In a scathing critique of the recent UFC event held at The Sphere in Las Vegas, former fighter and popular podcaster Brendan Schaub didn’t pull any punches. Comparing the high-tech venue to a popular themed restaurant chain, Schaub argued that while the visual spectacle was impressive, the quality of the competition left much to be desired.
“You know what the sphere is? It’s Rainforest Cafe,” Schaub declared on his podcast. “It looks great, but the product is subpar.” He went on to elaborate that as a child, he was enthralled by the immersive jungle-like atmosphere of Rainforest Cafe, complete with animatronic animals, ambient sounds, and mist. However, the actual dining experience often fell short of expectations.
Schaub’s criticism centered on the mismatch between the event’s grandiose setting and what he perceived as a lackluster fight card. “The bell of the ball is the sphere,” he noted, suggesting that the venue itself overshadowed the athletic performances.
Despite the event breaking multiple revenue records, including becoming the highest-grossing UFC event and the highest-grossing show at The Sphere, Schaub remained unimpressed. He argued that for viewers at home, the elaborate production values added little to the viewing experience.
“I’d rather watch great fights at the Apex Center,” Schaub stated, referring to the UFC’s more modest facility. “I don’t need all that. Maybe I’m the minority. I don’t know.”
Interestingly, despite the event’s financial success, UFC CEO Dana White has announced that the organization will not be returning to The Sphere. White cited existing contractual obligations with MGM as the reason, explaining, “I’m under contract with MGM. I told you guys leading up to this, the way that this whole thing played out, tonight was meant to happen. It happened, we did it, we killed it.”
This minor petty theft is the least of Schaub’s concerns.
Former UFC heavyweight and podcast host Brendan Schaub has sparked controversy by promoting a beverage called Safety Shot, which claims to reduce blood alcohol content (BAC) by up to 50% in just 30 minutes. Schaub encouraged his followers to use the product while drinking and watching sports, describing it as a way to wake up “fresh” after a night of celebration.
However, the FDA is currently investigating Safety Shot following complaints about the validity of its claims. Health experts have questioned the scientific basis of the product, while concerns have been raised about the potential dangers if users rely on it to lower their BAC and then attempt to drive. The controversy has led to the resignation of a doctor on the company’s board, highlighting the risks of celebrity endorsements for products with unproven health claims.
