UFC 306 Report: Sphere’s Impact on Greatest Live Sporting Event

UFC 306 is in the books, and there are two new champions atop the UFC. In the co-main event, Valentina Shevchenko reclaimed the flyweight title and ended her rivalry with Alexa Grasso, winning a dominant decision. Then in the main event, Merab Dvalishvili avenged his friend Aljamain Sterling, putting on a vintage performance and outworking Sean O’Malley to claim the bantamweight title.

But the real star of the show on Saturday night was Sphere in Las Vegas, as the UFC pulled out all the stops to provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for viewers in the promotion’s “love letter to Mexico.” So with an event with so much to talk about, let’s gather the MMA Fighting brain trust to discuss everything that happened.

1. What is your review of UFC 306? Did the Sphere live up to the hype?

Heck: As we put a bow on the festivities, the takeaways are more spectacle than in-cage action. Not trying to take anything away from new champs Merab Dvalishvili and Valentina Shevchenko, because they did the damn thing and won their fights, but neither are ones we’ll voluntarily go back and watch again.

What we will re-watch — and show our friends and family members who aren’t UFC fans — is the exSphereience of it all. The movies, the graphics, the main card open, the production values the UFC worked so hard on. The event was a bit of a slog as a whole, especially down the stretch, but I’d love to see them try again.

Martin: Yes and no. On a positive note, it was great to see the UFC try something totally different and new. Outside of the fights themselves and the crowds from certain cities or countries bringing a lot of energy, every major UFC pay-per-view pretty much always looks the same.

So seeing all the pomp and circumstance used to build up this card was pretty cool. That said, Sphere is ultimately a visual experience that works best if you’re in the arena. Think of it like watching videos of your favorite band on YouTube — it’s still cool but it just doesn’t compare to actually being there in person.

Add to that, the card wasn’t ultra stacked and five main card fights all going to decision with the show not ending until nearly 2 a.m. ET wasn’t ideal.

Lee: No, because how could it?

Uncle Dana promised everyone the greatest sporting event in history, and I can’t imagine anyone sincerely believing that it came close to that mark even if you had the best seat in the house. What you got were mostly cool and well-intentioned short films dedicated to celebrating Mexican heritage, some sick-looking backdrops for the main card fights, big audio that would shake you down to your butt, and chair tech that would literally shake your butt with every strike (or so I’m told).

For those of us watching remotely, there was no way to fully appreciate it, despite the broadcast team doing their very best to show off Sphere. Our first glimpse of the famed wall was using it to simulate scaffolding for preliminary fights. That’s not great.

I trust everyone involved did their best to make UFC 306’s production one for ages, but there’s only so much you can do for millions tuning in at home from non-butt-shaking chairs.

Meshew: UFC 306 was solid if underwhelming, but I was pleasantly surprised with production.

For years we’ve asked UFC to break away from its monochromatic way of doing things — bland uniforms, same old production 42 times a year. While Sphere maybe didn’t reach lofty goals Dana White set for it, undeniably cool stuff went on even for at-home viewers. The vignettes between fights, octagon girls, drone shots — all new and interesting.

Everything wasn’t to my taste but commend them for trying not just something new but communicating a broader story. It was fun; hope they do more of this in future.

2. What was best part of evening?

Heck: While I put over production, best thing on card was Esteban Ribovics vs. Daniel Zellhuber. Holy hell, Batman! Those two guys understood assignment and delivered this generation’s Cub Swanson vs. Doo Ho Choi.

Incredible will, skill, heart, granite chins shown by both as Ribovics and Zellhuber displayed spirit of what this card represented. This ruled; if there’s one fight to watch if missed UFC 306 — it’s this one. Lightweight is best.

Lee: Years from now looking back at this pay-per-view, somehow despite Sphere’s bells and whistles and pair of title fight results that could have long-lasting repercussions for UFC — what I’ll remember most is two unranked lightweights giving each other business for three rounds with five minutes standing out.

Saturday’s undercard lambasted by some fans for lacking star power but fights like these create stars. More than any movie played on screen — Ribovics and Zellhuber gave us pure cinema (or CineMMA if you will).

