Not only was Denver the starting locale for the UFC itself, playing host to the first two Ultimate Fighting Championship events in November 1993 and March 1994, respectively, but “The Mile High City” has also been a place where promising careers got underway, as well.
Tony Ferguson’s first appearance after winning Season 13 of The Ultimate Fighter took place in Denver, with “El Cucuy” busting up durable veteran Aaron Riley at UFC 135. The next time the Octagon touched down in Denver, a promising, young Hawaiian named Max Holloway kicked off the UFC 150 main card by stopping Justin Lawrence.