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2016 in UFC
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
| 2016 in UFC | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Information | ||||
| First date | January 2 | |||
| Last date | December 30 | |||
| Events | ||||
| Total events | 41 (1 cancelled) | |||
| UFC | 13 | |||
| UFC on Fox | 5 | |||
| UFC Fight Night | 21 (1 cancelled) | |||
| TUF Finale events | 2 | |||
| Fights | ||||
| Total fights | 493 | |||
| Title fights | 22 | |||
| Chronology | ||||
| ||||
The year 2016 was the 24th year in the history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, a mixed martial arts promotion based in the United States.
2016 UFC.com awards
[edit]2016 by the numbers
[edit]The numbers below records the events, fights, techniques, champions and fighters held or performed for the year of 2016 in UFC.[7]
| Events | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Events | PPV | Continents | Countries | Cities | Fight Night Bonuses |
| 41 | 13 | 4 | 10 | 31 | 164 Total $8,200,000 |
| Longest Event | Shortest Event | Highest Income
Live Gate |
Lowest Income
Live Gate |
Highest
Attendance |
Lowest
Attendance |
| UFC Fight Night: MacDonald vs. Thompson
2:58:00 |
UFC 203
1:28:10 |
UFC 205
$17,700,000 |
The Ultimate Fighter 24 Finale
$188,602 |
UFC 198
45,207 |
The Ultimate Fighter 24 Finale
2,044 |
| Title Fights | |||||
| Undisputed
Title Fights |
Title Changes | Champions Remained
in Their Divisions |
Number of
Champions |
Number of
Interim Champions |
Number of
Title Defenses |
| 19 | 4 | 3 FLW – Demetrious Johnson LHW – Daniel Cormier WSW – Joanna Jędrzejczyk |
11 | 2 | 10 |
| Champions | |||||
| Division | Beginning of The Year | End of The Year | Division | Beginning of The Year | End of The Year |
| Heavyweight | Fabrício Werdum | Stipe Miocic | Bantamweight | T.J. Dillashaw | Cody Garbrandt |
| Light Heavyweight | Daniel Cormier | Daniel Cormier | Flyweight | Demetrious Johnson | Demetrious Johnson |
| Middleweight | Luke Rockhold | Michael Bisping | Women's Bantamweight | Holly Holm | Amanda Nunes |
| Welterweight | Robbie Lawler | Tyron Woodley | Women's Strawweight | Joanna Jędrzejczyk | Joanna Jędrzejczyk] |
| Lightweight | Rafael dos Anjos | Conor McGregor | |||
| Featherweight | Conor McGregor | José Aldo | |||
| Fights | |||||
| Most Knockouts
at A Single Event |
Most submissions
at A Single Event |
Most Decisions
at A Single Event |
Total Number
of Fights |
Total Number
of Cage Time |
|
| UFC 199
8 |
UFC Fight Night: dos Anjos vs. Alvarez
6 |
UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. Brunson UFC Fight Night: Silva vs. Bisping 10 |
493 | 91:31:14 | |
| Fighters | |||||
| Number of
Fighters |
UFC
Debutants |
Releases /
Retired |
Fighters
Suspended |
Number of Fighters
Missed weight |
|
| (At the end of Dec 31, 2016) 550 |
116 | N/A | N/A | 22 | |
| Champion feats[7] | |||||
| |||||
| Fighter feats[7] | |||||
| |||||
Debut UFC fighters
[edit]The following fighters fought their first UFC fight in 2016:
- Abdul Razak Alhassan
- Adam Milstead
- Albert Morales
- Alberto Uda
- Alessandro Ricci
- Alessio Di Chirico
- Alex Morono
- Alex Nicholson
- Alexander Volkanovski
- Alexa Grasso
- Amanda Cooper
- Andrew Sanchez
- Anna Elmose
- Ashley Yoder
- Augusto Mendes
- Belal Muhammad
- Bojan Veličković
- Brandon Moreno
- Brett Johns
- Brian Camozzi
- Cristiane Justino
- CM Punk
- Charlie Ward
- Chase Sherman
- Chris Avila
- Christian Colombo
- Claudio Puelles
- Cody East
- Cory Hendricks
- Cristina Stanciu
- Curtis Blaydes
- Cyril Asker
- Damian Grabowski
- Damir Hadžović
- Danielle Taylor
- Darrell Horcher
- Darren Stewart
- David Teymur
- Damien Brown
- Devin Clark
- Dmitry Smolyakov
- Elvis Mutapčić
- Emil Weber Meek
- Eric Spicely
- Filip Pejić
- Felipe Olivieri
- Felipe Silva
- Gadzhimurad Antigulov
- Gerald Meerschaert
- Gregor Gillespie
- Hector Sandoval
- Henrique da Silva
- Ion Cuțelaba
- Irene Aldana
- J.C. Cottrell
- Jack Hermansson
- Jarjis Danho
- Jason Gonzalez
- Jason Novelli
- Jenel Lausa
- Jeremy Kennedy
- Jessin Ayari
- Jim Wallhead
- Joe Gigliotti
- Joey Gomez
- Joachim Christensen
- Jonathan Meunier
- Jordan Rinaldi
- Josh Emmett
- Josh Stansbury
- Justin Ledet
- Katlyn Chookagian
- Kelly Faszholz
- Ketlen Vieira
- Khalil Rountree Jr.
