Which UFC location has provided the best fan environment in 2023?

Throughout 2023, the UFC has held events at a multitude of locations catering to fans all around the world. The variety of locations has shown us how different cultures can create electric arena environments in different ways. The first that comes to mind is the UFC Fight Night card held in Singapore in late August. The crowd singing "Zombie" in unison as The Korean Zombie walked out for his fight with Max Holloway produced goosebumps and sent shivers down the spines of many fans. I do believe that the Singapore crowd was rather lackluster in the fights leading up to the main event, but massively delivered supporting their favorite fighter even in defeat. 

The UFC also traveled to Australia twice during the calendar year, once to Perth in February and the other to Sydney in September. The Australian fans were incredible, from prelims to the main event, shouting loud chants of "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie" to support their native fighters. The fans and the atmosphere were so good in February that the UFC decided to take another trip there in September which they rarely do when talking international locations. This time around, there was mostly the same support for their fighters, but surprisingly, American Sean Strickland found himself as the more popular fighter among the crowd at various points throughout the week including the ceremonial press conference. Overall, the Australian crowd always delivers, which is one of the main reasons they go back there yearly.   

Similarly to Australia, England played host to two events during the 2023 calendar year, both taking place at the same venue, the O2 Arena. English MMA has seen a strong rise in contenders as of recently led by current UFC Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards. With this increased popularity, England has become another one of the UFC's most commonly visited international venues. 

UFC 294 took place in Abu Dhabi, another one of the UFC's favorite destinations. While there, the UFC secured another deal with the country to return for three future fight night cards. The UAE is one of the fight capitals of the world simply for the country's love of combat sports. Their support for Russian fighters is strong, but their overall dedication to the sport is the reason the UFC travels across the world for this specific destination. 

These are just a few of the many locations visited by the UFC in 2023. It is impossible to call one better than the rest because each location is so different and showcases the culture of the area.