While we will never know the truth of the matter, the lone source for UFC pay-per-view figures has and always will be, Mr. Dave Meltzer.

When people talk of buys, stating this PPV did this amount and this one did that, it is all based on his industry intelligence. The UFC never confirms figures, nor do the broadcasters, however, Meltzer’s time in the PPV business has gone on way before the UFC existed and therefore his estimates and contacts are widely considered as valid and on point.

With that being said, here is what he said via his newsletter about UFC 153: Silva vs. Bonnar:

Estimates vary regarding how UFC 153 did on pay-per-view due it being so soon after the event, but the news looks positive in that the show appears to have outdistanced most expectations going in.

Industry estimates have ranged from 340,000 to 410,000 buys from various sources, for the show headlined by Anderson Silva vs. Stephan Bonnar. This would make it the most successful of the four events thus far held in Brazil, and the numbers may not even wind up too far off what UFC 152 did, for a show in Toronto headlined by Jon Jones vs. Vitor Belfort for the light heavyweight title.