“MSG-type gate” has become a common parlance in Dana White‘s dictionary in recent while. The UFC President used the same term to describe the ticket sales and audience turnaround for UFC 284 which took place inside RAC Arena in Perth and is now using the same words to promote UFC 285 featuring Jon Jones’ heavyweight debut.
“The Jon Jones fight and Miami are all trending to be MSG-type gates. It’s a really good start to the beginning of the year.” Dana White said during the UFC Vegas 70 post-fight press conference.
Perth, the Jon Jones fight and Miami are all trending to be MSG-type gates. pic.twitter.com/7Hf0AX21u2
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) February 26, 2023
It’s safe to say UFC 285 is set to be a huge event considering what’s at stake for arguably the greatest mixed martial artist of all time in the form of Jon Jones. The former light-heavyweight champion will step inside the Octagon after almost 3 years in what will mark his heavyweight debut. And without any tune-up fights, Jones will take on the #1 contender Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight title.
Predicting PPV buys for UFC 285: Jon Jones vs Ciryl Gane
Jon Jones is a huge name in the world of mixed martial arts and it shows from the PPV buys whenever he has headlined a UFC card, which he has done for more than a decade. According to GiveMeSport, Jon Jones’ PPV events have averaged 547,846 PPV buys.
If we take this into account, it’s safe to say UFC 285 is expected to bring in at least 500,000 PPV buys. Jones’ heavyweight debut has been teased for almost three years now, and while we may not have gotten our hands on Jones vs Ngannou, a fight against Ciryl Gane evokes equal anticipation and excitement.
Moreoever, it’s going to be an iconic night regardless of the result. Should Jon Jones lose at UFC 285, it will mark his first loss inside the UFC Octagon if we don’t take into account the 9-6 elbow loss against Matt Hamill back in December 2009. And if Jones gets his hands raised against Ciryl Gane this weekend, the former light-heavyweight champion would have rubbished all arguments about MMA GOAT and cemented himself as the greatest of all time.
How do you think UFC 285 will go down? Do let us know in the comments section.
