The big news on this day was the announcement that the UFC is heading to Vancouver in 2010.
Another day has come and gone in Portland, and it was a jam-packed one to say the least. The UFC 102 press conference was mainly dedicated to the main event between Randy Couture and Antonio Rodrigo Minotauro Nogueira but the big story for Canadian MMA fans was the pending announcement that the UFC would be holding a pay per view event in Vancouver, at GM Place, likely in June of 2010.
It will be a great year for Van City - first the Olympic Winter Games, another great season by Roberto Luongo, and a UFC event. Trust me - if you are lucky enough to score a ticket to the event, you are in for the time of your life.
I've been blessed to have attended to my fair share of UFC events, but nothing compares to the first event at the Bell Centre in Montreal. The atmosphere at UFC 83 was arguably, the greatest live sporting event I have ever been to. The only one that compares to it was a soccer game I attended in Italy - the fans at both venues shared the same passion. They were at a big show and it was incredible.
GSP was the main event that night and the fans in attendance got behind him right away. In between prelimanry bouts, GSP chants echoed throughout the venue. They were coupled with the famous singing of "Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole". It was truly magical and brought back memories of that famous soccer game I attended where I got my first taste of how true fanatics cheer their beloved heroes.
I've been to high energy playoff games, be it hockey, baseball and football, but nothing compares to the emotions of what I experienced on both those nights. Time and time again, I cannot tell you enough just how saddening it truly is to be at a sporting event where the vast majority of the fans are basically sitting on their hands.
And God forbid you cheer to loudly - fellow patrons turn and look at you as if you possess three heads. If you show any sort of emotion, security warns you to keep it down. This doesn't happen at soccer games and definitely doesn't happen at UFC events.
Hopefully the UFC can stack the card with Canadian fighters - if they do, the GM Place better enforce the roof, cause fans will cheer it right off its bearings. As a matter of fact, double check the walls and seats cause the foundation will shake.
And if GSP is on the card - well - I don't even want to know how loud that place is going to be.
