UFC on Fox: Evans vs. Davis Draws 17,425 to United Center in Chicago

Michael Bisping, left, vs. Chael Sonnen (James Law/HeavyMMA)

Second card on Fox brings gate of $1.2 million

The UFC’s second card on the Fox network was a sell-out at Chicago’s United Center, drawing 17,425 fans on Saturday, for a live gate of $1.2 million. UFC officials announced the numbers following UFC on Fox: Evans vs. Davis.

On the three-fight main card at the home of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls and NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago resident Rashad Evans secured a title shot against former friend and training partner Jon Jones with a five-round unanimous decision win over Phil Davis. And in the co-main event, Chael Sonnen moved on to a middleweight title shot against Anderson Silva with his decision win over Michael Bisping.

Early reaction to the main card was mixed, but the preliminary card, which aired live on Fuel TV, had severan exciting fights – including all three of the UFC’s fight night bonus awards. Evan Dunham’s tough contest against Nik Lentz, which resulted in a doctor’s stoppage win for Dunham, was the Fight of the Night. And a vicious knockout from Lavar Johnson against Joey Beltran won Knockout of the Night honors.

Also on the main card, Chris Weidman narrowly defeated Demian Maia via split-decision.