Mixed Martial Arts in Their Eyes: The Tennessean Covers UFC Fight Night 18
by Luke Thomas on Apr 2, 2009 11:44 AM EDT
in MMA News
Email
Print
Fans were treated to an 11-bout event that couldn't have happened in Tennessee before last summer. That's when the state legislature established the Tennessee Athletic Commission to regulate combat sports, effectively legalizing ultimate fighting.
It might have been the UFC's first time in Tennessee, but the fans appeared as knowledgeable as any who have watched the sport during its 20-year history, said the organization's president, Dana White.
Sitting ringside of the fenced octagon mat were disgruntled Denver Broncos and former Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler and state senator Doug Jackson (D-Dickson), a key player in the bringing the UFC event to Nashville.
"Anybody that thought that this wasn't worthwhile legislation, then they're not here tonight,'' Jackson said. "And this sport will get bigger and bigger. It will bring millions upon millions of dollars here to Tennessee every year. It's a wonderful sport but more importantly, it's going to bring a lot of money to the economy."
Indeed, the gate generated $626,077, in the middle of the week, organizers said.
When asked if the UFC would return to Tennessee, White said: "Hell yes we're coming back to Tennessee. We'll probably do a pay-per-view in Memphis.''
-- Mike Organ, The Tennessean, April 2, 2009
10 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Cutler was there?
I wish they showed him, he’s the most talked about athlete in sports right now. WOuld of been interesting to hear the crowds reaction
They did show him.
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Apr 2, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
I will play my game beneath the spin light.
Absurd Meridian
by Eugene Schelfaut on Apr 2, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions
“Please don’t go. Don’t gooooo…..”
If you're not submitting, you're just rolling around with another guy.
Thank you.
I will play my game beneath the spin light.
Absurd Meridian
by Eugene Schelfaut on Apr 3, 2009 3:01 AM EDT up reply actions
It might have been the UFC’s first time in Tennessee, but the fans appeared as knowledgeable as any who have watched the sport during its 20-year history, said the organization’s president, Dana White.
Really? From watching the broadcast it seemed like the crowd started booing every time the fight hit the mat.
"Japan is half-Machida" - iiowyn
Nah, I didn’t notice that. They really only booed when Bader fought and there wasn’t anything going on. I think they were knowledgable.
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Apr 2, 2009 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions
good crowd
I was impressed by the crowd. The only time i do remember even vaguely hearing a boo was during the Bader fight, near the end. The crowd was certainly better than a lot of the crowds they have been to. Man there have been some bad one’s in the last few years, and this was one of the better
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Bloody Elbow
Related FanShots on Bloody Elbow
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
MMA Rankings
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
