Discover what Utah Jazz and Real Salt Lake owner Ryan Smith had to say about UFC 291 and the future of MMA in Utah. Find out why Utah is an appealing location for the UFC and learn about Smith’s plans for the future.
Utah Jazz and Real Salt Lake owner Ryan Smith recently spoke about the highly anticipated UFC 291 event and the future of mixed martial arts in the Beehive State. The event took place at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on July 30, marking the second Ultimate Fighting Championship event to be held at the arena in the past 11 months.
Smith expressed his excitement for the fight night and discussed the reasons why Utah is an appealing location for the MMA league. He highlighted Utah’s status as the fastest-growing state in the country and its youthful population as key factors. Smith emphasized the commitment of both the Utah Jazz organization and the UFC to continuous improvement.
Looking at the card for UFC 291, Smith praised the efforts put into creating an amazing event and expressed his hope for it to become a staple of the summer. He also discussed the positive reception of the event and the potential for future growth in Utah.
While the UFC’s presence in Utah is currently evaluated on a year-by-year basis, Smith indicated that plans for the next year are already being discussed. He mentioned the significant improvements in attendance numbers compared to the previous year and the positive word-of-mouth from attendees. Smith also highlighted the convenience of Utah’s proximity to the airport, making it an easily accessible location for visitors.
Smith’s enthusiasm extended beyond the UFC, as he spoke about the overall potential of Utah as a sports destination. He referred to the success of the recent All-Star Game and the upcoming return of the Olympics as examples of how Utah can bring together major events. Smith expressed his excitement for the possibility of bringing an NHL franchise to Utah and promoting the state to others.
No specific dates have been announced for future UFC events in Utah, but Smith’s dedication to expanding the sports landscape in the state remains unwavering. He continues to work towards securing an NHL franchise and spreading the word about the opportunities available in his home state.
Summary
| Key Points |
|---|
| Utah Jazz and Real Salt Lake owner Ryan Smith discussed UFC 291 and the future of MMA in Utah. |
| Smith highlighted Utah’s rapid growth and youthful population as appealing factors for the UFC. |
| He praised the efforts put into creating an amazing event for UFC 291 and expressed hope for it to become a summer staple. |
| Plans for the future of the UFC in Utah are already being discussed, with significant improvements in attendance numbers expected. |
| Smith emphasized the convenience of Utah’s location and its potential as a sports destination. |
| He expressed excitement for the possibility of bringing an NHL franchise to Utah. |