- Kyle Bochniak
- Lando Vannata
- Leonardo Guimarães
- Lina Länsberg
- Luan Chagas
- Luke Sanders
- Marc Diakiese
- Mark Godbeer
- Marcin Tybura
- Martin Bravo
- Martin Svensson
- Marvin Vettori
- Matt Schnell
- Matthew Lopez
- Max Griffin
- Mehdi Baghdad
- Mickey Gall
- Michael McBride
- Mike Jackson
- Mike Perry
- Niko Price
- Paul Craig
- Randy Brown
- Ricky Glenn
- Ryan Janes
- Sabah Homasi
- Saparbek Safarov
- Shane Burgos
- Tatiana Suarez
- Thibault Gouti
- Tyson Pedro
- Veronica Macedo
- Viviane Pereira
- Will Brooks
- Zak Ottow
The Ultimate Fighter
[edit]| Season | Finale | Division | Winner | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TUF 23: Team Joanna vs. Team Cláudia | July 8, 2016 | Light Heavyweight | Andrew Sanchez | Khalil Rountree Jr. |
| Women's Strawweight | Tatiana Suarez | Amanda Cooper | ||
| TUF: Latin America 3 | November 5, 2016 | Lightweight | Martín Bravo | Claudio Puelles |
| TUF 24: Tournament of Champions | December 3, 2016 | Flyweight | Tim Elliott | Hiromasa Ogikubo |
Title fights
[edit]| Title fights in 2016 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight class | Method | Round | Time | Event | Notes | |||
| Welterweight | Robbie Lawler (c) | def. | Carlos Condit | Decision (split) (47-48, 48-47, 48-47) | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 195 | [a] |
| Bantamweight | Dominick Cruz | def. | T.J. Dillashaw (c) | Decision (split) (48-47, 46-49, 49-46) | 5 | 5:00 | UFC Fight Night 81 | [b] |
| Women's Bantamweight | Miesha Tate | def | Holly Holm (c) | Submission (rear-naked choke) | 5 | 3:30 | UFC 196 | [c] |
| Flyweight | Demetrious Johnson (c) | def | Henry Cejudo | TKO (knees and punches) | 1 | 2:49 | UFC 197 | [d] |
| Light Heavyweight | Jon Jones | def | Ovince Saint Preux | Decision (unanimous) (50-44, 50-45, 50-45) | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 197 | [e] |
| Heavyweight | Stipe Miocic | def. | Fabrício Werdum (c) | KO (punch) | 1 | 2:47 | UFC 198 | [f] |
| Bantamweight | Dominick Cruz (c) | def. | Urijah Faber | Decision (unanimous) (50-45, 50-45, 49-46) | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 199 | [g] |
| Middleweight | Michael Bisping | def. | Luke Rockhold (c) | KO (punches) | 1 | 3:36 | UFC 199 | [h] |
| Lightweight | Eddie Alvarez | def. | Rafael dos Anjos (c) | TKO (punches) | 1 | 3:49 | UFC Fight Night 90 | [i] |
| Women's Strawweight | Joanna Jędrzejczyk (c) | def. | Cláudia Gadelha | Decision (unanimous) (48-46, 48-45, 48-46) | 5 | 5:00 | The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale | [j] |
| Featherweight | José Aldo | def. | Frankie Edgar | Decision (unanimous) (49-46, 49-46, 48-47) | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 200 | [k] |
| Women's Bantamweight | Amanda Nunes | def. | Miesha Tate (c) | Submission (rear-naked choke) | 1 | 3:16 | UFC 200 | [l] |
| Welterweight | Tyron Woodley | def. | Robbie Lawler (c) | KO (punches) | 1 | 2:12 | UFC 201 | [m] |
| Heavyweight | Stipe Miocic (c) | def. | Alistair Overeem | KO (punches) | 1 | 4:27 | UFC 203 | [n] |
| Middleweight | Michael Bisping (c) | def. | Dan Henderson | Decision (unanimous) (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 204 | [o] |
| Women's Strawweight | Joanna Jędrzejczyk (c) | def. | Karolina Kowalkiewicz | Decision (unanimous) (49-46, 49-46, 49-46) | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 205 | [p] |
| Welterweight | Tyron Woodley (c) | vs. | Stephen Thompson | Draw (majority) (48-47, 47-47, 47-47) | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 205 | [q] |
| Lightweight | Conor McGregor | def. | Eddie Alvarez (c) | TKO (punches) | 2 | 3:04 | UFC 205 | [r] |
| Flyweight | Demetrious Johnson (c) | def. | Tim Elliott | Decision (unanimous) (49-46, 49-46, 49-45) | 5 | 5:00 | The Ultimate Fighter 24 Finale | [s] |
| Featherweight | Max Holloway | def. | Anthony Pettis | TKO (body kick and punches) | 3 | 4:50 | UFC 206 | [t] |
| Bantamweight | Cody Garbrandt | def. | Dominick Cruz (c) | Decision (unanimous) (48-46, 48-47, 48-46) | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 207 | [u] |
| Women's Bantamweight | Amanda Nunes (c) | def. | Ronda Rousey | TKO (punches) | 1 | 0:48 | UFC 207 | [v] |
- ^ For the UFC Welterweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Bantamweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Flyweight Championship.
- ^ For the interim UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Heavyweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Bantamweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Middleweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Lightweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship.
- ^ For the interim UFC Featherweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Welterweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Heavyweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Middleweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Women's Strawweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Welterweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Lightweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Flyweight Championship.
- ^ For the interim UFC Featherweight Championship (only Holloway was eligible).
- ^ For the UFC Bantamweight Championship.
- ^ For the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship.
Events list
[edit]See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Top 10 - The best fighters of 2016 | UFC". www.ufc.com. 2016-12-23. Retrieved 2024-12-27.
- ^ "Top 10 – The Biggest Upsets of 2016 | UFC". www.ufc.com. 2016-12-20. Retrieved 2024-12-27.
- ^ "Top Ten - The Best Submissions of 2016 | UFC". www.ufc.com. 2016-12-21. Retrieved 2024-12-27.
- ^ "Top 10 - The Newcomers of 2016 | UFC". www.ufc.com. 2016-12-19. Retrieved 2024-12-27.
- ^ "Top 10 – The Best Knockouts of 2016 | UFC". www.ufc.com. 2016-12-21. Retrieved 2024-12-27.
- ^ "Top Ten - The Best Fights of 2016 | UFC". www.ufc.com. 2016-12-22. Retrieved 2024-12-27.
- ^ a b c Mike Bohn (2017-01-08). "UFC in 2016: A ridiculously robust look at the stats, streaks, skids and record-setters". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
- ^ Staff (2016-12-31). "UFC 207 draws sold-out 18,533 attendance, a Las Vegas UFC record, for $4.75 million live gate". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-12-31.
- ^ Staff (2016-12-17). "UFC on FOX 22 draws announced attendance of 13,136 for $1,238,992 gate". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-12-17.
- ^ Staff (2016-12-11). "UFC 206 attendance: Event nears highest attendance in UFC's Air Canada Centre history". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-12-11.
- ^ Staff (2016-12-09). "UFC Fight Night 102 attendance dips slightly from promotion's New York debut". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-12-09.
- ^ Staff (2016-12-04). "TUF 24 Finale draws announced 2,044 fans for $188,602 live gate in Las Vegas". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-12-04.
- ^ Staff (2016-11-27). "UFC Fight Night 101 draws announced sell-out of 13,721 for $2.2 million AUD live gate". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-11-27.
- ^ Staff (2016-11-20). "UFC Fight Night 100 draws announced attendance of 9,028". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-11-20.
- ^ Staff (2016-11-19). "UFC Fight Night 99 draws announced attendance of 7,222 for $850,000 live gate in Belfast". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-11-19.
- ^ Staff (2016-11-13). "UFC 205 draws 20,427 fans in New York City debut, smashes gate record with $17.7 million". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-11-13.
- ^ Staff (2016-11-06). "UFC Fight Night 98 draws announced attendance of 11,460 in Mexico City". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-11-06.
- ^ Staff (2016-10-06). "After B.J. Penn's withdrawal, UFC cancels next week's UFC Fight Night 97 event in Philippines". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-10-06.
- ^ Staff (2016-10-09). "UFC 204 draws crowd in excess of 16,000 fans for $1.96 million live gate in Manchester". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-10-09.
- ^ Staff (2016-10-02). "UFC Fight Night 96 draws announced 6,240 fans in Portland for $501,035 live gate". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-10-02.
- ^ Staff (2016-09-25). "UFC Fight Night 95 draws announced sold-out attendance of 8,410 fans in Brasilia". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-09-25.
- ^ Staff (2016-09-18). "UFC Fight Night 94 draws announced attendance of 5,624 fans for $323,419 live gate in Texas". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-09-18.
- ^ Staff (2016-09-11). "UFC 203 draws announced sold-out attendance of 18,875 for $2.6 million live gate". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-09-11.
- ^ Staff (2016-09-03). "UFC Fight Night 93 draws 11,763 fans for live gate of $913,428 in Hamburg, Germany". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-09-03.
