UFC set to return to Denver

CONTINUING with a tradition of events filled with world class talent and historic bouts, UFC will bring another action packed event to Denver on Saturday, Jan. 28 that will air live on FOX. Bouts will be announced in the coming days and weeks.

Denver is known as a sports city, but what many mixed martial arts fans forget is that it was also the home of UFC® 1 on Nov. 12, 1993. Royce Gracie would go on to defeat Gerard Gordeau via submission in just one minute and 40 seconds. Throughout the course of the tournament, Gracie defeated a boxer, a wrestler and a kick boxer to prove that Brazilian jiu- jitsu was the martial art that reigned supreme.

Since that first event, MMA has grown immensely and become a global phenomenon. The sport is practiced by millions worldwide, become mainstream with athletes appearing on late night television and covers of magazines, but all along the way, Denver has played a key role in the evolution of the sport.

The Mile High City has played host to five UFC events: UFC 1, 2, 8, 135 and 150. UFC 135 in September 2011 saw Jon Jones defeat Rampage Jackson in a light heavyweight tilt and the promotion’s most recent visit saw Benson Henderson defeat Frankie Edgar for the lightweight world championship.

In addition to Denver, the Octagon has also landed in Broomfield, Colo. three times, most recently in February 2015. With all of the history in Denver, perhaps the most impressive statistic is that out of the 52 UFC bouts held in Denver, 42 have ended by knockout or submission.

Get the latest in the world of Sports, Teams, and Players! Free Delivery to your Inbox.