OPINION: Will I be attending UFC in Vancouver? Thanks but no thanks, I can’t justify it

I won’t be attending UFC in Vancouver.

Despite me being one of the biggest Mixed Martial Arts fans around (I’ve been following the sport on and off since I was a little kid renting vhs tapes and being left in awe at Royce Gracie dominating everyone), I recently decided not to purchase tickets to UFC 289 at the Rogers Centre on June 10.

Why is that, you might be wondering? Well, after Julianna Pena (12-5) had to drop out of the rubber match main event against 135 lb champion Amanda Nunes (22-5) and was quickly replaced by Mexico’s Irene Aldana (14-6), I decided I no longer have much interest in the fight card.

Nunes is going to in all likelyhood starch Aldana, who got beat up back in 2020 by former champ Holly Holm (15-6), and while Brazilian fan favourite Charles Oliveira (33-9) squaring off against the streaking Beneil Dariush (22-4) in the co-main event is guaranteed to be an excellent top contender scrap at 155 lbs, the rest of the fight card is fairly weak.

Realistically speaking, the only other bouts I have much interest in feature two Canadian standouts. Mike “Proper” Mallott (9-1-1) is being given a showcase fight against Adam Fugitt (9-3), and then there’s the “Powerbar” Marc-Andre Barriault (15-6), who’s opening the main card against Eryk Anders (15-7). Both guys will hopefully deliver under the bright lights and show that Canada is still producing top quality MMA competitors. Barriault in particular is one of my favourite fighters to watch, he’s got an endless gas tank and always brings the excitement regardless of if he wins or not.

This card would honestly make for a solid Fight Night airing on TSN, but to me it’s just not worth the price of purchasing tickets, traveling, food, and accommodations. That said, if I lived in, or even somewhat near the city, I’d more than likely pull the trigger on attending as the cost would be significantly cheaper.

Instead of purchasing tickets, I’m going to save money by ordering the PPV and watching from the comfort of my own home, surrounded by whoever decides to come over and hangout.

I should add before I sign off that watching fights at home with your friends is always a good time, I highly recommend it.

Tyson Whitney is an award-winning journalist who was born and raised in Port Hardy. He’s a longtime combat sports fan and has a bluebelt in Jiu Jitsu. Email: editor@northislandgazette.com