The UFC returned to Canada for a highly anticipated welterweight battle between kingpin Georges St-Pierre and challenger Jake Shields. A total of $516,000 was handed out to the evening’s outstanding performers.
At the post-fight press conference, UFC president Dana White reported that UFC 129 earned $12.075 million at the gate and 55,724 fans were in attendance at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.
Jose Aldo and Mark Hominick were awarded bonuses for “Fight of the Night.” Each fighter took home $129,000 for his efforts. Aldo successfully retained his UFC featherweight title after five rounds and extended his winning streak to 12 fights.
Lyoto Machida earned “Knockout of the Night” honors and a $129,000 bonus with his front kick knockout of UFC legend Randy Couture. The win snapped a two-fight losing streak for the former UFC light heavyweight champion.
Pablo Garza earned “Submission of the Night” with a tight triangle choke victory over Yves Jabouin. Jabouin seemed to control the fight early with powerful low leg kicks until a flying triangle attempt by Garza changed the tempo. Garza transitioned the triangle to a mounted position and back to finally seal the deal. He earned his second UFC victory and secured a $129,000 bonus for his efforts.