws.