When deciding to tune in to watch a regular Fight Night or shell out a considerable amount of money for a one-night pay-per-view event, fans always take into consideration just who is fighting on that night. Indeed, shows have been bought or passed on based on the amount of star power that they possessed, as will be the case for UFC 317. For many viewers, seeing their favorite fighters compete could be all they need to open the ESPN app to find out just how they’ll perform and if they’ll deliver a rip-roaring Octagon outing.
Whether it is because of their trash talk, signature stoppages or enduring grit and fun fighting style, there are some fighters that tend to move the needle more than others in terms of ticket sales, with some fans going out of their way to purchase whole cards just to see their one preferred athlete throw down.