Looking back at UFC 102

By Andy Samuelson

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

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?”