The Ultimate Fighting Championship is looking to make the recently announced Toronto event the biggest in mixed martial arts history according to Tom Wright, head of operations for the promotion in Canada.
Wright hopes to smash attendance records with UFC 129 at the Rogers Centre, noting that although the venue could hold up to 68,000 fans the are planning anywhere from 25,000 – 40,000 in order not to “compromise the fan experience.”
Although no bouts have been discussed for the event, Wright hoped to see two UFC titles on the line for the show.
With UFC welterweight champ Georges St-Pierre’s recent win and 28 day medical suspension, there is plenty of time for the French-Canadian to prepare for his next title defense against Jake Shields at the event. Also a date for the UFC heavyweight title defense is still up in the air as current champ Cain Velasquez is set to face Junior dos Santos with no known timeframe for their bout.
“We’ve talked about the 30,000 to 40,000 range. Whatever it is, we’re going to set a record here in terms of turnstile attendance,” said Wright. “I can tell you it will be north of 25,000 and probably south of 40,000…The fact of the matter is (UFC matchmaker) Joe Silva does a great job. (UFC president Dana White) and (CEO Lorenzo Fertitta) know their stuff. It’s going to be a great card. What I’m lobbying for, I’d like to see two championships, a UFC 100 type of card.”
HT: MMAWeekly.com