UK mixed martial arts fans were left gobsmacked after learning of the start time for UFC 304.
MMA‘s premier promotion officially announced its eagerly-anticipated return to the United Kingdom on Wednesday afternoon.
UFCThe UFC will return to the United Kingdom on July 27[/caption]
GETTYUFC 304 will take place at the brand-spanking-new CO-OP Live Arena in Manchester[/caption]
PAIt’ll be a late one for fans because as with UFC 204, the card will start at 11pm[/caption]
The UFC will touch down in Manchester on July 27 for their UK second pay-per-view in as many years.
UFC 304 will take place at the brand-spanking new CO-OP Live Arena, which can hold a whopping 23,500 fans.
Fans in attendance and those watching at home, however, will be in for an incredibly late night.
That’s because the first fight of the card – which is expected to be chockablock with British talent – will get underway at 11PM.
And the main card will start at an eye-drooping 3AM, much to the disappointment of many UK fight fans.
One wrote on X: “Absolutely no point bringing the UFC back to the UK if the prelims start at 11pm & the main card at 3am.
“May as well keep 304 in Vegas.”
Another said: “UFC 304, live in Manchester. 3am main card start.
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“Best have both English champions on the card. Imagine it will also be PPV on TNT.”
And another said: “A 3 am main card in England is f***ing ridiculous. What’s the point?”
One remarked: “A main card beginning at 3am, to suit the US, is beyond a slap in the face, it’s more like a kick to the balls.”
Another chimed in: “This is the most disrespectful move the UFC has ever done.
“You put both UK champs on the card and make the UK fans the ones who have to stay up all night.”
Another disappointed Brit said: “UFC 304 for the UK fans is pointless; may as well have been in Vegas or anywhere in the US.”
Fan criticism aside, UFC president and CEO Dana White is relishing the promotion’s return to the UK.
“I’m so excited to get back to Manchester,” said the veteran promoter. “And no better time than this summer.
“We have two champions from the UK and fans have been dying for a UFC PPV event.
“So here we come to the largest indoor arena in the UK. See you soon, England!”
GettyLeon Edwards is expected to top the UFC 304 bill[/caption]
GETTYInterim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is also in line to be on the card[/caption]
The UFC have likely pushed back the event’s start time in order for their American audience to be able to purchase the pay-per-view.
That’s not surprising given the fact they’re a North America-based company and the majority of their pay-per-views come from that region.
The UFC had the same start times for their last visit to Manchester in October 2016.
That card – UFC 204 – was headlined by hometown hero Michael Bisping, who survived a knockdown to defend the middleweight title against Dan Henderson.
Bisping and Henderson’s epic main event – which had plenty of thrills and spills – got underway at 4:50am.
And Brit fight icon Bisping – the UK’s first UFC champ – had his hand raised at 5:30am before promptly being transported to the hospital.
SunSport has reached out to the UFC for comment on the event’s start time.