Mixed martial arts (MMA) will make its professional arrival in New York City when UFC 205 sets sail on Nov. 12 from Madison Square Garden. It is supposed to be the biggest event in MMA history and the most iconic card Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has ever promoted.
Even though the mega event is still two weeks away, UFC president Dana White said earlier tonight (Fri., Oct. 28, 2016) during the World Series pre-game show on FOX Sports 1 that UFC 205 has already set MSG’s gate record (which was $13.5 million). White’s FS1 appearance can be seen below:
.@ufc President @danawhite joined the Game 3 pregame show to discuss #UFC205, #CLEvsCHC & of course @PeteRose_14. https://t.co/otCsHJWIqx
— FS1 (@FS1) October 29, 2016
“I wanted to make sure when we went to New York, we delivered,” said White. “It’s the biggest, baddest card we’ve ever done in the history of the company.”
The world-renowned fight promoter isn’t lying. With three title fights, eight current or former promotional champions on display and 10 total bouts between ranked opponents, UFC 205 is destined for eternal glory. But it may be the card’s headlining act, UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor, that seals the deal for UFC’s NYC debut.
“He’s a little tough to deal with, but he’s worth it,” added White when discussing McGregor. “All the other antics and everything aside, Conor McGregor will step up and fight anybody, anywhere, any time. I’ve never been in a situation where somebody pulls out the week before a fight and he literally does not care who he fights.”
While most eyes will be on McGregor as he tries to dethrone current lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez and become the first fighter in UFC history to simultaneously hold two divisional titles, current champions Tyron Woodley and Joanna Jedrzejczyk have their own championship bouts to tend to.
Be nowhere except in front of a television screen on Nov. 12. UFC 205 has become can’t miss.