Meshew: Hate to double dip but going with whole Sphere thing. Ribovics vs. Zellhuber possibly Fight of Year at this point; don’t begrudge anyone picking that but when look back at UFC 306 first thing coming to mind is Sphere and UFC taking big swing.

Under normal circumstances that card might have been dreadful; ten fights felt like ten hours went super late but never felt bogged down mostly because newness of Sphere kept me engaged trying take it all in. Again not all worked but interesting really star of show.

Martin: Wasn’t most exciting fight in history but watching Merab Dvalishvili finally ascend top bantamweight division special. Nothing handed to this guy; argue forced work harder thanks wrestling heavy style refusal entertain potential fight against Aljamain Sterling when champion — declaration Dana White openly criticized.

Dvalishvili ultimately had win ten consecutive fights including wins over three former champions — Jose Aldo Petr Yan Henry Cejudo — finally get title shot likely understanding never another one if lost. So Dvalishvili made most moment now celebrate new UFC champion.

3. What was your least favorite part of evening?

Meshew: Unfortunately final two fights evening.

Merab Dvalishvili Valentina Shevchenko picked up dominant meaningful professional wins Saturday night winning titles getting two paychecks most important thing respect what accomplished happy both won fans both but those fights tough hangs.

Up until co-main event almost all fights electric vibes sky high then Shevchenko hossed Grasso around for twenty-five minutes broke her will energy drained out card then Merab did same main event grand spectacle just sort ended instead grand finale paradoxically two most important things also worst parts show.

But also special shoutout irony show celebrating Mexican Independence sponsored Kingdom Saudi Arabia satire truly dead.

Lee: Some unfortunate soul on UFC broadcast team mistaking Bud Crawford for Kendrick Lamar was ROUGH.

Look I’m aware Kendrick directly referenced Bud on Euphoria earlier this year sure great bar no excuse whatever happened here need do better society.

AK might be right here graphics department had tough go things not only Kendrick Lamar flub up many inaccuracies fight cards mostly UFC putting Natalia Silva Viviane Araujo there it’s Karine Silva also casually throwing Anthony Smith Dominick Reyes card happening UFC not everything perfect time feel like should close automatic gets.

Generally speaking Herb Dean great referee getting way too involved main event Saturday credit educated just about everybody sport there’s rule excessive coaching admonished Sean O’Malley head coach Tim Welch talking too much Dean kept shouting action demanding Dvalishvili do more seconds after landed takedown wrestling isn’t everybody part MMA almost seemed like Dean desperate get fight back feet soon possible never actually stood them constant shouting instructions distraction felt totally unnecessary.

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Here few gorgeous costumes ladies strutted stuff Saturday night.

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p lang en dir ltr This modern interpretation Danza Azteca costumes masterful blend tradition innovation honoring rich heritage Aztec design while introducing contemporary elements base costume remains true authentic Aztec silhouette capturing powerful pic.twitter.com/RWhXzELCz6 p— UFC ufc September

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p lang en dir ltr In designing these exquisite gowns every detail carefully crafted pay utmost respect cherished tradition gown modern couture silhouette while fashion-forward remains deeply rooted elegance traditional Mexican attire Each element chosen pic.twitter.com/AigCB0ugdH p— UFC ufc September

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p lang en dir ltr In reimagining iconic attire Las Soldaderas modern-day Independence Day celebrations design pays tribute courageous women played pivotal role Mexican Revolution These women fought alongside male counterparts also helped pic.twitter.com/PlpfsoqA4f p— UFC ufc September

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p lang en dir ltr This statuesque costume profound homage Mexico heroes fighters drawing inspiration iconic Angel Independence grandeur historic architecture monuments Infused spirit Mexico storied past design embodies strength pic.twitter.com/AeM87kGHwP p— UFC ufc September

Being ring card girl today modern combat sports landscape typically thankless job everyone should respect incredible work went into outfits meant celebrate rich history Mexican people This wasn’t just eye candy sake women outfits genuinely enhanced viewing experience.

So Ariadna Ayled Daniela Dany Hannah Karla Mariel Valeria brilliant costumers salute you.