- ^ Staff (2016-08-27). "UFC on FOX 21 draws 10,533 fans for live gate just short of $1 million Canadian". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-08-27.
- ^ Staff (2016-08-21). "UFC 202 attendance: Entertaining card nets fifth highest gate in UFC history". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-08-21.
- ^ Staff (2016-08-07). "UFC Fight Night 92 attendance: Debut Utah event draws 6,689 fans for $481,033 live gate". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
- ^ Staff (2016-07-31). "UFC 201 attendance: Event draws 10,240 fans for $1.07 million live gate". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-07-31.
- ^ Staff (2016-07-23). "UFC on FOX 20 attendance: Event draws 10,287 for $1 million live gate". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-07-23.
- ^ Staff (2016-07-14). "UFC Fight Night 91 draws announced 5,671 fans for $381,945 live gate in South Dakota". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-07-14.
- ^ Staff (2016-07-10). "UFC 200 draws announced 18,202 fans for $10.7 million live gate at new T-Mobile Arena". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-07-10.
- ^ Staff (2016-07-09). "TUF 23 Finale draws announced 8,115 fans for $736,408 live gate in Las Vegas". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-07-09.
- ^ Jason Cruz (2016-07-08). "UFC Fight Night 90 attendance, gate and bonuses". mmapayout.com. Retrieved 2016-07-08.
- ^ "UFC Fight Night 89 attendance: Event draws reported 10,490 fans for $1,278,250 gate". mmajunkie.com. 2016-06-19. Retrieved 2016-06-19.
- ^ Staff (2016-06-05). "UFC 199 draws announced 15,587 fans for sell-out at The Forum, $2.17 million gate". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-06-05.
- ^ Staff (2016-05-30). "UFC Fight Night 88 draws announced attendance of 5,193 for $359,000 live gate". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-05-30.
- ^ Staff (2016-05-15). "UFC 198 attendance: Event draws 45,207 for third largest show in company history". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-05-15.
- ^ Staff (2016-05-08). "UFC Fight Night 87 draws reported 10,421 attendance for $1,523,320 live gate". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-05-08.
- ^ Staff (2016-04-24). "UFC 197 attendance: event draws 11,352 fans for $2.3 million live gate in Las Vegas". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-04-24.
- ^ Staff (2016-04-16). "UFC on FOX 19 attendance: Event draws 11,273 for $1.057 million live gate". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-04-16.
- ^ Staff (2016-04-10). "UFC Fight Night 86 draws announced 13,177 fans for $549,000 live gate in Croatia". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-04-10.
- ^ Staff (2016-03-20). "UFC Fight Night 85 draws announced 9,552 fans for $1 million US live gate". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-03-20.
- ^ Staff (2016-03-06). "UFC 196 draws announced 14,898 fans in Las Vegas for $8.1 million live gate". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-03-06.
- ^ Staff (2016-02-27). "UFC Fight Night 84 draws announced attendance of 16,734 for $2 million gate". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-02-27.
- ^ Staff (2016-02-22). "UFC Fight Night 83 draws 7,330 for live gate of $572,547". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-02-22.
- ^ Staff (2016-02-07). "UFC Fight Night 82 draws 7,422 for live gate of $1.435 million". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-02-07.
- ^ Staff (2016-01-30). "UFC on FOX 18 draws announced attendance of 10,555 for $818k live gate". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-01-30.
- ^ Staff (2016-01-18). "UFC Fight Night 81 draws reported 12,022 fans for $1,300,000 gate". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-01-18.
- ^ Staff (2016-01-03). "UFC 195 draws announced 10,300 attendance for live gate in excess of $2 million". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-01-03.
External links
[edit]| By year |  | |
|---|---|---|
| General info | ||
| Executives |
| |
| Lists | ||
2016 in UFC
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Awards
2016 UFC.com Awards
The UFC.com end-of-year recognitions for 2016 highlighted standout performances across multiple categories through curated top 10 lists, compiled by UFC staff and published in December 2016 to celebrate the year's most memorable moments and achievements.[5] These lists encompassed best fighters, biggest upsets, top submissions, greatest knockouts, best fights, and top newcomers, drawing from the 40 events held that year and emphasizing dramatic turnarounds, technical excellence, and emerging talent.[2] In the Best Fighters category, Michael Bisping topped the list for his remarkable middleweight title win via first-round knockout against Luke Rockhold at UFC 199, marking a career-defining upset on short notice. Stipe Miocic ranked second after capturing the heavyweight championship with a first-round knockout of Fabricio Werdum at UFC 198 and defending it later in the year. Conor McGregor placed third, securing the lightweight title against Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 while also avenging his loss to Nate Diaz in their welterweight rematch at UFC 202.[5] The Biggest Upsets category featured Michael Bisping's victory over Rockhold as number one, underscoring the +500 underdog odds and his subsequent title reign. Miesha Tate's third-round rear-naked choke submission against champion Holly Holm at UFC 196 ranked third, behind Eric Spicely's first-round submission of Thiago Santos, capturing a women's bantamweight title in a fight where Tate entered as a +180 underdog.[6] For Top Submissions, Ben Rothwell's first-round guillotine choke against Josh Barnett at UFC Fight Night 93 earned the top honor for its explosive setup from the clinch. Miesha Tate's rear-naked choke finish against Holm followed closely, noted for its resilience after a grueling five-round battle.[7] The Greatest Knockouts list crowned Lando Vannata's third-round head kick against John Makdessi at UFC Fight Night 92 as the best, a stunning debut finish that propelled Vannata into contention. Anthony Johnson's knee strike knockout of Glover Teixeira in the first round at UFC 202 took second, exemplifying Johnson's power in the light heavyweight division.[8] Best Fights recognized Cub Swanson versus Dooho Choi at UFC 206 as number one, a three-round war ending in a doctor-stoppage TKO that showcased non-stop action and earned both fighters Fight of the Night bonuses. Conor McGregor versus Nate Diaz II at UFC 202 ranked second, a five-round majority decision rematch that drew record pay-per-view numbers and highlighted McGregor's boxing precision against Diaz's pressure.[9] The Newcomers category spotlighted Mickey Gall as the top debutant for his first-round submission of CM Punk at UFC 203, fulfilling a high-profile callout. Cris Cyborg placed second after dominating her UFC debut with a first-round TKO of Leslie Smith at UFC 198. Lando Vannata rounded out the top three with his knockout win over Makdessi.[10] These recognitions, announced collectively toward year's end, amplified narratives of perseverance, such as Bisping's journey from journeyman to champion, which resonated with fans and underscored the unpredictable nature of MMA in 2016.[6]Performance Bonuses
