The UFC's return to Australian was a successful one despite a big last minute change.
UFC 234: Adesanya vs. Silva drew 15,238 fans for a gate of $2.5 million US. The night was originally scheduled to be headlined by a Middleweight Title bout against Robert Whittaker and Kelvin Gastelum, but the fight fell through the day of the event due to Whittaker suffering a hernia. The co-main event between Israel Adesanya and Anderson Silva was bumped to the main event.
The only other UFC event held at Rod Laver Arena was UFC Fight Night 101 in November 2016. The event, which was headlined by Robert Whittaker and Derek Brunson, drew 13,721 fans for a gate of $1.5 million US.
As far as bonuses go, Adesanya and Silva won Fight of the Night for their 15-minute showdown to cap off the event. Adesanya picked up the victory by unanimous decision, out-striking the legend in a crowd-pleasing contest. Both fighters earned an extra $50,000 for their bout.
Devonte Smith walked away with one Performance of the Night bonus thanks to his first-round TKO victory over Dong Hyun Ma. Montana De La Rosa earned the other Performance of the Night bonus with her second-round submission win over Nadia Kassem. Both fighters earned $50,000.
Full Information:
Attendance: 15,238
Gate: $2.5 million US
Fight of the Night ($50,000 each): Israel Adesanya vs. Anderson Silva
Performance of the Night ($50,000 each): Devonte Smith & Montana De La Rosa
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