Meshew AK correct winner Saturday night whoever did costume design never understood purpose octagon girls since advent giant screens tell us things mostly view relics bygone era But Saturday stole show.

Special shoutout Dia de Muertos costumes which were best boo Future Mexico ones by far worst.

Since she’ll likely forgotten fallout Ketlen Souza did freaking thing Saturday didn’t Not only deliver incredible finish massive favorite Yazmin Jauregui selfishly also helped deliver big ol’ goose egg Shaheen Al-Shatti fantasy team since selected Jauregui Well done Ketlen!

Craig Borsari — UFC chief content officer head production — never heard name mentioned much days weeks leading up UFC He’s actually been UFC nearly years anytime Dana White crazy idea like know putting sporting event Sphere Borsari has make fantasies become reality Borsari obviously good job had work cut out him safe say pulled off.

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Heck Will continue take big swings maybe more importantly continue try have more fun events Between more effort put than seen long time Look lapped competition probably times now They are so far ahead everybody else laughable But goes outside business-as-usual bubble gives little bit hope Ice cream delicious by itself throw hot fudge whipped cream chocolate sprinkles cherry top better proverbial sundaes better.

Martin Where does Sean O’Malley go from here?

There doubt remain one biggest stars entire roster fairly lopsided loss puts crossroads far comes next If O’Malley really wants get back title contention rest recover start calling fight another top-ranked bantamweight showdown against Cory Sandhagen makes lot sense But O’Malley cares more fame fortune might demand immediate rematch sit extended period time wait marquee matchup comes hefty payday Remember after Conor McGregor got thumped Khabib Nurmagomedov wasn’t seen again months O’Malley should avoid kind scenario costs.

Is Valentina Shevchenko poised another lengthy title run?

Heading into picked Alexa Grasso victorious trilogy bout intentions somewhat selfish wanted see return pounds test waters Now proved once again true queen flyweights entirely possible adds few more title belt rubies collection.

Women full intriguing challengers including presumed next-one-up Manon Fiorot red-hot Brazilian striker Natalia Silva resurgent Maycee Barber plus Erin Blanchfield former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas who fight each other November Two-time champ options all whom likely favored against.

Getting top hard staying long time damn near impossible doing again Legendary.

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At post-fight press conference Dana White said always willing jump cool ideas really true Occasionally something massive new business sense associate difference early adopter trend setting one yourself.

At point too big fail own MMA real way lose afford freedom try new things have fun instead largely content maintain status quo Will incredibly popular White company maybe try more themed events moving forward just take smaller swings different production flourishes We’ll see certainly hope so.

Where rank among pay-per-views?

Lee There been absolute bangers fair share forgettable cards see slotting just above latter pile.

As far concerned gimmickry alone served separate Saturday pack even action top didn’t deliver Fair not often judged finish start few ever re-watch lopsided title fights ended But first two great plenty fun preliminaries least escaped without major controversies win books.

That said loaded lineup around corner next three months show plenty promise Topuria Holloway Jon Jones back?!? don’t surprised pushed closer lower half rankings come Christmas.

third-best card year.

greatest MMA looked paper delivered generation topped lifetime AND even cool extra promotional touches elite extremely good paper lived hype didn’t same otherworldly oomph But most years behind those ahead everything else Sure underwhelming high-level extreme stakes storylines attached bad worst part otherwise excellent night add spectacle everything along event talk remember long time come.

Tough question because almost impossible ignore spectacle side things remember years come going try take equation pretend happened bottom-half ranked best.

worst question about sloggy slog slog Islam Makhachev Dustin Poirier delivered best gave lot talk little hang hat terms star power vacuum fun plus ended competitive entertaining mixed those while may not worst far away Add becomes bottom-of-the-tier-list well below cards.

When comes delivered incredible action early then lopsided results main co-main events both delivering less spectacular across total rounds octagon Like almost always biggest memory take away any much Esteban Ribovics Daniel Zellhuber deserve flowers crowd arena folks watching home hoping similar Grasso visuals spectacular undoubtedly cooler experience versus audience including home So overall very middle road nowhere close top remains awfully hard top.