By Cassandra Cousineau of LVSportsBiz.com
They shared Saturday night on the Strip in separate arenas a mere half-mile apart.
UFC at T-Mobile Arena and WWE at MGM Grand Garden Arena packed their venues with fans hungry for fights and the drama that comes with them.
On the west side of the Strip, UFC reported a gate of $10,409,553.70 at T-Mobile Arena with a sold out attendance of 19,649. It’s UFC’s 18th consecutive sellout and seventh highest grossing event in UFC history.
Over at the Grand Garden, WWE’s “Money in the Bank” had nearly a sold-out venue. Live gate numbers were not available Saturday night.
The WWE did more than just hawk tickets in Las Vegas this week.
The Stamford, Connecticut-based company introduced its superstars to Las Vegas at several community locations around metro Las Vegas. From appearing at the 3 Square food bank in North Las Vegas to the Donald W. Reynolds Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada, WWE’s ring stars saw action this week.
The WWE moved its original venue selection from Allegiant Stadium to MGM Grand Garden Arena.
In doing so, the WWE went head-to-head with UFC’s 10th anniversary of International Fight Week.
While UFC used the reach of ESPN and its streaming platforms, WWE took a more grassroots marketing approach. Flanked by women’s champion Bianca BelAir, former Intercontinental Champion Drew McIntyre, Global Ambassador Titus O’Niel, super star Montez Ford, and legend Jimmy “Mouth of the South” Hart”, WWE criss-crossed the city throughout the week.
Even with one of its most recognizable stars, Ronda Rousey, conspicuously absent from the pre-fight promotion, Money in the Bank drew a nice crowd.
Over at UFC and T-Mobile Arena: