Around The UFC: UFC 126 Numbers, Penn Vs Fitch Winner Is Contender, T.U.F. To Go International

Added on Feb 16, 2011 by John Petit in

UFC & MMA

UFC 126

The numbers are back from UFC 126, and with the second straight event in Las Vegas, the UFC blew 125 out of the water. UFC 125 did a $2.17 million gate on 6,978 tickets sold with 5,896 comped seats. For UFC 126, they took in a live gate of $3,605,725. The final attendance of 10,893 was a result of 9,667 tickets sold and 1,226 comped tickets, and only 18 seats were empty for the event. The UFC 126 fighter payout was $1.3 million plus another $300,000 in bonuses.

Winner of Penn Vs Fitch To Be Number 1 Contender

UFC President Dana White announced that the winner of the UFC 127 Main Event between BJ Penn and Jon Fitch would be next in line for the 170lb title. White said “They’re definitely in the title picture. Let’s face it; the reality is BJ Penn has held titles in both weight classes. Fitch has fought for the title and has literally dominated that division for a long time; he just didn’t win the title. Either one of these guys that wins this fight is in the mix, and the number one guy.”

BJ Penn wasn’t concerned with the news, as he was focused on the task at hand. Penn said “As of now I’m not even thinking about the title shot. I’m not thinking about titles, I’m just happy to fight an opponent of Jon Fitch’s level and Jon Fitch’s stature.” Jon Fitch had a simlar response, and said that looking past BJ would be a terrible idea. He said “I don’t want to waste any time thinking about anything other than fighting B.J. right now.”

The Ultimate Fighter To Go International

White also said the first international The Ultimate Fighter could start this year. White stressed that they need to be developing and finding new talent. He said “We’re doing nothing but cultivating new talent.” He continued “The “Ultimate Fighter” is going to start airing in every country. We’re going to start doing “Ultimate Fighter” U.K., “Ultimate Fighter” Canada, the “Ultimate Fighter” Philippines, we’re doing it everywhere.”

Dana has spoke about doing this before, but he has never gave specific plans or ideas. The UFC has been concentrating on expanding in Asia, and if the right deals happen the UFC could be in 1 billion homes. White said the show could start this year, and as far as the location, “I’m pretty sure the first one’s probably going to be the Philippines.”