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UFC 107
UFC 107
from Wikipedia
UFC 107: Penn vs. Sanchez
The poster for UFC 107: Penn vs. Sanchez
PromotionUltimate Fighting Championship
DateDecember 12, 2009
VenueFedExForum
CityMemphis, Tennessee
Attendance13,896[1]
Total gate$1,500,000[1]
Buyrate620,000[2]
Event chronology
The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale UFC 107: Penn vs. Sanchez UFC 108: Evans vs. Silva

UFC 107: Penn vs. Sanchez was a mixed martial arts event held by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) on December 12, 2009 in Memphis, Tennessee at the FedExForum.[3]

Background

[edit]

On October 21, it was announced that a previous matchup between welterweight contenders Thiago Alves and Paulo Thiago had been changed to Alves vs. Jon Fitch because Fitch's opponent for UFC 106, Ricardo Almeida, suffered an injury. Paulo Thiago fought on UFC 106 on November 21 against UFC newcomer Jacob Volkmann and won the fight by unanimous decision.

It was then announced on October 30 that Fitch would again be without an opponent as Alves was forced to withdraw because of a posterior cruciate ligament tear.[4] It was later announced that Jon Fitch would face Mike Pierce at UFC 107.

Paul Buentello was scheduled to face Todd Duffee on the card, but an injury forced Duffee to pull out.[5] Buentello faced Stefan Struve on the card.[6]

A middleweight bout between Alan Belcher and Wilson Gouveia was changed to a 195-pound catchweight bout after Gouveia asked for a 190-pound catchweight limit, but Belcher gave a counter-offer of 195 pounds.[7]

Another matchup scheduled for this card was a match-up between The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights coaches Rashad Evans and Quinton Jackson but the bout was cancelled after Jackson was selected for the role of Cpl. B. A. Baracus in The A-Team film. The fight would later happen at UFC 114.

Results

[edit]
Main card
Weight class Method Round Time Notes
Lightweight B.J. Penn (c) def. Diego Sanchez TKO (doctor stoppage) 5 2:37 [a]
Heavyweight Frank Mir def. Cheick Kongo Technical Submission (guillotine choke) 1 1:12
Welterweight Jon Fitch def. Mike Pierce Decision (unanimous) (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) 3 5:00
Lightweight Kenny Florian def. Clay Guida Submission (rear-naked choke) 2 2:19
Heavyweight Stefan Struve def. Paul Buentello Decision (majority) (29–28, 29–28, 28–28) 3 5:00
Preliminary card
Catchweight (195 lb) Alan Belcher def. Wilson Gouveia TKO (punches) 1 3:03
Lightweight Matt Wiman def. Shane Nelson Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 30–27) 3 5:00
Welterweight Johny Hendricks def. Ricardo Funch Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 30–25) 3 5:00
Middleweight Rousimar Palhares def. Lucio Linhares Submission (heel hook) 2 3:21
Welterweight DaMarques Johnson def. Edgar Garcia Submission (triangle choke) 1 4:03
Welterweight T. J. Grant def. Kevin Burns TKO (punches) 1 4:57

Bonus awards

[edit]

The following fighters received $65,000 bonuses.[8]

  • Fight of the Night: Alan Belcher vs. Wilson Gouveia
  • Knockout of the Night: T. J. Grant
  • Submission of the Night: DaMarques Johnson

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
UFC 107: Penn vs. Sanchez was a event produced by the (UFC) on December 12, 2009, at the in . The event featured 11 bouts across multiple weight classes and was headlined by a UFC Championship fight between defending champion and challenger , with Penn retaining the title via fifth-round TKO due to a doctor's stoppage after Sanchez sustained significant cuts. In the co-main event, former heavyweight champion defeated by first-round technical submission via , marking a quick and dominant performance. Other notable main card matchups included contenders securing a victory over in a closely contested wrestling-heavy bout, and submitting with a rear-naked choke in the second round. The undercard highlighted emerging talents such as Stefan Struve's second-round rear-naked choke submission of Paul Buentello in the division and Alan Belcher's first-round TKO of Wilson Gouveia at . UFC 107 drew an attendance of 13,896 spectators and generated a live gate exceeding $1.5 million, contributing to the promotion's growing popularity in 2009.

Event Overview

Date and Location

UFC 107: Penn vs. Sanchez took place on December 12, 2009, at the in . The event was scheduled as an evening pay-per-view broadcast, with the main card beginning at 10:00 PM ET, following preliminary bouts earlier in the night. This marked the second UFC event in Tennessee, known as the Volunteer State, following the promotion's debut in the state with UFC Fight Night 18 in Nashville earlier that year. The selection of Memphis and the as the host venue reflected the UFC's expanding footprint in the , with local officials promoting the event as a significant boost for the city's sports and entertainment scene. No long-term hosting agreements were publicly detailed at the time, but the successful turnout underscored Memphis's potential as a future MMA destination, though no subsequent UFC events have returned to the city.

