There is something special about European UFC events. They reliably forge enduring memories for those in attendance, and the UFC’s debut in Scotland did a wonderful job of maintaining that trend. Indeed, there were moments during UFC Fight Night 72 that shook the SSE Hydro arena.
As one would expect, the night’s biggest pops were reserved for the Scots. However, the English and Irish fighters were greeted with warmth and enthusiasm from the Glasgow crowd.
There was an abundance of Celtic solidarity for Ireland’s Paddy Holohan and Joseph Duffy. The pantomime rivalry between England and Scotland is often overstated, so the audience’s obvious affection for Michael Bisping and Ross Pearson was enough to melt this cold, black heart o’ mine.