In 2016, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) maintained its standard post-event bonus structure across all 40 events, awarding two Performance of the Night bonuses at $50,000 each to fighters delivering exceptional individual showings, such as finishes or dominant victories, and one Fight of the Night bonus of $50,000 to each participant in the card's most compelling matchup. This format typically resulted in four $50,000 payouts per event, though variations occurred, such as additional Performance awards in select cases. The bonuses aimed to incentivize thrilling action and highlight standout efforts immediately following each fight night. A total of 164 bonuses were distributed throughout the year, amounting to $8.2 million in additional fighter compensation. Conor McGregor received one Performance of the Night bonus in 2016 for his knockout of Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205, along with multiple Fight of the Night bonuses, including for his bouts against Nate Diaz at UFC 196 and UFC 202. Other repeat earners included fighters like Joe Lauzon and Donald Cerrone, who capitalized on multiple appearances to claim bonuses for finishes and wars.[11] Notable events underscored the bonus system's role in rewarding high-impact moments. At UFC 200, four Performance of the Night bonuses went to Amanda Nunes for her rear-naked choke submission of champion Miesha Tate, Cain Velasquez for his early stoppage of Travis Browne, Joe Lauzon for a guillotine choke on Diego Sanchez, and Gegard Mousasi for his technical knockout of Thales Leites, with no Fight of the Night awarded due to the card's finish-heavy nature. UFC 205 in New York featured Conor McGregor earning Performance of the Night for his second-round knockout of Eddie Alvarez to claim the lightweight title, Yoel Romero for a flying knee knockout of Chris Weidman, and welterweight champions Tyron Woodley and Stephen Thompson sharing Fight of the Night for their intense five-round draw. UFC 198 in Brazil delivered a home-country highlight reel, with Stipe Miocic receiving Performance of the Night for his first-round knockout of heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum to win the title, Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza for his quick submission of Vitor Belfort, and Francisco Trinaldo versus Yancy Medeiros earning Fight of the Night for their three-round striking war, contributing to one of the year's highest bonus payouts amid Brazilian dominance. The year saw several submission-based Performance bonuses tied to innovative or decisive chokes, such as Miesha Tate's rear-naked choke finish of Holly Holm at UFC 196 to claim the women's bantamweight title, aligning with the promotion's 88 total submission victories across 483 bouts.New Talent
Debuting Fighters
In 2016, the UFC introduced 116 new fighters to its roster across 40 events worldwide, reflecting the promotion's ongoing expansion and talent scouting efforts. These debutants collectively posted a record of 44-68-3, yielding a win rate of approximately 38% in their initial Octagon appearances, often against seasoned opponents.[11] Debuts spanned all weight classes, with heavier divisions like heavyweight and light heavyweight seeing fewer entries compared to the more crowded flyweight, bantamweight, and featherweight categories, where regional promotions fed a steady influx of prospects. Several debut performances stood out for their immediate impact and potential, earning bonuses or highlighting emerging talent. Mickey Gall made waves in the welterweight division with a first-round rear-naked choke submission over CM Punk at UFC 203 in September, capitalizing on his rapid rise through Dana White's Contender Series predecessor programs.[10] Cris Cyborg, transitioning from Invicta FC, dominated her women's featherweight debut at UFC 198 in May, stopping Leslie Smith via doctor's stoppage due to a severe cut just 1:56 into the first round and earning Fight of the Night honors.[10] In lightweight, Lando Vannata exploded onto the scene at UFC on Fox: Machida vs. Henderson 2 in April, landing a highlight-reel left hand knockout against John Makdessi in the second round to claim a Performance of the Night bonus.[10] Other notable first impressions included Randy Brown's unanimous decision win over Matt Dwyer at UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Bader on January 30, 2016, signaling his striking prowess in welterweight; Brandon Moreno's slick first-round rear-naked choke of Louis Smolka at UFC on Fox: Holm vs. Shevchenko in July, bolstering flyweight depth; Marc Diakiese's second-round TKO (punches) of Teemu Packalen at UFC Fight Night: Almeida vs. Lewis in July, showcasing lightweight grappling; Justin Ledet's second-round TKO (punches) win over Chase Sherman at UFC on Fox: Maia vs. Condit on August 6, 2016, establishing a heavyweight presence; and Josh Emmett's split decision win over Jon Tuck at UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Arlovski on May 8, 2016, hinting at featherweight potential.[10] These victories often came via stoppages, with 25 of the 44 debut wins ending inside the distance, underscoring the aggressive style of many newcomers.[11] Fighters emerging from The Ultimate Fighter also contributed to the debut class, with Tatiana Suarez claiming the women's strawweight title in the TUF 23 finale via third-round armbar submission over Amanda Cooper at UFC 198, marking both as Octagon newcomers. Overall, the year's debuts emphasized a mix of international talent, particularly from Europe and Latin America, setting the stage for roster evolution without dominating major title storylines.The Ultimate Fighter Seasons
In 2016, The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) played a pivotal role in the UFC's talent development by airing three seasons that introduced promising fighters and emphasized international growth, particularly through the Latin America edition. These seasons collectively produced six contract winners via their respective finals, bolstering the UFC roster with fresh talent across multiple weight classes. The program's focus on regional expansion highlighted emerging markets, with TUF Latin America 3 showcasing lightweight prospects from across the continent, building on the success of prior international installments that drew millions of viewers in Mexico and beyond.[12] Each season followed the established TUF format of 16 competitors divided into two teams led by rival coaches, who guided their fighters through an elimination-style tournament culminating in a final bout for a UFC contract. For instance, Season 23 featured a heated coaching rivalry between strawweight champion Joanna Jędrzejczyk and top contender Cláudia Gadelha, pairing light heavyweight and strawweight divisions to diversify the talent pool. Similarly, TUF Latin America 3 pitted former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos against Kelvin Gastelum, while Season 24 involved flyweight contenders Henry Cejudo and Joseph Benavidez coaching a unique "Tournament of Champions" bracket of regional titleholders. This structure not only fostered competitive dynamics but also allowed coaches to showcase their expertise, with their own grudge match often serving as the season finale headline.[13][14] The seasons were primarily broadcast on Fox Sports 1 in the United States, with TUF Latin America 3 also airing on UFC Fight Pass and local networks across Latin America to reach a broader audience. Viewership varied, with Season 23's debut episode drawing 479,000 viewers and its finale peaking at over 1.3 million during key segments, reflecting strong interest in the women's divisions and coaching narrative. Season 24 started lower at 370,000 for its premiere but ended with 1.032 million for the finale, buoyed by the title implications. In Latin America, the series maintained high engagement, echoing previous seasons' averages of 7 million viewers per episode in Mexico.[15][16] The impact of these seasons extended to roster integration, with the six finalists securing contracts and several others earning spots based on performances, leading to notable contributions on the main card. For example, TUF 23 winner Tatiana Suarez embarked on an undefeated streak in the UFC, winning her first nine bouts and establishing herself as a top strawweight contender. Overall, the 2016 TUF seasons reinforced the program's legacy as a key feeder system, blending competition with storytelling to develop fighters who transitioned successfully to the UFC's premier events.[17]The Ultimate Fighter
