Dana White eager for Miami return due to 'one of the all-time biggest gates' for UFC 287

MIAMI – It looks like Miami won’t have to wait another 20 years for a UFC event.

UFC president Dana White says the promotion will definitely return to “The 305” following their success in ticket sales for Saturday’s UFC 287. This event marks the first time the UFC will host an event in Miami since 2004, and even though the event is days away, White is already eager to return.

“Last time we came to Miami was 20 years ago, and we did a gate of like $446,000,” White said at the UFC 287 pre-fight press conference on Thursday. “That was 20 years ago. We came back this time, and we did one of the all-time biggest gates. This is the biggest gate outside of Las Vegas and outside The Garden. We’ll definitely be coming back to Miami.”

UFC 287 takes place at Kaseya Center. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on ESPN+.

One of the biggest attractions of the card is Jorge Masvidal, who’s born in Miami and is arguably the biggest athlete in combat sports for the city. Masvidal takes on Gilbert Burns in the co-main event bout of the card.

White says it was key to have Masvidal on the card in this Miami return.

“Whenever you come to somebody’s hometown who’s a superstar like he is, it’s always fun,” White said. “It’s exciting. It’s energetic. You know when they both come out of the tunnel on Saturday night, it’s just that goose bump moment. So to answer your question, yes.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 287.