
TKO Chief Mark Shapiro dismisses complaints about recent UFC events, citing plans for major shows later this year. A $1.5 million ticket for a White House event in June has also been announced.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Mark Shapiro, the president of TKO, was recently asked why thereâs been so much negative feedback about recent UFC events and what the company plans to do about it.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that a $1.5 million ticket would be available for the White House event in June.
With some big-name fighters recently seen with Donald Trump, the promotion is gearing up for some major shows later this year.
But there have been growing complaints from fans about the overall drop in quality across cards. Despite that, TKO doesnât appear to be concerned.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
TKO president Mark Shapiro addressed recent questions about the weaker UFC events, explaining why he thinks this narrative has emerged and what steps are being taken in response.
Shapiro pushed back against the negative talk, saying that anyone who attended UFC 327 wouldâve been âflat out blown away,â while also praising the energy around last weekendâs card in Perth.
Both events did have their moments, but not every card has delivered in the same way. And with ticket prices hitting record highs, fans havenât hesitated to voice their frustrations more loudly.
âLook, bottom line is we donât buy it,â Shapiro responded. âLetâs just start with this premise. The product is great at the UFC, the brand has never been stronger, our reach has never been greater, so the foundational elements of UFC are in concrete.â
He went on to say that sports naturally go through cycles and compared the current situation to past shifts in other major leagues.
âIâd remind you finally that with any sport, thereâs just natural ebbs and flows,â he said. âItâs all very cyclical.â
Read more:
Mark Shapiro dismissed the complaints, indicating that the company is focused on upcoming major shows.
The $1.5 million ticket reflects the high-profile nature of the event and the involvement of big-name fighters.
TKO plans to enhance its offerings with major shows later this year, despite the negative feedback.

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