As the UFC officially released its lineup for UFC 316, but fan excitement hasn’t quite matched the promotion’s expectations. Despite the fact that the event includes two title fights and several ranked contests, online reactions have been mixed. A significant portion of that disappointment arises from how familiar—and possibly stale—some of these matchups feel. There’s little excitement for the rematch between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili, which fans don’t expect to play out much differently than the first. Merab’s dominance in their previous match has stuck with fans, and many believe O’Malley’s flare and skill won’t be enough to turn the tide this time. So, it can easily be predicted that Dana White would be suffering a financial loss for this key event.
To prove the point further, the co-main event hasn’t helped matters either. MMA fans criticized Julianna Peña‘s title win at UFC 307, feeling Raquel Pennington was more deserving. Her choice to pass over Kayla Harrison, despite Harrison’s performance against Holm and Vieira, further alienated spectators looking for new, elite-level competition. While Harrison finally gets her opportunity, the matchup feels like something Peña was pressured into rather than earned excitement around. What could have been a major event for women’s bantamweight has instead devolved into a redemption drama that no one is truly invested in.
Even the undercard, while filled with well-known personalities, lacks the firepower and plot drama that typically captivates viewers. Johnny Walker vs. Azamat Murzakanov, Kelvin Gastelum vs. Joe Pyfer, and Bruno Silva vs. Joshua Van are all technically good fights—but that’s about it. They are solid. Not thrilling. Not something to be missed. Not deserving of PPV-level excitement. Silva, in particular, is on a four-fight losing streak, and Walker’s momentum has essentially disappeared following recent failures. These aren’t the kind of fights that elevate a card; they just fill it.
#UFC316 is starting to come together
Tickets on sale this Friday | @Visit_NJ pic.twitter.com/CMADUFXA5s
— UFC (@ufc) April 15, 2025
Then there’s Marlon Vera vs. Mario Bautista. On paper, this is a solid matchup, especially given Bautista’s seven-fight winning streak. However, the fight’s transfer from UFC Des Moines to 316 added little drama. Vera has looked lifeless in back-to-back losses, and while Bautista is quickly rising through the ranks, his most recent victory over Aldo was a split decision, hardly a clear stamp of superiority. Overall, UFC 316 feels like a functional event rather than a memorable one. A required roadblock, rather than a spectacle. And when it comes to PPVs, that’s rarely good enough. In fact, fans even took to social media to share their reactions to the lackluster card.
Fan reactions suggest major financial loss for Dana White’s upcoming UFC 316
If UFC 316 was intended to keep the UFC’s momentum going, fans don’t seem to have heard the message. The announced matchups may make practical sense, but they have left the fandom feeling cold. As the initial fight announcements became public, online opinion soon switched from curiosity to concern. Within hours, comments were loaded with severe criticism. “This isn’t looking good so far… This is lackluster so far… The 5th fight better be a banger,” one fan wrote, expressing growing concern that UFC 316 will be a financial flop. Others were less restrained, describing the card as “absolutely embarrassing” and “probably the worst PPV I’ve seen in a long time.” For some, the co-main and main events felt like reruns of less exciting versions of what should have been blockbuster hits.
Even the so-called highlight fights were not safe. One user called Vera vs. Bautista the “ultimate ranked bums fight in UFC history.” Another criticized the UFC for never booking New Jersey right, saying, “There has never been a good NJ card. Every year, it’ a—.” These aren’t simply criticisms; they’re battle cries from a dissatisfied audience, which hits harder when PPV ticket prices remain high. The UFC appears to be delivering filler contests while asking for a premium commitment. Dana White may be relying on brand recognition and heritage appeal, but his fans are having none of it. They’re not just searching for names; they want stakes, chaos, and unpredictability. And right now, UFC 316 does not exude any of those qualities.
To make matters worse for the promotion, many fans have already emotionally moved on to UFC 317. International Fight Week is only two months away, and everyone seems to be wondering if Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus Du Plessis will eventually be booked. “Announce DDP Khamzat already,” one person pleaded. “Are y’all ever gonna announce the main event for International Fight Week or nah?” another person commented. Some even urged Dana White directly: “DANAAA ANNOUNCE UFC 317 ALREADY, PLEASE!!!” The collective impatience is telling. UFC 316 isn’t just underwhelming; it’s being overlooked in real-time. And if that sentiment is correct, the UFC head honcho could be facing one of his lowest PPV turnouts in recent memory. What do you think? Will UFC 316 be able to find success despite the backlash? Let us know in the comments.
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