The UFC attempted a victory lap of sorts after the latest event at the Apex delivered plenty of highlights, but it would seem the fighters themselves are still less than thrilled by the prospect of competing inside the low-capacity venue.
The Apex in Las Vegas emerged as a savior during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the building designed as a temporary solution to combat travel restrictions. To the frustration of many fans and pundits, the venue is still being utilized for UFC Fight Nights four years on from the promotion’s return to arenas.
The UFC and its higher-ups took pride in frequently reminding fans that they were the first sporting organization to resume action after the virus’ outbreak, but they’ve been widely criticized for being the last to return to pre-lockdown conditions.
And recent comments from UFC executives made it clear that the Apex is not going anywhere, with the promotion favoring the financial benefits that derive from avoiding a full calendar on the road.
The debate surrounding the Apex recently reared its head again during the broadcast of UFC Vegas 104. After a card branded lackluster on paper delivered a high number of finishes, the UFC’s social media team took the opportunity to mock critics of the Apex.
During an appearance on Monday’s episode of The Ariel Helwani Show on Uncrowned, however, middleweight prospect Bo Nickal backed up what many have been saying regarding the Apex experience.
“I fought twice in the Apex and I would say that the virality of the moment is like a fraction of what it would be with the crowd,” Nickal said. “I think of some big fights in the Apex, Francis-Stipe, Poirier-Hooker…imagine those fights with the crowd.
“It doesn’t even feel close to the real arena and a real crowd,” Nickal continued. “It feels like you’re just going out there to spar. I think that it affects the competition.”
The UFC’s next Apex card takes place on April 5, when entertaining featherweights Josh Emmett and Lerone Murphy will do battle in a bout many wish was taking place in front of a full crowd.
Before that, the promotion is scheduled for returns to England and Mexico. The UFC has visited just two new countries since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, staging cards in Saudi Arabia and France.
