You remember UFC 229, right? Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov—a fight that had the world talking long before the Octagon doors even opened. Over 20,000 fans packed the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and the gate? Over $17 million. Pay-per-view? Millions more. It was a grudge match for the ages, and for fight fans, it’s still the benchmark for what a blockbuster MMA event should feel like.

Fast forward to 2025, and boxing’s biggest names—Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford—lit up Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The spectacle was massive, the numbers jaw-dropping, and the energy inside the venue electric. But here’s the kicker: UFC play-by-play veteran Jon Anik, who called both the Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov fight and Canelo vs. Crawford, says one of these nights blew the other out of the water. And if you know Anik, he doesn’t hand out that kind of praise lightly. He had the rare privilege of calling both Conor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov and now Canelo vs. Crawford. And for curious fans, the veteran play-by-play commentator even revealed which event felt bigger to him. 

Jon Anik reveals Canelo vs Crawford passed Conor McGregor vs Khabib fight

In an interview with Bruce Buffer on his YouTube channel, Anik reflected on the experience of calling both fights. He said, “Well, it did feel like the biggest live sporting event I had ever called, with Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov right below it. The only reason I say that is because, like Buff said, 70,000 strong—it’s hard to put a comp on that.”

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Anik is spot on here. Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford shattered every record set by UFC 229. A staggering 70,482 fans packed Allegiant Stadium, generating $47,231,887 in gate revenue. Making it the third-highest gate in boxing history, right behind Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor ($55.4 million) and Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao ($72.2 million). With that win, ‘Bud’ created history by becoming the undisputed champion in three weight divisions. 

But that’s not all. The UFC commentator was just as impressed with Allegiant Stadium itself. He added, “Unlike the stadium show we did with the UFC in Melbourne. And I know there have been several stadium shows. The Rogers Center in Toronto, way too vast. Melbourne, pretty vast. Allegiance Stadium, in Las Vegas, architecturally seems like the best stadium for combat sports.”  

It’s true that a sport inside a stadium always feels a little bigger, with thousands more fans adding to the atmosphere. And that raises another question—will Dana White consider taking the UFC back there once again?

Will Dana White bring the UFC back to stadiums?  

Well, it’s not like the UFC has never staged a fight inside a stadium before. UFC 243: Whittaker vs. Adesanya took place at Marvel Stadium in Australia, drawing a record 57,127 fans. Following that, UFC 193: Rousey vs. Holm—also happened at the Marvel Stadium—which pulled 56,214 in attendance. So, Dana White already knows the stadium spectacle works for MMA as well.

However, Jon Anik still seems a little skeptical about whether the UFC CEO would actually be interested in going back. In his interview with Bruce Buffer, he explained, “I’m not necessarily trying to convince Dana White to go there with a UFC event. But the way it’s built, it feels like it can hold the people. You’re on top of the ring, more than away from it. So, it felt absolutely massive, and the stakes were just insane, and the legacy for these two athletes. It was nuts.”

For now, it looks like Dana White and company may not be leaving the arena setting anytime soon. But with the new deal involving Paramount+ and CBS, the UFC might look to stage some massive stadium fights in the future. The promotion is even exploring the South Lawn for their long-discussed White House event. A move that could shake up their traditional arena-first model. So, the UFC brass just might get interested in making stadium shows more regular.

With that being said, let us know what you think: stadium or arena? What’s the better fit for UFC? And what’s your take on Jon Anik picking Canelo vs. Crawford over Conor vs. Khabib? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.