Does Canadian representation matter in the UFC?
By Ian Smit on March 3, 2026
Sport bars across Edmonton are seeing major spikes in customers during big UFC Pay-Per-Views despite only 4% of UFC athletes being Canadian. Bar servers say high-stake title fights and major matchups bring in larger and more energetic fans even if there is no Canadian representation in the card.
1st RND Bar and Grill Server Dalia Vezzosi says many people choose the live atmosphere at bars. “Attendance usually goes up during big events, usually because people want to be with people, they want the atmosphere. It’s more than watching, it’s the crowds, it’s the energy, and the reactions. I think when stakes go up so does attendance.”
Most venues now take reservations and add extra staff to prepare for championship cards. With
upcoming fights expected to draw large audiences, local sports bars are getting ready for the next big event: UFC 326 on March 7th.
Photo Credit: Amit Lahav on Unsplash