Byline: James Billington
Nothing hits harder than fight night in Las Vegas. When UFC hosts events at the "Fight Capital of the World," and you’re arriving for a weekend of adrenaline-fueled MMA, there is a charged atmosphere and energy on the Strip that can’t be beaten.
Whether planning a solo trip or arriving with an entourage, fans are guaranteed to have a knockout weekend where world-class entertainment, unrivaled dining options and all-action experiences await.
It’s not just the live main event that visitors are here for. Outside of the Octagon, UFC fans can mix it up with different ways absorb themselves into the excitement with a flurry of activities, from attending pre-fight press conferences and weigh-ins or even getting up close to superstar strikers at meet-and-greet events.
To put yourself at the epicenter of the entertainment, finding the best hotel is first priority. For UFC fans searching for a place to stay in Las Vegas, this checklist will help you know what to look for when selecting a hotel:
Caesars Palace is conveniently placed at the heart of the action on Center Strip. As well as being near the airport, it’s within walking distance to famous Las Vegas attractions, including the T-Mobile Arena, where live UFC fight events are held. Caesars has a rich history and association with the biggest sporting events. Once you step inside the iconic lobby you know you’ve arrived for a truly memorable weekend.
Las Vegas is the undisputed premier destination for blockbuster sports events such as UFC thanks to its countless number of different ways to watch the live event as well as different things to do. The press conference and ceremonial weigh-in, which are held across Thursdays and Fridays, are free to the public and perfectly set the stage for the weekend ahead. Here you can already feel the tension and excitement of the bouts scheduled for Saturday night. If you need your fix of hits before then, Las Vegas is also home to Power Slap: a first-of-its-kind live slap fighting sporting event. Matchups are typically held on a Friday, so should the schedules align with UFC, your weekend could be set to hit different.
With plenty of time before then, visitors can keep their spirits up by taking on the tables back at base. Caesars Palace casino offers legendary gaming with 185 table games from roulette, blackjack and craps including high-limit lounges, as well as 1,324 high-energy slot machines. A daily no-limit Texas Hold‘em tournament is also available, held four times a day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Further entertainment can be found with a round of golf at Serket and Cascata, both located minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip. Or head to the Forum Shops for a bout of some seriously heavyweight shopping.
There are plenty of low-key activities too. For those who just want to chill or need some rest and relaxation in preparation for a big night, one of the best pools in Vegas is in your corner. Caesars Palace Garden of the Gods Oasis has seven unique pools where you or your crew can swim, sunbathe or lounge in daybeds or cabanas. There are even swim-up blackjack tables. Through November to February, its biggest pool, Neptune, is still open for a warm winter swim experience.
You can’t come to Vegas without going all in on the food scene. Las Vegas delivers an unmatched variety of dining experiences, spanning every imaginable cuisine. Choose a fun venue to kick off the trip, head to high-end fine dining or grab a quick and convenient bite in between matchups.
Caesars Palace boasts celebrity chef restaurants from the likes of Gordon Ramsay and Bobby Flay, luxurious steak from Peter Luger and affordable eateries for fan favorites such as quality burgers, hot dogs and pizza. It’s all in one place, which keeps the party together and avoids the time-intensive search for food along the Strip.
On fight night, the main attraction of being in Las Vegas and Caesars Palace is enjoying the event in the company of fellow fight fans or with your own watch party. Most people could just head to any old sports bar to watch, but UFC fans do Vegas differently.
For ticket holders, Caesars Palace is ideally located a 30-minute walk (or five-minute taxi ride) to the T-Mobile Arena, where the lights, the music, the cameras, celebrity sightings and crowd noise all combine for the ultimate live UFC experience.
UFC on the big screen still carries a mighty punch. With early prelims and prelims before the main card, it can be a long event, so choosing the right venue is important. Here are some of the best places to watch UFC in Las Vegas as you roar on your favorite fighter.
To watch the fight in a venue where atmosphere hits like a haymaker, then look no further than the Caesars Race & Sportsbook. For UFC fans, 140 premium seats, plus spaces at the bar and expansive standing room, get a front-row view of the super-sized 143-foot HD LED display. Featuring a state-of-the-art, four-zone directional sound, the big fight energy is something to be experienced. Caesars Race & Sportsbook has 13 live betting windows, which adds to the excitement. When you’re in a crowd all cheering for the same over or under, it plays an unforgettable part of the UFC experience.
Stadia Bar at Caesars Palace is a social setting that’s great for smaller groups and where serious sports fans can enjoy the entire UFC card. Reserved seating areas allows for intimate viewing on the numerous HDTVs found throughout the sports bar, along with table service food, buckets of beers or premium cocktails.
Want the ultimate Las Vegas VIP viewing party? Caesars Sportsbook at The LINQ swaps the crowds for exclusivity. With a wall of big-screen TVs and couches, you get your own living room environment so you and your party can watch UFC in comfort and style.
Quite possibly the most relaxed way to watch UFC is in a lounge. High rollers can head to the Montecristo Cigar Bar found at both Caesars Palace and Paris, where patrons sit in leather armchairs, sip premium spirits and enjoy a selection of the world’s finest cigars. Montecristo at Caesars Palace has a 208-inch video wall and screens throughout to make it a prime spot to watch the game, while Paris features multiple large high-definition screens located in perfect line of sight.
Yes. The fun doesn’t stop at the final bell. Conveniently located next to Caesars Race & Sportsbook is Omnia, the legendary Las Vegas nightclub. The pumping, multi-level venue is the perfect place to party after the fight has finished with famous guest DJs, VIP areas and a rooftop terrace with views over the city.
Cocktail lounges, bars, pubs and speakeasies are also on the card to continue the night. A variety of places to drink at Caesars Palace and its properties throughout Las Vegas ensures there’s an environment that fits the bill for every guest. From decadent to Instagram-worthy spaces or laid-back bars, you can start and finish a night in stunning fashion.
Las Vegas owns the title as "Entertainment and Fight Capital of the World" for a reason. Its nightlife is unrivaled, its variety of where to watch big events are unbeatable and its ability to offer fight fans unforgettable moments makes Las Vegas the best place on the planet to experience UFC.
What should UFC fans look for in a Vegas hotel during a major fight weekend?
Consider the following criteria: convenient location, variety of viewing venues, entertainment options, sports book on site and dining to suit all budgets.
How can I ensure I get a good view of a TV screen for a UFC fight in Las Vegas?
Follow these tips: prioritize screen real estate, arrive early, book seating in advance. At Caesars Palace, there are multiple big-screen options from a 143-foot video wall at its Race & Sportsbook to HDTVs installed throughout Stadia Bar, as well as its lounges, designed to be seen from every angle.
How does sports betting enhance the UFC fight experience?
Sports betting isn’t for everyone, but it can give a live event an added element of excitement. Fans have something extra to cheer for and a win becomes even sweeter. UFC sports betting can simply be a wager on the winner or more advanced, like betting on the under/over. At Caesars Race & Sportsbook, 13 live betting windows have staff ready to responsibly help the more inexperienced through everything they need to know.
Can I book a private viewing area for my UFC watch party?
Absolutely. At Caesars Sportsbook at The LINQ, guests can reserve a private VIP area complete with its own big-screen TV wall. It's a sports bar just for you and your friends!
How do I get to the T-Mobile Arena from Caesars Palace?
Heading south, Caesars Palace is located a 30-minute walk down South Las Vegas Boulevard to the T-Mobile Arena. Alternatively, a rideshare or taxi will take about five minutes.