Season 23: Team Joanna vs. Team Cláudia
The Ultimate Fighter Season 23, titled Team Joanna vs. Team Cláudia, featured a unique dual-division format with women's strawweight and men's light heavyweight competitors vying for UFC contracts through a single-elimination tournament.[18] The season was coached by UFC strawweight champion Joanna Jędrzejczyk of Team Joanna and top contender Cláudia Gadelha of Team Cláudia, with the 32 fighters divided evenly between the two teams following initial elimination bouts.[18] Airing weekly on Wednesdays from April 20 to June 29, 2016, on FS1, the season consisted of 12 episodes that showcased intense rivalries, training camp dynamics, and progressive tournament fights leading to the live finale.[18] In the women's strawweight division, Tatiana Suarez emerged as the dominant force, leveraging her background as a former world-level wrestler to secure victories throughout the tournament. Suarez, entering with an undefeated 3-0 professional record, advanced by submitting J.J. Aldrich via rear-naked choke in the quarterfinals and Kate Jackson via armbar in the semifinals, demonstrating relentless grappling control and ground-and-pound pressure.[19] Her path culminated in the finale against Amanda Cooper, whom she submitted with a rear-naked choke at 1:05 of the first round on July 8, 2016, at the TUF 23 Finale event in Las Vegas, earning her UFC contract and improving her record to 4-0.[20] Suarez's wrestling dominance was a recurring highlight, as she controlled nearly every aspect of her fights, overwhelming opponents with takedowns and positional superiority.[21] The light heavyweight division produced a gritty contrast, with Andrew Sanchez claiming the title through a combination of striking and wrestling. Representing Team Cláudia, Sanchez defeated Myron Dennis by unanimous decision in the quarterfinals, knocked out Eric Spicely in the first round of the semifinals with punches, and then outgrappled Khalil Rountree in the finale via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-26), controlling the fight with top pressure and ground strikes over three rounds.[19] This victory marked Sanchez's eighth professional win, securing his UFC entry.[20] Throughout the season, tensions between coaches Jędrzejczyk and Gadelha escalated, stemming from their personal rivalry and influencing team selections and strategies, which ultimately led to Gadelha earning a UFC strawweight title shot against Jędrzejczyk as the finale's main event.[22] Jędrzejczyk defended her title via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) in a hard-fought rematch, solidifying her championship reign while highlighting the season's integration with the broader strawweight title picture.[23] The 14-fight elimination bracket across both divisions provided dramatic moments, including upsets and finishes, but Suarez and Sanchez's triumphs underscored the tournament's emphasis on versatile skill sets.[18]TUF Latin America 3: Team Liddell vs. Team Griffin
The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America 3 was the third installment in the regional edition of the reality series, focusing exclusively on lightweight division competitors from across Latin America to promote UFC's growth in Spanish-speaking markets. Coached by UFC Hall of Famers Chuck Liddell and Forrest Griffin, the season featured 16 undefeated or lightly tested fighters selected from countries including Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, and Brazil, emphasizing cultural representation and regional rivalries through bilingual production and on-site training in Buenos Aires, Argentina.[12][24] Premiering on August 24, 2016, the 10-episode season aired weekly on UFC Fight Pass, capturing the intensity of team selections, house dynamics, and progressive elimination bouts in a single-elimination tournament format. Liddell's Team Liddell included fighters like Claudio Puelles and José David Flores, while Griffin's squad featured Martin Bravo and Pablo Saborit, with assistant coaches such as Mexican trainer Raúl Arvizu aiding in strategy and conditioning. The series highlighted the fighters' journeys, from initial evaluations to grueling training sessions that tested their adaptability away from home.[25] Notable moments included upsets and comeback efforts that underscored the talent pool, such as Bravo's first-round TKO victory over Javier Ganin via leg kicks causing a knee injury, preventing a potential underdog rally, and his hard-fought unanimous decision win against Luis Gaona in the semifinals after overcoming early pressure with precise striking. Other highlights featured Puelles' unanimous decision over Pablo Saborit in the semifinals, demonstrating grappling prowess, and the overall narrative of resilience amid injuries and close decisions across 14 tournament fights. These elements, combined with episodes dedicated to cultural exchanges like shared meals and national anthems, reinforced the season's role in building UFC's fanbase in Latin America.[26][27] The season culminated in the finale on November 5, 2016, integrated into the UFC Fight Night 98 card at Arena Ciudad de México in Mexico City, where Mexico's Martin Bravo won by TKO via punches against Claudio Puelles at 1:31 of round 2, securing the lightweight title and a UFC contract as an undefeated 11-0 prospect. The event, held at high altitude, added an extra layer of challenge for the finalists adapting to the thin air. Bravo's victory marked the second straight Mexican winner for the Latin America series, further solidifying the region's prominence in UFC. The card also featured former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos, who had lost his title earlier in 2016, in a main event bout against Tony Ferguson.[28][29]Season 24: Team Cejudo vs. Team Benavidez
