Posted in Trends

As the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to Salt Lake City, Utah, this weekend for its pay-per-view event, the fighters will have to contend with a challenging factor: the high elevation of the city. Salt Lake City has an average elevation of 4,327 feet (1,319 m) above sea level, which can affect the cardio and endurance of the athletes.

This is not the first time that the UFC has held an event in a high-altitude location. In fact, the last UFC event in Salt Lake City was in August 2022, where the elevation was also 4,265 feet (1,300 m)Of the total 12 fights on that card, seven went to decision, meaning they lasted for the full scheduled time without a knockout or submission. Three fights ended before the half-way point, and two went over.

The elevation factor may have played a role in the outcomes of those fights, as some fighters may have struggled to maintain their pace and power in the thin air. The same could happen this weekend, as some of the fighters may not have acclimated to the altitude or trained accordingly.

To compare, some previous UFC events in lower-elevation locations had different results. For example, in September 2021, the UFC was in Brasilia, Brazil, at an elevation of 1,000 feet (305 m). That card had 12 fights, nine of which went to decision. In February 2020, the UFC was in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, at an elevation of 5,282 feet (1,610 m). Of the 13 fights on that card, seven went to decision, and two were disqualifications. Only one fight ended before the half-way point.

These examples show that elevation can have a significant impact on the performance and outcome of MMA fights. The fighters who are prepared for it may have an advantage over those who are not. The fans who tune in to watch this weekend’s UFC event in Salt Lake City may witness some exciting and surprising fights that are influenced by the high-altitude environment.