http://www.boston.com/sports/other_...29/ultimately_this_sport_is_a_big_hit/?page=1 Ultimately, this sport is a big hit Ultimate Fighting Championship, better known as UFC 118, came to Boston for the first time last night. It was a big night for Big Cheese Dana White, whose background includes significant time in South Boston. The sport was only recently legalized in the Commonwealth, and this territory was regarded as almost the Last Frontier for UFC, which has soared in popularity, thanks to both White’s zeal and his marketing savvy. Clearly, he has struck a chord. His enterprise is estimated by Forbes to be worth in excess of $1 billion and White has become a very wealthy man. Last night’s card represented the largest dollar gross of any event in TD Garden during this calendar year. Tickets were scaled from $75 to $600. For many in attendance, this was undoubtedly a dream scenario, seeing their beloved UFC up close and personal after watching all those matches on television. Among those in attendance: Shaquille O’Neal. This was not his first time at the dance, however. “I’ve been to about 30,’’ he confided. Tom Brady was also ensconced in a high-roller seat, a row in front of the Dropkick Murphys. Their rousing “For Boston’’ was the song of choice for local boy Kenny Florian, who turned in an extremely lackluster effort against Gray Maynard in a lightweight bout. White makes the cards himself, and he was disappointed in Florian’s passive approach. “Those hands should be flying,’’ White said as Florian began the third round after spending too much of the first two on his back. “But Kenny’s got nothing tonight.’’ “I personally love the city of Boston,’’ White said as he surveyed the packed house. “I was looking forward to coming here, and the way I’ve been treated this week has exceeded all my expectations. As far as the card is concerned, we’ve put all the bells and whistles in place. Now it’s up to the fighters.’’...
Re: Sports writer Bob Ryan gives grudging respect to UFC following show in Boston If you aren't familiar with Ryan, he's one of the top sportswriters in the country. He often appears on ESPN shows Pardon the Interruption and Around the Horn. In the past he has been vocal about his dislike of the UFC but he showed a lot of journalistic integrity the other night by accepting Dana White's invitation to the Garden. Clearly he's not a fan of the UFC but unlike many who prefer to criticize and catcall from afar, in this column Ryan takes a evenhanded approach and comes away with an understanding of, if not an appreciation for, mixed martial arts.
