THE back of a police van was the safest place for this promoter on Sunday night after he sold hundreds of tickets to an Ultimate Fighting Championship after-party that never took place.

About 300 angry UFC fans say they are at least $100 out of pocket and a CBD hotel is chasing thousands of dollars in allegedly unpaid debts.

A NSW Police spokeswoman said police found the man near the hotel - they did not arrest him but helped him seek refuge in the van.

"A man was selling tickets legitimately to attend the party for a fight that took place earlier at an event in Homebush. However the fighters chose not to attend the event which upset a number of patrons," she said. "Police believe the matter is a civil dispute and no charges are expected to be laid."

Fans turned up to "The Official Wolf's Lair 127 After Party" at Space, in the Shark Hotel, about 9pm to rub shoulders with their favourite UFC fighters.

The promoter, understood to be known as "Dell" from promotions company BFE Group, sold tickets at the door which were marked "Wolf Lairs After Party".

But the fighters never arrived and the ticket seller left the building, leaving hundreds of furious fans demanding a refund, including 18-year-old Ricardo.

"We paid cash for the tickets. When we got there we were waiting for about two hours. But by the time we went down to talk to [the promoter] he had bolted," he said. "It was a major letdown. We wanted a good night out and were hoping there'd be all these fighters."

The Adelaide local said his group of eight friends left the pub fearing a "riot"and complained to police.

Witnesses said partygoers were "agitated" before police arrived about 12.30am.

Shark Hotel licensee Sharon Coutman said the no-show had the hotel substantially out of pocket. She put on about 10 bar staff, eight security guards and three managers for an expected turn-out of about 500 people.

She said the promoter left the venue at 10.45pm saying he needed to pick up the fighters. He did not return and did not return calls.

She said it had left the hotel out of pocket.

"We're pursuing our rights. They have monies outstanding for hiring the venue," she said.

The BFE Group did not return calls yesterday.