Amanda Nunes’ power could sell a UFC 250 show light on stars

UFC 250 will be a fairly stiff test of the current hunger for live sports among homebound fans.

The UFC led the sports world’s return to competition amid the coronavirus pandemic, gaining robust television ratings and increased exposure in the process. But one look at the card for this pay-per-view show with a landmark event number will have many fans pondering whether they should take this rather pricey part of the ride.

UFC 250 has several compelling matchups for hard-core mixed martial arts enthusiasts, but its lineup is quite light on the star power that would entice casual U.S. MMA fans to buy a pay-per-view show on a Saturday night — under normal circumstances, anyway.

The main event from the gym at the UFC’s corporate campus in Las Vegas features dominant

two-division champion Amanda Nunes, but the pound-for-pound superstar is an overwhelming favorite in her featherweight title defense against Canadian contender Felicia Spencer. The other 11 bouts on the show feature only one fighter who has ever headlined a PPV event: former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt, who is on a three-fight losing streak.

For domestic fans, UFC 250 will cost $64.99 plus applicable taxes on the ESPN Plus platform, to which most buyers are already paying a monthly subscription fee.

Just how badly will fans want to see Nunes’ attempt to become the first UFC fighter to defend active titles in two weight classes, even if the rest of the card isn’t stacked with history or big names? The UFC is confident about their hunger after seeing the positive response to their return over the past two months.