First-ever UFC sanctioned event takes place in Saskatoon
Sunday night's event seen by UFC fans across the world
The first-ever UFC sanctioned event in Saskatchewan was a bit of a mixed bag for fans who packed Saskatoon's SaskTel Centre on Sunday night.
"Fight Night", which was broadcast to fight fans around the world, featured 12 bouts. The main event, a featherweight match between Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira, was stopped in the opening round when Oliveira suffered a neck injury.
However, fans did have reason to cheer during several matches including a third round TKO by Canadian welterweight Patrick Cote and a decisive first round victory by veteran Brazilian lightweight Francisco Trinaldo.
Sunday's event wrapped up a busy three days of UFC activities in Saskatoon. Fans had the opportunity to meet their favourite fighters at various autograph sessions and were able to watch the weigh-ins on Saturday afternoon.
Saskatoon UFC fighter Mitch Clarke, who was unable to fight due to a training injury, said the weekend's events should help raise the profile of the sport in Saskatchewan.
"People should go to these events with an open mind. Once they experience it, they'll have that mixed martial arts fever."