THE CANADIAN PRESS
TORONTO — From the front row by the Octagon to the distant reaches of the fifth deck, the UFC turned the cavernous Rogers Centre into a giant living room Saturday night for UFC 129.
Over a dozen video screens were put in around the stadium — twice the UFC’s usual number — to give the sellout crowd of 55,000 maximum bang for their buck. The sightlines were great throughout the venue and the crisp visuals and slick production were top of the line.
From the 500 level, the fighters looked like insects while they grappled on the mat at field level. The atmosphere couldn’t be beat though, no matter where you were sitting. It was like taking in the action in a massive sports bar.
Mixed martial arts fans have waited a long time for the UFC to make its Toronto debut and there was electricity in the air from the outset.
"I’m kind of giddy, like a kid at Christmas opening up a present for the first time," said Mario Longo of Toronto, who sat in the back row of the fifth deck. "It is surreal. I just wanted to be here. I’m pinching myself after each fight, just looking down and making sure that I’m actually in the right spot. And I am, and I’m really happy to be here."
Many fans dressed the part — tight "Tapout" and "Affliction" t-shirts and stylish jeans were a popular choice. The crowd was loaded with young adults, many of whom looked like they would be heading straight to the entertainment district for a night on the town after the show.
The thundering music that blasted throughout the venue was enough to rattle your rib cage. Call UFC 129 a polished mashup of an MMA Super Bowl and a hard rock concert with edge-of-your-seat drama in the cage.
Just what UFC fans in Canada’s largest city had been waiting for.
