The final show of the year for the UFC is typically a showcase for the best talent that the world of mixed martial arts has to offer. From title fights to grudge matches to marketable behemoths, the biggest stars in MMA history have been booked on a New Year’s card or two over the years.
For example, let’s take a look at some past events. UFC 66 was the home of Liddell vs Ortiz II, which was the biggest fight in UFC history at that point, and the event also booked top stars Forrest Griffin, Andrei Arlovski and Michael Bisping on the main card.
Considered to be one of the best cards in UFC history, UFC 92 took place at the end of 2008 with a pair of title fights. Not only did Ultimate Fighter winners collide in the main event, but Forrest Griffin and Rashad Evans were also battling for the UFC Light-Heavyweight championship. Frank Mir and Big Nog fought over the UFC Interim Heavyweight title, while Rampage Jackson and Wanderlei Silva ended their epic rivalry on the same card.
In history, only three UFC events have sold 1,000,000 or more events without the star power of Brock Lesnar. Both UFC 66 and UFC 92 are on that short list. What kind of fights could we make on this year’s card to break that number?
Keeping in mind fighters’ rankings within their division, as well as their marketability and timeline for return, I have put together a proposed fight card for the 2013 New Year’s card. Similar to UFC 144, I have decided to book this event with a seven-fight main card.