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[Cat--Smasher]

Independent firm to drug test UFC 144 fighters; 15,000 tix sold for Japan show

The UFC has retained an independent drug-testing laboratory to screen fighters for performance-enhancing drugs and drugs of abuse later this month at UFC 144 in Japan.

The event's headliners – lightweight champ Frankie Edgar and challenger Ben Henderson – will be tested along with six to eight random competitors on the fight card, a source close to the event today told MMAjunkie.com (UFC blog for UFC news, UFC rumors, fighter interviews and event previews/recaps | MMAjunkie.com).

Approximately 15,000 tickets have been sold for the show, the source said.

UFC 144 takes place Feb. 25 at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. The event's main card airs live stateside on pay-per-view. The preliminary card is expected to air on FX.

The UFC frequently hires outside firms to conduct drug testing for international shows, where athletic commissions often aren't available.

UFC 144 is the organization's first event held in Japan since UFC 29, which took place in December 2000 when the fight promotion was under the control of its former owners, Semaphore Entertainment Group.

Independent firm to drug test UFC 144 fighters; 15,000 tix sold for Japan show | MMAjunkie.com

[0mega1]

15,000 tix doesnt seem like that many considering what the UFC has done in the past. Or, am I wrong? I am pretty ire.

[RearNakedStroke]

Originally Posted by 0mega1

15,000 tix doesnt seem like that many considering what the UFC has done in the past. Or, am I wrong? I am pretty ire.

That depends on when the tickets went on sale and how many are available for this venue. I don't know about either of those.

[Pasha K]

15,000 is not too much.
Saitama Super Arena normally has a capacity of 22,000 people for MMA events.

[earle]

Man, another PED article, this issue has just been heating up lately. First Cyborg, then King Mo, then Big Country says his piece. I think we're going to see another high-profile star get busted soon.

[Cat--Smasher]

Originally Posted by Rocky>Fedor

15,000 is not too much.
Saitama Super Arena normally has a capacity of 22,000 people for MMA events.

MMA Junkie, citing a source on background, claims that over 15,000 tickets have been sold for UFC Japan 2012 at Saitama Super Arena. If true, that is a pure success

http://www.fightopinion.com/2012/02/...t+Industry.%29

[goodtimes]

Originally Posted by Cat--Smasher

http://www.fightopinion.com/2012/02/...t+Industry.%29

Good article, it puts it all in context. It's no where near Pride numbers at it's peak, but they are still very good numbers. The biggest problem with JMMA right now seems to be the lack of quality feeder promotions. Guys with a lot of talent are fed to the wolves for their first few fights, it doesn't really make a lot of sense.