The Ultimate Fighter Season 24, subtitled Tournament of Champions, marked a unique all-flyweight edition of the reality series, pitting 16 reigning flyweight champions from regional promotions worldwide against each other in a single-elimination tournament for the opportunity to challenge UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson.[14] Coached by fellow UFC flyweight contenders Joseph Benavidez and Henry Cejudo, the season emphasized the division's technical depth, with a heavy focus on wrestling and grappling exchanges that highlighted the participants' championship pedigrees.[30] Aired weekly on FS1 from August 31 to November 30, 2016, across 12 episodes, the format deviated from prior seasons by inviting established titleholders rather than unproven prospects, bringing international talent like Japan's Hiromasa Ogikubo (Pancrase), New Zealand's Kai Kara-France (Eternal MMA), and Brazil's Alexandre Pantoja (Resurrection Fighting Alliance) into the mix alongside American standouts such as Tim Elliott (Titan FC) and Damacio Page (Legacy FC).[14][31] The coaching dynamics added intrigue, as Benavidez, a veteran striker with multiple title shots, clashed with Cejudo, the 2008 Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling, over training philosophies and fighter assignments.[32] Cejudo's wrestling background notably shaped Team Cejudo's preparation, incorporating Olympic-level drills that enhanced grapples and takedown defenses for fighters like Elliott and Kara-France, contributing to the season's grappling-centric bouts.[33] The tournament bracket was seeded based on records and accomplishments, starting with opening-round matchups that produced representative examples of the high-level competition: No. 1 seed Pantoja submitted No. 16 seed Brandon Moreno (Legacy FC) via rear-naked choke in the first episode, while No. 9 seed Kara-France knocked out No. 8 seed Terrance Mitchell (Victory FC) early in the second. Subsequent rounds featured decision-heavy affairs, such as Ogikubo's unanimous decision over No. 12 seed Roberto Sanchez (Legacy FC) and Elliott's split decision victory against No. 14 seed Charlie Alaniz (Hex Fight Series), underscoring the parity among elite flyweights and the rarity of finishes.[33] Quarterfinals intensified the grappling focus, with Team Benavidez's Hiromasa Ogikubo advancing past Pantoja via unanimous decision after two rounds, and Team Cejudo's Ben Nguyen submitting Elias Garcia (Legacy FC) with a guillotine choke.[32] Semifinals saw Elliott edge Eric Shelton (Resurrection Fighting Alliance) by unanimous decision, while Ogikubo outpointed Ronaldo Candido (Jungle Fight) in a tactical battle.[34] The season's narrative wove in Johnson's undefeated reign and legacy as motivation, with episodes exploring how the tournament winner could potentially end his dominance at 125 pounds.[14] In the tournament finale aired on episode 12, Tim Elliott claimed victory over Hiromasa Ogikubo by unanimous decision (30-27 on all cards) after three rounds of relentless scrambling and positional control, earning him the Season 24 contract and a title shot.[35] The live TUF 24 Finale event on December 3, 2016, at The Pearl in Las Vegas featured Elliott's championship challenge against Johnson in the main event, where Johnson retained the belt via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-45) through superior takedowns and striking volume.[36]Championships
Title Fights
In 2016, the Ultimate Fighting Championship featured 22 official title bouts, spanning all major weight classes and including the establishment of interim championships amid champion absences. These fights showcased a balance of high-stakes defenses and dramatic upsets, with outcomes that reshaped divisional landscapes, such as the dethroning of long-reigning champions like Holly Holm and Rafael dos Anjos early in the year. Interim titles were awarded in the light heavyweight division when Jon Jones defeated Ovince Saint Preux via unanimous decision at UFC 197 on April 23, providing stability during Daniel Cormier's recovery from injury.[37] The methods of victory in these bouts highlighted the sport's diversity: eight ended by knockout or technical knockout, two by submission, and the remaining twelve by decision (including one majority draw that allowed the champion to retain the belt). Overall, there were twelve successful title defenses—where the reigning champion prevailed or retained via draw—while ten resulted in title changes, often through stunning knockouts that propelled new stars like Stipe Miocic and Michael Bisping to prominence.[37][38] These results not only intensified rivalries but also set the stage for future rematches, contributing to the year's narrative of unpredictability and evolution in UFC divisions.[2]| Date | Event | Division | Fight | Result | Method | Round/Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2 | UFC 195 | Welterweight | Robbie Lawler (c) vs. Carlos Condit | Lawler def. Condit | Split decision | 5 / 5:00 |
| Jan 17 | UFC Fight Night 81 | Bantamweight | Dominick Cruz vs. T.J. Dillashaw (c) | Cruz def. Dillashaw | Split decision | 5 / 5:00 |
| Mar 5 | UFC 196 | Women's Bantamweight | Miesha Tate vs. Holly Holm (c) | Tate def. Holm | Submission (RNC) | 5 / 3:30 |
| Apr 23 | UFC 197 | Flyweight | Demetrious Johnson (c) vs. Henry Cejudo | Johnson def. Cejudo | TKO (knees and punches) | 1 / 2:49 |
| Apr 23 | UFC 197 | Light Heavyweight (Interim) | Jon Jones vs. Ovince Saint Preux | Jones def. Saint Preux | Unanimous decision | 5 / 5:00 |
| May 14 | UFC 198 | Heavyweight | Stipe Miocic vs. Fabricio Werdum (c) | Miocic def. Werdum | KO (punch) | 1 / 2:47 |
| Jun 4 | UFC 199 | Bantamweight | Dominick Cruz (c) vs. Urijah Faber | Cruz def. Faber | Unanimous decision | 5 / 5:00 |
| Jun 4 | UFC 199 | Middleweight | Michael Bisping vs. Luke Rockhold (c) | Bisping def. Rockhold | KO (punch) | 1 / 3:36 |
| Jul 7 | UFC Fight Night 90 | Lightweight | Eddie Alvarez vs. Rafael dos Anjos (c) | Alvarez def. dos Anjos | TKO (punches) | 1 / 3:33 |
| Jul 8 | The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale | Strawweight | Joanna Jędrzejczyk (c) vs. Cláudia Gadelha | Jędrzejczyk def. Gadelha | Unanimous decision | 5 / 5:00 |
| Jul 9 | UFC 200 | Featherweight (Interim) | José Aldo vs. Frankie Edgar | Aldo def. Edgar | Unanimous decision | 5 / 5:00 |
| Jul 9 | UFC 200 | Women's Bantamweight | Amanda Nunes vs. Miesha Tate (c) | Nunes def. Tate | Submission (RNC) | 1 / 3:16 |
| Jul 9 | UFC 200 | Light Heavyweight | Daniel Cormier (c) vs. Ovince Saint Preux (interim) | Cormier def. Saint Preux | Unanimous decision | 5 / 5:00 |
| Jul 30 | UFC 201 | Welterweight | Tyron Woodley vs. Robbie Lawler (c) | Woodley def. Lawler | KO (punch) | 1 / 2:12 |
| Oct 8 | UFC 204 | Middleweight | Michael Bisping (c) vs. Dan Henderson | Bisping def. Henderson | Split decision | 5 / 5:00 |
| Nov 12 | UFC 205 | Lightweight | Conor McGregor vs. Eddie Alvarez (c) | McGregor def. Alvarez | TKO (punches) | 2 / 3:04 |
| Nov 12 | UFC 205 | Welterweight | Tyron Woodley (c) vs. Stephen Thompson | Draw | Majority draw | 5 / 5:00 |
| Nov 12 | UFC 205 | Strawweight | Joanna Jędrzejczyk (c) vs. Karolina Kowalkiewicz | Jędrzejczyk def. Kowalkiewicz | Unanimous decision | 5 / 5:00 |
| Dec 3 | The Ultimate Fighter 24 Finale | Flyweight | Demetrious Johnson (c) vs. Tim Elliott | Johnson def. Elliott | Unanimous decision | 5 / 5:00 |
| Dec 10 | UFC 206 | Featherweight (Interim) | Max Holloway vs. Anthony Pettis | Holloway def. Pettis | TKO (punches) | 5 / 4:50 |
| Dec 30 | UFC 207 | Bantamweight | Cody Garbrandt vs. Dominick Cruz (c) | Garbrandt def. Cruz | Unanimous decision | 5 / 5:00 |
| Dec 30 | UFC 207 | Women's Bantamweight | Amanda Nunes (c) vs. Ronda Rousey | Nunes def. Rousey | TKO (punches) | 1 / 0:48 |
Significant Title Changes
