2018 was a big year for the top MMA promotion in the world. And according to the boss himself, the live experience of the UFC product is simply unmatched.

Having been the UFC President since 2001, Dana White has seen it all when it comes to the fight business. White, an avid sports fan of all kinds, recently made an appearance on the Barstool Sports podcast where he made some bold claims.

“I know this sounds completely arrogant but we’re the best live event in all of sports,” White said. “People who go to NFL games, college football, basketball, all this stuff, there’s nothing like going to a UFC event. A UFC event live is ridiculous.

“In the 18-year history of this company, I’ve never had a television executive, a sponsor, whatever it might be, come to an event and leave going ‘I don’t ever want to come to one of these again,’”

The big highlight of the year for the UFC, especially for a live experience, had to, of course, be none other than the record-breaking biggest event in UFC history that was UFC 229. Although, it still may be remembered for the wrong reason.

In the main event, MMA megastar Conor McGregor would look to become a champion once again by attempting to dethrone the unbeaten 27-0 Sambo machine, Khabib Nurmagomedov.

It was a rivalry that had bad blood boiling on each side of it all the way up until fight night. And after Nurmagomedov got the fourth round submission victory, all hell would break loose as the champion jumped out of the cage to attack McGregor’s cornermen.

Obviously, this was probably some great entertainment for the fans in attendance but a nightmare as well. Especially for those up close.

Either way, live MMA events will always provide a unique atmosphere.

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 12/21/2018