The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has long been renowned for its electrifying pay-per-view (PPV) events, showcasing the world’s most talented mixed martial artists in high-stakes battles. In 2024, the UFC delivered an array of unforgettable fights across its 14 PPV offerings, but only two events managed to earn perfect “A” grades from critics and fans alike. In this comprehensive market report, we dive deep into the rankings, analyzing the standout moments and rising stars that defined a thrilling year in combat sports.
The Cream of the Crop: UFC 300 and UFC 308 Steal the Show
Amidst a sea of memorable fights and epic finishes, two events stood head and shoulders above the rest in 2024: UFC 300 and UFC 308. These PPVs not only boasted stacked fight cards featuring champions and former champions, but they also delivered on the hype with jaw-dropping moments that will be etched in MMA history for years to come.
UFC 300: A Night of Legends and Rising Stars
UFC 300, which took place on April 13, 2024, will forever be remembered for Max Holloway’s buzzer-beating knockout of Justin Gaethje, a finish that many consider to be the greatest in UFC history. The event also saw:
- Alex Pereira’s stunning KO of Jamahal Hill to retain his light heavyweight title
- Diego Lopes’ breakout performance in dismantling Sodiq Yusuff
- Kayla Harrison’s dominant UFC debut against former champion Holly Holm
With an unprecedented 46% of fighters on the card being current or former champions, UFC 300 set a new standard for PPV depth and quality, earning its “A” grade with flying colors.
UFC 308: Rising Stars and Shocking Upsets
Not to be outdone, UFC 308 on October 26, 2024, delivered its own set of unforgettable moments. The event saw:
- Ilia Topuria’s violent knockout of Max Holloway to cement his status as the new featherweight king
- Khamzat Chimaev’s vicious trouncing of Robert Whittaker in a highly anticipated clash
- Shara Magomedov’s stunning knockout of Armen Petrosyan, a leading contender for KO of the year
With five fights earning “A” or “A-” grades, UFC 308 provided non-stop action from start to finish, solidifying its place as one of the best PPVs in recent memory.
The Rest of the Pack: Solid Contenders and Forgettable Nights
While UFC 300 and UFC 308 stole the show, several other events delivered solid “B” level performances, including:
- UFC 299: Featuring Dustin Poirier’s comeback KO and Sean O’Malley’s vicious knee to the face of Chito Vera
- UFC 305: Highlighted by Dricus du Plessis dethroning Israel Adesanya and an epic lightweight clash
On the flip side, events like UFC 297 and UFC 302 failed to live up to expectations, marred by lackluster fights and controversial decisions. These forgettable nights serve as a reminder that even the mighty UFC can have its off days.
The Future of UFC PPVs: What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond
As we look ahead to 2025, the UFC shows no signs of slowing down its PPV juggernaut. With rising stars like Ilia Topuria, Khamzat Chimaev, and Diego Lopes poised to become the new faces of the sport, fans can expect more unforgettable moments and epic clashes in the years to come.
Moreover, the UFC’s continued expansion into new markets, such as its groundbreaking Noche UFC event in Mexico City, promises to bring fresh talent and exciting stylistic matchups to the Octagon. As the global appetite for MMA grows, the UFC remains well-positioned to deliver the kind of high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled action that has made it a beloved brand among combat sports enthusiasts.
The Bottom Line: UFC PPVs Remain the Gold Standard in Combat Sports Entertainment
Despite the occasional dud, the UFC’s 2024 PPV offerings reaffirmed the promotion’s status as the undisputed leader in mixed martial arts. With events like UFC 300 and UFC 308 setting new benchmarks for excellence, fans can rest assured that the future of the sport is in good hands.
As we eagerly await the first bell of 2025, one thing is certain: the UFC will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the realm of combat sports, delivering unforgettable nights of action that keep us on the edge of our seats. And who knows? Perhaps next year’s PPV grades will see even more events join the rarefied air of the “A” list, cementing the UFC’s legacy as the ultimate proving ground for the world’s greatest fighters.