Attendance and Financials

UFC 107 attracted 13,896 paid attendees to the in , marking a strong turnout for the event. The live gate revenue reached $1,500,000, reflecting robust ticket sales and the event's appeal in a mid-sized market. This financial outcome underscored the UFC's expanding commercial footprint in , as regional events increasingly delivered solid returns without relying on major metropolitan centers. On the pay-per-view front, UFC 107 generated 620,000 buys, exceeding initial expectations and highlighting the drawing power of the main event matchup between and . In the context of 2009's UFC landscape, this buyrate positioned the event as a mid-tier amid a breakout year for the promotion, which amassed approximately 8 million total PPV purchases across all events—a significant increase from the approximately 6.3 million in and signaling growth in audience engagement.

Background

Announcement and Promotion

UFC 107 was initially planned in mid-2009 as part of the Ultimate Fighting Championship's (UFC) broader strategy to expand into emerging markets across the , following the organization's successful debut in earlier that year with UFC Fight Night 18 in Nashville. By July 2009, the event was already referenced in UFC announcements tied to Season 10, positioning it as a key numbered in December. This timing aligned with the UFC's post-2008 growth efforts, where overall business revenue increased by 20% in the first quarter of 2009 compared to the prior year, allowing the promotion to target regional audiences in economically recovering areas like Memphis despite broader financial challenges. The event received its official announcement on October 13, 2009, confirming the date of December 12 at Memphis's and highlighting the city's role in the UFC's Southern expansion. Promotional activities ramped up immediately, including a pre-fight on December 10 featuring key fighters and UFC executives to generate media buzz. Local tie-ins emphasized Memphis's cultural landmarks, such as a promotional "Duck Walk" event at the iconic involving headliners and , which was covered by regional outlets to engage community interest. National efforts included television advertisements on Spike TV, the UFC's primary broadcast partner at the time, alongside online previews and fighter interviews to build anticipation. Central to the marketing was the billing of the main event as "Penn vs. Sanchez," framing it as a high-stakes title defense for champion against top contender , who had earned his shot through a string of victories. Promoters hyped the matchup as a clash of styles—Penn's technical striking and grappling versus Sanchez's relentless pressure and wrestling—positioning it as a potential Fight of the Year candidate to draw buys amid the economic downturn. This focus helped integrate UFC 107 into the promotion's 2009 schedule of 20 events, reinforcing its foothold in underserved Southern markets while capitalizing on resilient fan demand.

Fight Card Changes and Storylines

The UFC 107 fight card underwent several significant alterations in the weeks leading up to the event. Originally, a welterweight bout between Jon Fitch and Thiago Alves was scheduled as a key matchup, but Alves withdrew due to a knee injury sustained during training, specifically a posterior cruciate ligament issue, forcing the cancellation of the rematch. Fitch was quickly rebooked against Mike Pierce, a late replacement who stepped in to maintain the card's competitive depth at 170 pounds. In the heavyweight division, undefeated prospect was forced to pull out of his scheduled fight against Paul Buentello after suffering an undisclosed , which sidelined the rising just over a month before the event. The UFC tapped , a 6-foot-11 Dutch fighter coming off a recent submission loss, to replace Duffee and face the veteran Buentello on the main card, adding an intriguing stylistic clash of reach and experience. Additionally, a highly anticipated light heavyweight grudge match between and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, stemming from their roles as opposing coaches on Season 10, was initially slated for UFC 107 but was scrapped due to Jackson's conflicting commitments to film the movie The A-Team, where he portrayed . The bout was rescheduled for in May 2010, preserving the rivalry's buildup. The event's narratives centered on redemption and momentum for several top fighters. Lightweight champion B.J. Penn entered his title defense against Diego Sanchez amid ongoing discussions about his challenging weight cuts to 155 pounds, a process that had drawn scrutiny in prior camps due to his natural frame and history of struggles, though he made weight without issue for UFC 107. Sanchez, on a four-fight winning streak following back-to-back losses in 2008, framed his title challenge as a personal comeback, emphasizing his evolution in striking and while aiming to prove his resilience after overcoming early career setbacks. In the co-main event, former heavyweight champion sought to rebuild his standing after a punishing loss to at , leveraging his recent submission victories over and Nogueira to position himself as a top contender against . On the undercard, emerging prospect generated buzz in his second UFC appearance, following a knockout debut win earlier in 2009, as he faced Ricardo Funch in a bout highlighting his wrestling pedigree and power from a decorated collegiate background. These changes and storylines underscored the event's theme of adaptability, with fighters navigating injuries and personal arcs to deliver high-stakes performances.