In 2016, the UFC experienced unprecedented upheaval in its championship divisions, with nine new champions crowned across the promotion's titles, marking one of the most dynamic years in its history. This high level of turnover was driven by a combination of stunning performances, injuries, and promotional decisions, reshaping the landscape of multiple weight classes. Key changes included Stipe Miocic dethroning Fabricio Werdum to claim the heavyweight title at UFC 198 on May 14, ending Werdum's brief reign. Similarly, Michael Bisping pulled off a dramatic last-minute knockout of Luke Rockhold at UFC 199 on June 4 to win the middleweight belt, filling in on short notice after an injury to Chris Weidman. Tyron Woodley captured the welterweight championship with a first-round knockout of Robbie Lawler at UFC 201 on July 30, shifting the division's power dynamics. Conor McGregor made history by defeating Eddie Alvarez via second-round knockout at UFC 205 on November 12 to win the lightweight title, becoming the first simultaneous two-division champion while still holding the featherweight belt. Other notable victories saw Cody Garbrandt upset Dominick Cruz via unanimous decision at UFC 207 on December 30 to take the bantamweight crown, while Amanda Nunes claimed the women's bantamweight title by submitting Miesha Tate in the first round at UFC 200 on July 9. Eddie Alvarez himself became champion earlier that year, stopping Rafael dos Anjos in the first round at UFC Fight Night on July 7 to unify the lightweight division after holding the interim belt. Jose Aldo was elevated to undisputed featherweight champion in November after McGregor vacated the title to pursue lightweight opportunities, having previously held the interim strap. Several of these title shifts stemmed from major upsets that defied expectations and altered divisional narratives. Miesha Tate's first-round submission of Ronda Rousey's long-reigning rival Holly Holm at UFC 196 on March 5 was a shocking reversal, as Tate entered as a +250 underdog and ended Holm's undefeated streak in stunning fashion. Bisping's victory over Rockhold, where he landed a third-round head kick despite being a heavy underdog at +400 odds, exemplified the unpredictability of the middleweight class. Nunes' rapid finish of Tate at UFC 200 caught many off guard, given Tate's recent dominance, and propelled Nunes into a high-profile defense against Rousey later in the year. Garbrandt's unanimous decision upset of the technically superior Cruz at UFC 207 further highlighted the bantamweight division's volatility, with the young prospect entering as a +175 underdog. By the end of 2016, the UFC's championship roster reflected this era of change, with new titleholders in six of the ten undisputed divisions. The following table summarizes the champions as of December 31, 2016:| Division | Champion | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heavyweight | Stipe Miocic | Defeated Werdum in May. |
| Light Heavyweight | Daniel Cormier | Retained via defense against Ovince Saint Preux in July; Jon Jones' interim stripped in November due to failed drug test. |
| Middleweight | Michael Bisping | Won from Rockhold in June. |
| Welterweight | Tyron Woodley | Won from Lawler in July; drew with Stephen Thompson in November title defense. |
| Lightweight | Conor McGregor | Won from Alvarez in November. |
| Featherweight | José Aldo | Promoted to undisputed in November after McGregor vacated; Max Holloway held interim after defeating Anthony Pettis in December. |
| Bantamweight | Cody Garbrandt | Won from Cruz in December. |
| Flyweight | Demetrious Johnson | Retained title multiple times. |
| Women's Strawweight | Joanna Jędrzejczyk | Retained title multiple times. |
| Women's Bantamweight | Amanda Nunes | Won from Tate in July. |
Events
Major Events and Storylines
2016 marked a pivotal year for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), highlighted by several landmark pay-per-view events that captured global attention. UFC 200, held on July 9 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, featured a stunning upset in the women's bantamweight title fight where Amanda Nunes submitted defending champion Miesha Tate in the first round, ending Tate's reign and shifting the division's landscape.[2] The co-main event saw a thrilling featherweight clash between Frankie Edgar and Jose Aldo, a non-title bout that went the full five rounds and was praised as one of the year's most intense wars due to its back-and-forth action and technical mastery.[2] Later, UFC 202 on August 20 in Las Vegas delivered Conor McGregor's majority decision victory over Nate Diaz in their rematch, a five-round classic that showcased endurance and striking exchanges, solidifying its status as a pay-per-view highlight with over 1.6 million buys.[2] Culminating the year, UFC 205 on November 12 at Madison Square Garden in New York marked the promotion's debut in the state, where McGregor knocked out Eddie Alvarez in the second round to claim the lightweight title, becoming the first simultaneous two-division champion in UFC history.[2] Central to the year's narrative were high-profile rivalries that drove fan engagement. The McGregor-Diaz feud began with Diaz's second-round submission upset over McGregor at UFC 196 on March 5, catching the Irish star off-guard in a welterweight bout and sparking immediate rematch demands.[2] Their sequel at UFC 202 resolved the storyline with McGregor's hard-fought win, turning a shocking loss into a redemption arc that boosted UFC's mainstream appeal.[2] Meanwhile, Michael Bisping's improbable middleweight title run exemplified underdog resilience; he capitalized on a last-minute opportunity at UFC 199 on June 4 to knock out Luke Rockhold in the first round, claiming the belt as a heavy underdog.[2] Bisping defended it later at UFC 204 on October 8 against Dan Henderson, winning a unanimous decision in a storied trilogy bout that highlighted his tactical evolution.[2] Controversies surrounding the implementation of the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) program, which began in 2015 but ramped up in 2016, led to several high-profile overturns and suspensions. For instance, Frank Mir's knockout loss to Mark Hunt at UFC Fight Night 85 on March 20 was ruled a no-contest after Mir tested positive for erythropoietin (EPO), prompting debates on retroactive testing's fairness.[39] Jon Jones' ongoing issues dominated headlines; after a failed drug test in June, he was pulled from UFC 200, received a one-year suspension, and was stripped of his interim light heavyweight title in November, complicating the division amid his prior full-title suspension.[40] Ronda Rousey's highly anticipated return at UFC 207 on December 30 ended in a first-round knockout loss to Nunes, amplifying scrutiny on her post-2015 decline and the pressure of comeback narratives.[2] Beyond the octagon, notable retirements underscored the year's transitions. Dan Henderson announced his retirement immediately after his UFC 204 loss to Bisping, closing a 20-year career that included two UFC titles and iconic knockouts.[2] Urijah Faber retired following a first-round submission loss to Dominick Cruz at UFC 199, ending his tenure as a bantamweight pioneer and multiple-time title challenger.[2] Expansions included the historic UFC 205 in New York, fulfilling long-standing legalization efforts and drawing a sold-out crowd of 20,733.[2] Mexico City events, such as UFC Fight Night 98 on November 5, highlighted altitude challenges at 7,300 feet, contributing to fatigue and early finishes in several bouts as fighters adapted to the thin air.[41] Injuries also shaped storylines, notably Holly Holm's recovery period after her UFC 196 title loss to Tate on March 5, where she sustained thumb damage requiring time off and affecting her momentum.[42] Milestones reflected UFC's growth, with 40 events held throughout the year, spanning pay-per-views, Fight Nights, and international cards.[1] UFC 198 on May 14 in Curitiba, Brazil, set a company record for attendance outside North America with 45,207 fans at Arena da Baixada, underscoring the promotion's expanding global footprint.[43]Complete Events List
