UFC Fight Night 35 Gate and Attendance: Low Attendance Justified By The Big Picture

The Ultimate Fighting Championship released the attendance and gate figures from UFC Fight Night 35 which took place on Wednesday at The Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth, Ga.

5,822 spectators were on hand to witness the 12-fight card featuring former Strikeforce middleweight champion Luke Rockhold facing Constantino Philippou in the featured attraction.  The event garnered $231,951 in gate receipts.

The event preceded the premier of The Ultimate Fighter Nations: Canada vs. Australia on Fox Sports 1 with the purpose of kick starting the new season of the reality show.

Asked about the sparse attendance, UFC president Dana White said it was justified by the bigger picture.

“We had TUF Nations which was launching tonight, and it’s always better when you roll into one of those TUF fights with the live fights,” said White.  ”You’re going to take your lumps on the gate sometimes, but it’s worth it.  The big picture.”

Rockhold defeated Philippou by technical knockout in the opening round via kicks to the body.  Also on the card, T.J. Dillashaw moved up the bantamweight rankings with a unanimous decision win over Mike Easton.  Olympic Silver Medalist Yoel Romero extended his winning streak to three with a come-from-behind TKO win over a game Derek Brunson.  Brad Tavares logged a unanimous decision over Lorenz Larkin while Cole Miller kicked off the card with a submission victory over Sam Sicilia.  In flyweight action, John Moraga remained a contender by squeaking out a split decision over Dustin Ortiz.

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