Fight Card

Main Card

The main card of UFC 107 featured five high-profile bouts, headlined by a championship clash and including matchups across and divisions. These fights were broadcast on and highlighted established contenders testing their skills against rising talents or veterans. The main event pitted champion against challenger in a five-round title bout. Entering the fight, Penn held a record of 15-5-1, known for his versatile striking and expertise that had secured him the belt earlier in 2008. Sanchez, with a 21-2 record, brought a wrestling-heavy style honed from successes at and , positioning him as the top contender aiming to dethrone Penn in a stylistic contrast of ground control versus technical stand-up. In the co-main event, Frank Mir faced Cheick Kongo. Mir entered at 12-4, leveraging his elite submission grappling from a background as a former champion. Kongo, with a 14-5-1 record, relied on knockout power and striking range developed through a seven-fight UFC tenure, creating a matchup between Mir's clinch work and Kongo's distance management. The welterweight bout featured versus . Fitch came in with a 20-3 (1 NC) overall record, emphasizing relentless wrestling and top pressure. Pierce, at 9-2, showcased raw power and defensive wrestling from his recent UFC debut win, testing Fitch's endurance against a younger, aggressive counterpart. A lightweight showdown saw take on . Florian entered with an 11-4 record, drawing on his black belt in and striking for well-rounded attacks. Guida, holding a 25-10 mark, was noted for his high wrestling output and cardio, promising a fast-paced exchange of grappling transitions and scrambles. Opening the main card was a heavyweight fight between Stefan Struve and Paul Buentello. Struve, with an 18-3 record, utilized his 6-foot-11 frame and 84.5-inch reach for leverage in strikes and submissions. Buentello, entering at 28-10, countered with veteran knockout experience and compact power punching, highlighting a reach disparity in an undercard replacement bout.

Preliminary Card

The preliminary card of UFC 107 consisted of six bouts across various es, serving to energize the audience at and introduce a blend of UFC veterans, submission experts, wrestlers, and promising newcomers to the promotion. These opening fights emphasized diverse fighting styles and provided opportunities for lesser-known competitors to gain visibility in a stacked event lineup. The card opened with a bout at 195 pounds featuring American striker , who entered with a professional record of 14-6 and was recognized for his power and resilience in prior UFC appearances. Opposing him was Brazilian Wilson Gouveia, holding an 18-6 record and noted for his experience across and divisions, including a reputation for devastating leg kicks. This non-standard matchup highlighted both fighters' versatility beyond traditional divisions. In the lightweight division (155 pounds), Matt Wiman, an American grappler with a 10-5 record and a focus on submissions from his wrestling base, faced Shane Nelson, a 12-4 striker from making his UFC debut. Wiman's experience contrasted with Nelson's aggressive stand-up style honed in regional promotions. A (170 pounds) clash brought together two undefeated UFC debutants: , a 6-0 wrestler and former All-American from , known for his explosive takedowns, against Ricardo Funch, a 7-0 Brazilian-American fighter with a balanced skill set from and striking. This bout represented a key test for emerging prospects in the competitive landscape. The (185 pounds) matchup pitted black belt , entering at 9-2 and renowned for his leg-lock submissions in UFC competition, against countryman Lucio Linhares, a 13-4 fighter with a well-rounded profile but limited international exposure prior to the event. Palhares' grappling expertise added intrigue to this all-Brazilian encounter. Another bout featured American , with a 9-7 record and a background in submissions from his competitive days, taking on Garcia, an undefeated 7-1 striker seeking to build in the UFC. Closing the preliminary card was a fight between Canadian T.J. Grant, holding a 14-3 record and bringing UFC experience with a versatile striking and grappling approach, and American , a 10-3 artist noted for his power punching in regional circuits. This matchup underscored the depth of talent on display.

Results

Main Event and Co-Main Event

The main event of UFC 107 featured UFC lightweight champion defending his title against challenger in a five-round bout. In Round 1, Penn immediately asserted dominance by landing a right hook that dropped Sanchez early, followed by ground strikes that bloodied Sanchez's nose and eye, though Sanchez survived and returned to his feet; Penn continued to control the striking exchanges with jabs and counters while stuffing a late takedown attempt. Round 2 saw Sanchez attempt multiple takedowns, all of which Penn defended effectively from the center of the , using superior footwork and brief clinch work to maintain distance and land occasional hooks. By Round 3, Sanchez's aggression waned under Penn's precise , as Penn connected with an elbow and right hook while thwarting another takedown charge, leaving Sanchez absorbing punishment without meaningful offense. In Round 4, Penn's counter-striking continued to shine, backing Sanchez against the fence with jabs and hooks amid repeated but futile efforts from the challenger, slowing the pace as Sanchez fatigued. Round 5 opened with Sanchez pressing for takedowns, but Penn sprawled successfully before delivering a high right kick that opened a severe gash above Sanchez's left eye; the ringside doctor intervened at 2:37, stopping the fight due to the cut and excessive swelling, awarding Penn a TKO victory and title retention. Penn's performance highlighted his elite counter-striking and defense, outclassing Sanchez in every facet over the 22 minutes of action. The co-main event pitted former heavyweight champion Frank Mir against Cheick Kongo in a heavyweight clash. From the opening seconds of Round 1, Mir closed distance aggressively, landing an overhand left that stunned and dropped Kongo to the canvas. Mir swiftly transitioned to the ground, securing half-guard and locking in a guillotine choke; Kongo tapped initially but the referee waved off the fight at 1:12 when he went unconscious, ruling it a technical submission victory for Mir. Mir's quick grappling expertise, rooted in his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, exploited Kongo's vulnerability to submissions, ending the fight emphatically inside the first round.

