Looking back at UFC 102

Associated Press

Antonio Nogueira, left, slips a punch thrown by Randy Couture in their fight at UFC 102 mixed martial arts match on Saturday Aug. 29, 2009 at the Rose Garden in Portland, Ore. Nogueira won the match by unanimous decision.

By Andy Samuelson

Monday, Aug. 31, 2009 | 2:05 a.m.

One Great Fight

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In the main event of UFC 102, Antonio Nogueira defeated Randy Couture by unanimous decision. Post fight it was announced that Couture resigned with the UFC a six-fight, 28-month deal.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Randy Couture’s homecoming fight might not have been a Cinderella story Saturday night during UFC 102 as the Pacific Northwest native lost to Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in a classic battle.

But UFC’s first show in the region was a success, drawing 16,088 spectators, a live gate of $1.92 million and one of the loudest crowds in the promotion’s history.

“I've been to a lot of loud UFC fights," UFC President Dana White said. "That was like concert loud. My ears are still ringing "

Here’s a look back at the UFC’s first show in Portland by the numbers:

1

Las Vegas’ Jake Rosholt, who like Couture was a standout wrestler at Oklahoma State, picked up his first win in the Octagon with a third-round submission over the Portland-based Chris Leben.

The three-time NCCA champ took down Leben with an arm triangle choke for the win at the 1:30 mark in the third.

“I knew in the third round that I needed to make it convincing. At some point in the round I wanted to take him down and do a little damage on the ground,” Rosholt said.

6

The 46-year-old Couture inked a 28-month deal for six more fights Saturday afternoon.

“I had the opportunity to stay with the organization, that was my motivation,” said the five-time UFC champ, who if he completes the contract would take him within six months of his 49th birthday.

“This is the place to be and I intend to finish my career here in the UFC.”

7

Todd Duffee thought his knockout of Tim Hague seven seconds into the fight happened even quicker. He will settle for the UFC record for quickest knockout, flooring Hague with a big left.

“He came back and grabbed me tonight and said I want to fight soon. I want the fast track, I want to fight good guys right now,” said White of the 23-year-old Duffee, who is 6-0 with all of his wins coming by knockout.

15

Minutes it took for Couture and Noguiera to finish their epic battle.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission recently approved five-minute, five-round bouts for fights that do not involve titles.

White said he doesn’t foresee the UFC instituting five-round nontitle bouts, even if he caught himself Saturday wanting the main event Saturday to go longer than the three, five-minute rounds.

“You know how many times I’ve been ringside wishing it was a five-round fight? I did it tonight,” White said.

“But I think that’s what is so special for fighting for the title. If you fight for the title, it’s a five-round fight, if you don’t it’s a three-round fight. If everything is five rounds what’s the point of having a title fight?”