I actually like these Apex fights. I like being able to hear everything.
I have certainly heard that same sentiment from a some fans, that was cool at first for me but I don't like it for higher tier fights nowadays
The Energy of the Night/Event in front of a Sold Out Crowd is big for me as a fan
I think it might also be big for many fighters, some may prefer the small crowd with less spectators
I still cringe when I see that Stipe VS Ngannou 2 happened in a garage in front of 63 people...Losing your HW of the World Belt in a souped up warehouse with next to no energy in it
Feels cheap at this point when "safety" isn't an issue.
Another Covid cost cutting move that has been extended to further profits.
Just my take.