According to UFC President Dana White at the UFC 106 post-fight press conference, 10,529 fans packed into the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nev. this past Saturday night to watch Forrest Griffin out-point Tito Ortiz to win a split decision at UFC 106: Ortiz vs. Griffin 2. White also stated the live gate for the event was $3 million.
As is the custom, the UFC 106 “fight night bonuses” were also announced.
“Fight of the Night” most deservedly went to Josh Koscheck and Anthony Johnson for a two round war between two of the sport’s most gifted athletes. It was a fast-paced fight that saw both fighters in advantageous positions. In the end, Koscheck’s wrestling paid the dividends that got him the victory. Both Koscheck and Johnson took home a bonus of $70,000 each for their performance.
In addition to his “Fight of the Night” bonus, Koscheck was also awarded another $70,000 for “Submission of the Night.” In round two Koscheck took Johnson to the ground, took his back, and sunk in a rear-naked choke, and with just 13 seconds left in the round, Johnson was forced to tap.
“Knockout of the Night” went to Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, who was making his UFC debut. Although Cane is considered one of the division’s most dangerous strikers, “Lil Nog’s” speed and power was too much for him.
In round one, Nogueira rocked Cane with a left that put him on the run. Smelling the blood, Nogueira stalked Cane, and delivered a another big left punch to the chin that dropped Cane to the canvas. He delivered a final blow to the downed opponent, and in just under two minutes, Cane was out and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira was $70,000 richer.
In Nogueira’s last seven victories, five of them have come via knockout. He just made a huge statement to the UFC light heavyweight division, and announced his arrival to the promotion with a remarkable performance.