Ranking every Canadian UFC card ahead of UFC 289
By Adam Stocker
31. UFC 149: Faber vs. Barao - July 21, 2012, Calgary, Alberta
The UFC has been trying to make it up to Calgary because of how bad UFC 149 turned out. The lead up to the events were an absolute nightmare for the UFC as the card appeared jinx for the Calgary debut. There were 13 fighters that were forced to pull out of the card or had their fights cancelled. When the event finally took place, the entire card was extremely weak.
With most of the main card not being pay-per-view worthy. In the main event, Renan Barao defeated Uriah Faber. Canadians finished 2-3 on the card with a fourth loss overturned to a no-contest following a failed drug test.
30. UFC Moncton: Oct. 28, 2017 - Moncton, New Brunswick
Moncton is among the smallest cities to ever host a UFC event, with a population of 85,198. With an attendance of only 6,282, it is easy to see why the card for UFC Moncton was so poor, lacking star power and interesting matchups. In the main event, Anthony Smith submitted Volkan Oezdemir. While Canadians went 2-2 on the card.
29. UFC Halifax: Oct. 4, 2014 - Halifax, Nova Scotia
The UFC's debut in Halifax was not among of the UFC's best Canadian cards. However, it was a memorable night for Canadian fighters, who went 7-2. In the main event Rory MacDonald knocked out Tarec Saffiedine. The knockout earned MacDonold a title fight against Robbie Lawler at UFC 189.
28. UFC Saskatoon: Aug. 23, 2015 - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Going to Saskatchewan was a surprising decision by the UFC and one they might not do again after failing to fill even half of the SaskTel Centre. The card ended in an extremely unfortunate situation with Charles Oliveira suffering a scary esophagus injury in the main event against Max Holloway. The rest of the card wasn't very memorable. The card was loaded with Canadians going 6-3 with Patrick Cote scoring a knockout victory.
27. UFC Halifax: Feb. 19, 2017 - Halifax, Nova Scotia
The main event of UFC Halifax saw Derrick Lewis reign down elbows on Travis Browne to score a second round knockout. In his post-fight interview Lewis encouraged Ronda Rousey to call him. The rest of the featured some well known fighters against forgettable opponents.
Canadians went 4-2.
26. UFC Winnipeg: Dec. 16, 2017 - Winnipeg, Manitoba
The UFC returned to Winnipeg with Rafael dos Anjos defeating Robbie Lawler in the main event and welterweight title eliminator. The rest of the card was solid but unspectacular. Canadians had a strong night, going 4-1 on the card.
25: UFC Vancouver: Aug. 27, 2016 - Vancouver, British Columbia
The 10 fight card was far from the deepest card but did feature a very good main card. In the main event, Demian Maia submitted Carlos Condit in the first round. While the co-main event saw Anthony Pettis submit Carlos Oliveira. Paige VanZant scored a spectacular jumping switch kick knockout. In the fight of the night, Jim Miller defeated Joe Lauzon. While Canadians went 2-1.