Sherdog’s Top 10: Largest Crowds in MMA History

Brian KnappMay 24, 2017

4. UFC 129


Records fell on April 30, 2011, as UFC 129 drew 55,724 fans -- it remains the largest crowd to see an MMA event in North America -- to the Rogers Centre in Toronto, resulting in a $12.1 million gate. Georges St. Pierre defeated Jake Shields by unanimous decision in the main event to retain the welterweight championship. It was part of a remarkable St. Pierre reign atop the 170-pound division that included victories over Jon Fitch, B.J. Penn, Thiago Alves, Dan Hardy, Josh Koscheck, Carlos Condit, Nick Diaz and Johny Hendricks. In the co-headliner, featherweight champion Jose Aldo needed five rounds to turn away the advances of Mark Hominick. UFC 129 also witnessed the final appearance of a retiring Randy Couture, who was felled by a jumping front kick from Lyoto Machida in the second round. “The Natural” walked away as one of only two men -- Penn was the other -- to capture UFC championships in multiple weight classes.

Continue Reading » Number 3