UFC’s Impact On Newark, New Jersey
UFC returns to the Prudential Center in Newark for the fourth straight year this Saturday, May 9th with UFC 328, which will be headlined by middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev (15-0) defending his title for the first time against former champion Sean Strickland (30-7).
Ahead of the event, a study by research firm Applied Analysis has put a number on what the promotion brings to the city. Last year’s UFC 316 in June — headlined by Merab Dvalishvili submitting Sean O’Malley to retain the bantamweight title, with Kayla Harrison claiming the women’s bantamweight crown over Julianna Peña in the co-main — generated $27 million in total economic output for Newark and the surrounding areas.
UFC 316 Newark Economic Impact
| Metric | Figure |
| Total Economic Output | $27.0 million |
| Gate | $6.5 million |
| Attendance | 17,300+ (sold out) |
| Direct Spending | $15.1 million |
| Salaries & Wages Supported | $11.0 million |
| Tax Revenue Generated | $1.1 million |
| Local Jobs Supported | 179 |
| Attendees from Outside New Jersey | 71% |
| Attendees Who Traveled Specifically for UFC 316 | 80% |
| Average Visitor Spend | $1,048 |
| Media Impressions | 63.54 billion |
| Total Media Value | $655.7 million |
Ahead of UFC 328 this weekend, the venue is expected to deliver again.
“These results reinforce the powerful role UFC plays as an economic driver for host cities. From record-breaking attendance to millions in direct visitor spending, this event delivered meaningful impact for local businesses, supported jobs, and brought global visibility to the Newark metropolitan area. We’re grateful to our partners and fans who have made UFC such a great success in the Garden State,” Lawrence Epstein (Chief Operating Officer UFC)
“Newark has established itself as a premier venue city for UFC worldwide events and we are ready to welcome the world to this year’s championship contest. It’s our honor to be able to offer fight fans the full array of Newark’s diverse culture through our cuisine, entertainment and nightlife, shopping and hospitality – and we are privileged to serve as a world class destination for everyone who travels here. We thank UFC for the enormous talent in its rosters, in the ring, and out,” Ras J. Baraka (Newark Mayor)
“Prudential Center is proud to welcome UFC back to Newark for another Premium Numbered Event which will be broadcast across the globe on Saturday, May 9. Each UFC event, including last year’s UFC 316, continues to raise the bar for live events, delivering unforgettable moments, generating positive economic impact for our area, and attracting passionate fans worldwide. We look forward to building on New Jersey’s combat sports tradition by hosting another electrifying night here in Newark for UFC 328,” Jake Reynolds (President, Prudential Center and New Jersey Devils)