Undercard Outcomes

The undercard featured several competitive bouts across multiple weight classes, with a mix of decisions and finishes highlighting the depth of the roster.
FighterOpponentResultMethodRoundTime
Win (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)35:00
WinSubmission (rear-naked choke)22:19
Paul BuentelloWinMajority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)35:00
Wilson GouveiaWinTKO (punches)13:03
The preliminary card delivered quick finishes and grinding decisions, showcasing emerging talents. T.J. Grant overwhelmed with ground-and-pound strikes early, securing a first-round stoppage. extended his reputation for leg locks by forcing Lucio Linhares to tap to a heel hook in the second round. locked in a against Edgar Garcia just over four minutes into their clash. Decisions rounded out the prelims, with Matt Wiman outpointing Shane Nelson (30-27 x3) and dominating Ricardo Funch (30-27, 30-27, 30-25) in bouts.

Aftermath

Bonus Awards

At UFC 107, the Ultimate Fighting Championship awarded its standard post-event performance bonuses to four fighters from the preliminary card. Each bonus was valued at $65,000, disbursed in addition to the fighters' base pay. The Fight of the Night honor went to Alan Belcher and Wilson Gouveia for their catchweight bout, characterized by an intense exchange of strikes that showcased relentless aggression and technical striking prowess. T.J. Grant received the Knockout of the Night award for his first-round TKO victory over Kevin Burns, achieved through a barrage of strikes that overwhelmed his opponent early in the fight. DaMarques Johnson earned Submission of the Night for submitting Edgar Garcia via triangle choke, demonstrating precise grappling control and finishing ability. These bonuses were selected based on UFC management's internal evaluation of fights that exemplified excitement, skill, and standout finishes, consistent with the promotion's criteria for recognizing exceptional performances.

Fighter Impacts and Legacy

UFC 107 served as a pivotal moment in BJ Penn's career, solidifying his status as one of the most dominant lightweights in UFC history during his prime. Penn's fifth-round TKO victory over Diego Sanchez marked his fourth successful title defense at 155 pounds, showcasing his superior striking and resilience in a grueling war that highlighted his technical prowess and heart. This performance reinforced Penn's legacy as a two-division champion and a pioneer who elevated the lightweight division's visibility, though it also subtly foreshadowed the physical toll of his relentless style, as subsequent fights revealed vulnerabilities against evolving competition. Frank Mir's emphatic first-round submission of via at UFC 107 propelled him back into the title conversation, demonstrating his elite grappling skills and marking a key rebound from earlier setbacks. The win elevated Mir's standing among top contenders, directly leading to a title opportunity against at just three months later, where he competed for the belt despite a loss. This trajectory underscored Mir's resilience and technical mastery, contributing to his record for most submission victories in UFC history and cementing his role as a perennial threat in the division. The event also spotlighted emerging talents whose performances laid the foundation for future stardom. made a UFC debut on the preliminary card, securing a second-round over with his signature left hand, a finish that immediately drew attention to his wrestling pedigree and power. This victory kickstarted a remarkable run, including six straight UFC wins and a title shot by 2013, establishing Hendricks as a of the division's evolution toward striking. Similarly, Jon Fitch's unanimous decision win over exemplified his trademark consistency, extending his UFC record to 11-1 and maintaining his position as the division's most reliable and volume striker, even as he navigated setbacks in title pursuits. UFC 107 held broader significance as the promotion's successful debut in , drawing a crowd of 13,896 at the FedEx Forum and generating 620,000 pay-per-view buys amid the 2009 economic recession. This strong performance contributed to the UFC's overall PPV growth that year, with total buys exceeding 7.9 million across events, demonstrating the sport's resilience and expanding mainstream appeal during challenging times. The card's changes, including Alves' withdrawal from a bout due to a following his earlier PED suspension, underscored ongoing drug testing scrutiny in the division, though post-event tests for all fighters returned clean. No major controversies emerged from the event itself, allowing its competitive quality to endure as a highlight in UFC's mid-2000s expansion.

References

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