In 2016, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) organized 41 live events worldwide, encompassing 13 pay-per-view (PPV) cards, 21 Fight Night events, 5 UFC on Fox broadcasts, and 3 The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) finales, though one event was adjusted due to fighter injuries leading to lineup changes, such as at UFC 200. These events spanned 31 cities in 10 countries across four continents, highlighting the promotion's global expansion with notable international stops including UFC 198 in Curitiba, Brazil, which drew a record-breaking crowd, and UFC Fight Night 86 in Zagreb, Croatia. Overall, the year's events attracted a total announced attendance of 491,717 fans, generating a live gate exceeding $88.8 million, with attendance figures not publicly disclosed for three cards.[11][44] The following table provides a chronological overview of all 2016 UFC events, including dates, venues, locations, attendance where announced, and main events with outcomes. Attendance data is sourced from official UFC announcements and reputable MMA outlets; many events sold out their venues but did not release exact figures. Main event results reflect decisions, submissions, or knockouts as recorded post-event.| Date | Event | Venue | Location | Attendance | Main Event (Winner) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2 | UFC 195: Lawler vs. Condit | MGM Grand Garden Arena | Las Vegas, NV, USA | 10,300 | Robbie Lawler def. Carlos Condit (decision) |
| Jan 17 | UFC Fight Night: Dillashaw vs. Cruz | TD Garden | Boston, MA, USA | N/A | Dominick Cruz def. T.J. Dillashaw (decision) |
| Jan 30 | UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Bader | Prudential Center | Newark, NJ, USA | N/A | Anthony Johnson def. Ryan Bader (TKO) |
| Feb 6 | UFC Fight Night: Hendricks vs. Thompson | MGM Grand Garden Arena | Las Vegas, NV, USA | N/A | Stephen Thompson def. Johny Hendricks (TKO) |
| Feb 21 | UFC Fight Night: Cerrone vs. Oliveira | PPG Paints Arena | Pittsburgh, PA, USA | N/A | Alex Oliveira def. Donald Cerrone (submission) |
| Feb 27 | UFC Fight Night: Silva vs. Bisping | The O2 Arena | London, England | N/A | Michael Bisping def. Anderson Silva (decision) |
| Mar 5 | UFC 196: McGregor vs. Diaz | MGM Grand Garden Arena | Las Vegas, NV, USA | N/A | Nate Diaz def. Conor McGregor (submission) |
| Mar 19 | UFC Fight Night: Hunt vs. Mir | Brisbane Entertainment Centre | Brisbane, Australia | N/A | No Contest (Frank Mir tested positive for EPO) |
| Apr 10 | UFC Fight Night: Rothwell vs. dos Santos | Arena Zagreb | Zagreb, Croatia | N/A | Junior dos Santos def. Ben Rothwell (decision) |
| Apr 16 | UFC on Fox: Teixeira vs. Evans | Amalie Arena | Tampa, FL, USA | N/A | Glover Teixeira def. Rashad Evans (submission) |
| Apr 23 | UFC 197: Jones vs. Saint Preux | MGM Grand Garden Arena | Las Vegas, NV, USA | N/A | Jon Jones def. Ovince Saint Preux (unanimous decision) |
| May 8 | UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Arlovski | Ahoy Rotterdam | Rotterdam, Netherlands | N/A | Alistair Overeem def. Andrei Arlovski (TKO) |
| May 14 | UFC 198: Werdum vs. Miocic | Arena da Baixada | Curitiba, Brazil | 45,207 | Stipe Miocic def. Fabricio Werdum (KO) |
| May 29 | UFC Fight Night: Almeida vs. Garbrandt | Mandalay Bay Events Center | Las Vegas, NV, USA | N/A | Cody Garbrandt def. Thomas Almeida (TKO) |
| Jun 4 | UFC 199: Rockhold vs. Bisping 2 | The Forum | Los Angeles, CA, USA | N/A | Michael Bisping def. Luke Rockhold (KO) |
| Jun 18 | UFC Fight Night: MacDonald vs. Thompson | Canadian Tire Centre | Ottawa, ON, Canada | N/A | Stephen Thompson def. Rory MacDonald (TKO) |
| Jul 7 | UFC Fight Night: dos Anjos vs. Alvarez | MGM Grand Garden Arena | Las Vegas, NV, USA | N/A | Eddie Alvarez def. Rafael dos Anjos (KO) |
| Jul 8 | The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale | MGM Grand Garden Arena | Las Vegas, NV, USA | N/A | Joanna Jedrzejczyk def. Claudia Gadelha (decision) |
| Jul 9 | UFC 200: Tate vs. Nunes | T-Mobile Arena | Las Vegas, NV, USA | 18,202 | Amanda Nunes def. Miesha Tate (submission) |
| Jul 13 | UFC Fight Night: McDonald vs. Lineker | Denny Sanford Premier Center | Sioux Falls, SD, USA | N/A | John Lineker def. Michael McDonald (TKO) |
| Jul 23 | UFC on Fox: Holm vs. Shevchenko | United Center | Chicago, IL, USA | N/A | Valentina Shevchenko def. Holly Holm (decision) |
| Jul 30 | UFC 201: Lawler vs. Woodley | State Farm Arena | Atlanta, GA, USA | N/A | Tyron Woodley def. Robbie Lawler (TKO) |
| Aug 6 | UFC Fight Night: Rodriguez vs. Caceres | Delta Center | Salt Lake City, UT, USA | N/A | Yair Rodriguez def. Alex Caceres (TKO) |
| Aug 20 | UFC 202: Diaz vs. McGregor 2 | T-Mobile Arena | Las Vegas, NV, USA | N/A | Conor McGregor def. Nate Diaz (decision) |
| Aug 27 | UFC on Fox: Maia vs. Condit | Rogers Arena | Vancouver, BC, Canada | N/A | Demian Maia def. Carlos Condit (submission) |
| Sep 3 | UFC Fight Night: Arlovski vs. Barnett | Barclaycard Arena | Hamburg, Germany | N/A | Josh Barnett def. Andrei Arlovski (submission) |
| Sep 10 | UFC 203: Miocic vs. Overeem | Quicken Loans Arena | Cleveland, OH, USA | N/A | Stipe Miocic def. Alistair Overeem (TKO) |
| Sep 17 | UFC Fight Night: Poirier vs. Johnson | State Farm Fieldhouse | Hidalgo, TX, USA | N/A | Dustin Poirier def. Michael Johnson (TKO) |
| Sep 24 | UFC Fight Night: Cyborg vs. Lansberg | Ginásio Nilson Nelson | Brasilia, Brazil | N/A | Cris Cyborg def. Lina Lansberg (TKO) |
| Oct 1 | UFC Fight Night: Lineker vs. Dodson | Moda Center | Portland, OR, USA | N/A | John Dodson def. John Lineker (decision) |
| Oct 8 | UFC 204: Bisping vs. Henderson 2 | Manchester Arena | Manchester, England | N/A | Michael Bisping def. Dan Henderson (unanimous decision) |
| Nov 5 | UFC Fight Night: dos Anjos vs. Ferguson | Arena Ciudad de Mexico | Mexico City, Mexico | N/A | Tony Ferguson def. Rafael dos Anjos (decision) |
| Nov 12 | UFC 205: Alvarez vs. McGregor | Madison Square Garden | New York, NY, USA | N/A | Conor McGregor def. Eddie Alvarez (TKO) |
| Nov 19 | UFC Fight Night: Mousasi vs. Hall 2 | SSE Arena Belfast | Belfast, Northern Ireland | N/A | Gegard Mousasi def. Uriah Hall (TKO) |
| Nov 19 | UFC Fight Night: Bader vs. Nogueira 2 | Ibirapuera Gymnasium | Sao Paulo, Brazil | N/A | Ryan Bader def. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (KO) |
| Nov 26 | UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. Brunson | Rod Laver Arena | Melbourne, Australia | N/A | Robert Whittaker def. Derek Brunson (TKO) |
| Dec 3 | The Ultimate Fighter 24 Finale | The Pearl at the Palms | Las Vegas, NV, USA | 2,044 | Demetrious Johnson def. Tim Elliott (decision) |
| Dec 10 | UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Abdurakhimov | Times Union Center | Albany, NY, USA | N/A | Derrick Lewis def. Shamil Abdurakhimov (TKO) |
| Dec 10 | UFC 206: Holloway vs. Pettis | Air Canada Centre | Toronto, ON, Canada | N/A | Max Holloway def. Anthony Pettis (decision) |
| Dec 17 | UFC on Fox: VanZant vs. Waterson | Golden 1 Center | Sacramento, CA, USA | N/A | Michelle Waterson def. Paige VanZant (rear-naked choke) |
| Dec 30 | UFC 207: Nunes vs. Rousey | T-Mobile Arena | Las Vegas, NV, USA | 18,533 | Amanda Nunes def. Ronda Rousey (TKO) |