UFC 289, held at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, proved to be a night of thrilling bouts, record-breaking numbers, and unexpected goodbyes. The event marked the sixth time the UFC has hosted a show in British Columbia, and the city’s enthusiastic fans were treated to an unforgettable spectacle. The night was not only a testament to the growing popularity of the sport in the region but also a showcase of the immense talent within the UFC.
Dana White’s Love for Vancouver and Canadian UFC Fans
UFC President Dana White has always been vocal about his admiration for Vancouver and Canadian mixed martial arts fans. He reiterated this sentiment during the post-event press conference, lauding the warmth and hospitality of the people in Canada.
“This country has been very good to us since the beginning,” White said. “Vancouver is always going to be a destination. This arena treats us well; the city has been great. The people in Canada are the best. I mean, there are not a lot of negative things you can say about coming to Canada. Everything about this country is awesome.”
The support from the local fans was evident at UFC 289, with a sold-out crowd of 17,628 in attendance, generating a staggering $5.14 million in gate revenue. This figure surpasses the previous record of $4.2 million set in 2010 during the promotion’s debut event in Vancouver. Since then, the UFC has returned for shows in 2011, 2014, 2016, and 2019.
While no further Canadian dates are currently on the UFC calendar, White hinted at the possibility of visiting Toronto in the future. However, he also expressed his desire to go “everywhere,” suggesting that other Canadian cities may also get a chance to host events before the UFC makes a return to Vancouver.
The Canadian Pride: Fighters and Fans United in Passion
Canadian fighter Kyle Nelson, speaking to UFC.com before the event, expressed his excitement at fighting in his home country.
“Canada is kind of the best country in the world,” Nelson said. “It’s always great to fight in the best country in the world. That’s awesome. I enjoy going to England and all over the States and stuff, but there’s something about the atmosphere in the fight fans here in Canada that really wakes up your inner spirit.”
Indeed, the electrifying atmosphere at Rogers Arena was undeniable, with fans passionately cheering on their favorite fighters throughout the night. Even with minor incidents, such as scuffles in the crowd and a collapsed railing, the evening was an overwhelming success for both the promotion and local fans.
The Lioness’ Last Roar: Amanda Nunes Retires After Dominant Victory
The main event of UFC 289 saw two-division champion Amanda Nunes defend her title against challenger Irene Aldana. Nunes, known as “The Lioness,” delivered a masterful performance, displaying her prowess in striking and grappling to secure a dominant victory over Aldana.
However, the night took an unexpected turn when Nunes ceremoniously left her gloves on the canvas, signaling her retirement from the world of mixed martial arts. The news sent shockwaves through the MMA community as fans and fellow fighters alike reacted to the sudden departure of one of the sport’s greatest champions.
Julianna Pena’s Bitter Reaction to Nunes’ Retirement at UFC 289
Julianna Pena, a former opponent of Nunes, did not take the news of the latter’s retirement well. Pena, who was originally scheduled to face Nunes at UFC 289 before a broken rib forced her to withdraw, took to Twitter to express her frustration.
“I scared you so bad into retirement,” Pena wrote. “Personally, congratulations. Professionally, wtf was that?”
Pena’s disappointment stems from the fact that with Nunes’ retirement, any potential trilogy between the two fighters has vanished. The two competitors have a storied history, with Pena initially capturing the bantamweight title from Nunes in a shocking upset in 2021. However, Nunes avenged her loss in their subsequent rematch, dominating Pena en route to a unanimous decision victory.
“UFC 289: A night of grit and glory, where warriors battled and legends were made – a true testament to the unyielding spirit of the Octagon. 🥊💥 #UFC289 #MMA”
Nunes’ Legacy: A Champion Who Redefined the Sport
Amanda Nunes’ retirement marks the end of an era for women’s MMA. As a two-division champion, Nunes has built an impressive resume, defeating some of the biggest names in the sport, including Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, and Holly Holm. Her legacy as a dominant champion and a trailblazer for women in combat sports will undoubtedly live on, inspiring future generations of fighters.
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In Conclusion: UFC 289 – A Night for the Ages
UFC 289 will go down in history as a memorable and record-breaking event. From Dana White’s praise for Vancouver and its passionate fans to the emotional retirement of Amanda Nunes, the night was filled with unforgettable moments. As the UFC continues to expand its presence in Canada, fans can look forward to more thrilling events in the years to come.
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