Dana White Reaffirms UFC Stadium Show Opposition Despite WrestleMania 41 Success

Despite attending WWE's WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium and witnessing its large-scale success, UFC President Dana White remains steadfast in his refusal to host UFC events in stadiums, insisting that the energy and atmosphere found in arenas are superior for MMA. White emphasized that, while stadiums like WrestleMania’s can generate significant energy with crowds exceeding 60,000, he prefers the more intense ambiance of arenas and stated, 'nothing will change my mind about a stadium show.' This stance persists even as prominent UFC fighters such as Conor McGregor and Ilia Topuria express interest in stadium events for their returns or homecomings, citing a desire for grander stages. UFC has held stadium events in the past, like UFC 243 in 2019, but these remain rare exceptions, and White shows no indication of altering his approach despite mounting pressure. The UFC has continued to thrive using its arena-focused format, and White has suggested that only a truly exceptional opportunity might prompt reconsideration. The debate highlights a divide between fighters desiring larger venues and leadership prioritizing a specific fan experience.