The Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight at AT&T Stadium last week was a truly remarkable event. The numbers associated with this fight have been nothing short of astonishing, setting new records and making headlines. Let's delve into the details and explore the significance of this combat sports extravaganza.
Gate and Ticket Sales: A Record-Breaking Performance
Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), the promoter co-owned by Paul, announced that the official gate for the fight was an impressive $18,117,072. This figure not only shattered the Texas record for combat sports but also surpassed the previous highest gate by more than double. The average ticket price for Paul-Tyson was a whopping $304, while for Canelo Álvarez vs. Billy Joe Saunders, it was $136 per ticket. With 59,666 tickets sold for the Paul vs. Tyson fight, it became the biggest gate for any boxing or MMA event outside of Las Vegas and the ninth-highest combat sports gate in U.S. history.The Texas history of combat sports gates is filled with notable events, and the Paul vs. Tyson fight now holds a prominent place. It surpassed previous records set by Alvarez vs. Saunders ($9 million), Pacquiao vs. Clottey ($6.35 million), Pacquiao vs. Margarito ($5.4 million), Alvarez vs. Smith ($5.03 million), Spence vs. Ugas ($5 million), UFC 277 ($4.45 million), UFC 271 ($4.3 million), UFC 247 ($3.54 million), and Spence vs. Danny Garcia ($2.61 million). These numbers highlight the immense popularity and financial success of the fight.Streaming Rights and Fighter Pay: A Lucrative Deal
Part of the fighters' purse came from the exclusive streaming rights that Netflix paid. While the official figures for how much the fighters are getting paid have not been disclosed, reports suggest that Paul was set to make $40 million just for getting in the ring, and Tyson was to take home $20 million. These figures add to the allure and financial aspect of the fight.The fight also broke streaming records, with a peak of 65 million households on Netflix despite technical difficulties. This demonstrates the global reach and impact of the event. As Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, stated, "Paul vs. Tyson and Taylor vs. Serrano 2 rewrote the record books, solidifying Most Valuable Promotions as a trailblazer in combat sports."Celebrity Presence and the Event's Impact
Numerous celebrities came out to support the fight at AT&T Stadium, adding to the star power and excitement. Evander Holyfield, Shaquille O'Neal, Sugar Ray Leonard, Jerry Jones, Charlize Theron, Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Josh Duhamel, Joe Jonas, Joe Manganiello, Lennox Lewis, Rob Gronkowski, Mike Epps, Simu Liu, Daddy Yankee, Anderson Silva, Tom Segura, Jeff Ross, and Joey Fatone were among those in attendance. This shows the widespread appeal and cultural significance of the event.The Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight has left an indelible mark on the world of combat sports. It has set new records, broken barriers, and brought together fans from around the globe. As MVP continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in sports entertainment, this fight will be remembered as a turning point in the history of combat sports.