Dana White confirms UFC on Versus 2 moved from Utah to San Diego, California
Posted on June 15, 2010, 07:43 AM by Daniel CassidyFor the first time in promotion's history, UFC president Dana White confirmed that the second UFC card on the Versus network will no longer go ahead in Salt Lake City, Utah despite tickets already being on sale. Fans who bought tickets for the event in Utah can expect a refund.
The UFC confirmed today that instead the event will be held in San Diego, California. While UFC are currently blaming poor ticket sales, it is believed there may be another factor which caused the UFC to move to an alternative venue. It is believed that Utah's huge Mormon community objected to the arrival of the company, as well as the fact it was schedueled for a Sunday night.
Whatever the reason, UFC are sticking to the poor ticket sales story, with Dana White releasing this statement:
"Our television ratings in Salt Lake City have always been strong," White said. "When we finally found the opportunity to bring a UFC event there with a great card, I was very surprised and disappointed in ticket sales.
"As a result, for the first time in UFC history, I decided to pull the plug and move this August 1st event to the San Diego Sports Arena."
The card is headlined by the Light Heavyweight showdown between Jon Jones and Vladimir Matyushenko.
Further reading: BloodyElbow.com
Comments
San Diego gets a lucky surprise. I bet it had to do with money. Money is the reason for everything.
Told you yesterday! San Diego here we go!
First Live Event! yes! yeS! YES!
mormon men used to be able to marry multiple women and that changed and now they got no love for mma, wow by the way that guy from tuf that lost to james wilk that had beef with bisping is mormon
Utah's loss, San Diego's gain. Just keep the card intact and I'm good either way.
I wouldn't be surprised, however, if the huge Mormon population had something to do with slowing down ticket sales. The Mormon faith is ridiculous (to each his own) in that area and can be pretty persuasive to their followers. If it sounds like a cult that's because it is pretty close to being one.
The Mormon population would have something to do with low ticket sales because the event was on a Sunday. I'm Mormon and so are most my friends and we are all MMA fans.
As Christians we are taught that Sunday is a day for rest and worship, hence the low ticket sales for a Sunday event. It's really no different that those that observe Lent by only eating fish on Fridays. I wonder if the steakhouses close down on Fridays in a community consisting of mostly people that observe Lent?
If it would have been on a Saturday it would have been sold out, guaranteed. Mormons are huge sports fans.
No disrespect meant. I visited there when I was younger and it was pretty evident that there was a huge Mormon population, and I can easily see how, especially on a Sunday, that this could greatly affect ticket sales. Being a devout Catholic is no different really.
No disrespect taken, except maybe the cult comment. I just figured there were enough questions about why Dana moved it that I would provide insight to the most likely reason and I don't blame him for moving it. The Utah Jazz basketball owner even requests from the NBA that no home games are played on Sundays because nobody shows up. It makes perfect financial sense for Dana to move the fights.
People that don't know the Mormon culture think we are trying to prevent all things of a non-religious nature. It's simply not true. We dress and act like everybody else in the country and enjoy the same sports and activities. Except for the no alcohol thing it would be hard to pick us out of a crowd. So to insinuate that the Mormon church leaders are telling us not to attend is not true.
Personally I'm looking forward to the card. Should be some good scraps.
Yeah, "cult" was probably not the best choice of words. I guess I can better explain it by saying that it just appears that the Mormon following is very devoted and loyal to their beliefs, much more so than any religion I've ever seen. I thought that would have a huge affect on ticket sales for the event, not that the Mormons would try to convince non-Mormons to not go. It's cool that you explain it though, instead of just getting really upset like most here do. Religion is a personal choice, and I have no problem with any of it. The card does look to be a good one. I am very interested to see how Jones does against a seasoned veteran like Matyushenko. So far he has been most impressive. I don't drink either, so we do have something in common! Good talking to you.
Their loss... I read this article that somehow this means that the UFC is victim of their own success by growing too fast... I disagree.. I think things just happen
Yeah money....SD all day finally ufc does great....
" Money talks and bullshit runs marathons"
I can hear Dana now...."We dont even need these hodunck backward assed 1830's freaky cloth wearing losers. I'll make more in one night in California than those neanderthals can make farming in 100 years."
But seriously, it was poor ticket sales.
UFC make a right choice
Hey, you gotta do what's good for the business and obviously moving to San Diego was that choice. I think it will be a good fight though, Jones will have trouble with a lifelong wrestler...takedown defense takedown defense takedown defense
I really don't care because they are not coming to cincinnati ohio
BOOM..... Holy shit!! Where did Vladimir's head go? Oh never mind, its stuck to Jon's elbow....
god damit i dont have vesus. i cant afford that shi!t