Memorable debuts set the UFC stage

LAS VEGAS -- UFC 67 had its moments, and its share of talking points, but the mixed martial arts card's main goal was to set the table for bigger, better nights.

The show drew 10,787, about 214 short of a sellout at the Mandalay Bay Event Center. While the gate was $2.7 million US, the lack of a sellout must be considered a disappointment given the timing on the eve of the Super Bowl -- when the NFL championship was expected to bring 287,000 visitors to Vegas for the weekend.

Filipovic did little to endear himself to his new bosses by failing to show up for both the pre- and post-fight news conference. And his choice of entrance music, the signature tune from his former employer Pride Fighting Championships, was puzzling.

"Whatever fires you up, man," said UFC president Dana White, who approved the music. "If it's the Pride theme, go for it."

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