J. Jones and A. Gustafsson clashed at UFC 165 (Photo: Disclosure/UFC)

Oh UFC297 marks the return of the world’s most famous octagon to Toronto after just over five years. If the card ordered by Sean Strickland It is Dricus Du Plessis needs ‘good energy’, the Canadian city has an excellent track record of hosting some of the biggest clashes staged in 30 years of organizing. Remember the main clashes.

1 – Jon Jones x Alexander Gustafsson – UFC 165

In September 2013, the then light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg) Jon Jones had already completed two years of dominant reign, beating out names like Victor Belfort, Lyoto Machida, Chael Sonnen It is Mauricio Shogun categorically. For its sixth title defense, the organization selected the young Swede Alexander Gustafsson as a rival to “Bones” and the duel that seemed to be just a protocol became one of the biggest fights in the history of the company and, probably, Jones’ toughest fight in the category.

The main event fight at UFC 165 showed a Jones no MMA fan had seen before: unable to assert himself with his size advantage, bleeding like a normal human being and being choked by a challenger. With similar characteristics and physical attributes to the then champion, Gustafsson delivered 25 minutes of a tough confrontation but was defeated in a controversial split decision, which still sparks controversy and debate today.

2 – Georges St-Pierre x Jake Shields – UFC 129

G. St-Pierre and J. Shields led UFC 129 (Photo: Disclosure/UFC)

On April 30, 2011, the Ultimate Octagon arrived in the city of Toronto for the first time and brought with him the biggest name in Canadian MMA history: the then welterweight champion (until 77.1 kg) Georges St-Pierre. As challenger, the organization selected the North American Jake Shieldsjiu-jitsu ace and former middleweight (under 83.9 kg) champion of the now-defunct Strikeforce event.

Inside the octagon, St-Pierre won the duel easily thanks to a unanimous decision from the judges. However, the card brought other records and historic moments. With an audience of 55,724 people at the Rogers Center, UFC 129 broke the attendance record in an arena in the entire history of the organization, a taboo that would last until 2013.

The card in Toronto also marked the start of Jose Aldo at featherweight. The Brazilian made his debut in the organization by defeating the Canadian Mark Hominick in the unanimous decision of the judges and made the first of seven defenses of the title, only being dethroned in December 2015 against the Irishman Conor McGregor.

UFC 129 also marked the retirement of MMA legend Randy Couture. Former heavyweight (up to 120.2 kg) and light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) champion, the “Natural” bid a bitter farewell to this sport after suffering a harsh “Karate Kid style” knockout. against the Brazilian. Lyoto Machida. Randy hung up his gloves with a record of 19 triumphs and 11 losses.

3 – Jon Jones x Vitor Belfort

J. Jones and V. Belfort face off ahead of UFC 152 (Photo: Disclosure/UFC)

The fourth title defense of the then light heavyweight champion Jon Jones was scheduled in Toronto and in front of a veteran who was living his last moments as a protagonist in MMA. The Brazilian Victor Belfort agreed to the fight at the last minute after all the controversy surrounding the cancellation of UFC 151, where Jones would face another veteran Dan Henderson.

In the octagon, despite Jones’ domination, Belfort managed to land a submission that scared the North American and the entire audience watching the fight. However, Jon managed to fight off the fear and “returned the favor” by submitting the Brazilian in the fourth round and remaining light heavyweight champion.

In the co-main fight, the first fight for the flyweight belt (up to 52 kg) took place. Beginning a reign that would last six years and 11 title defenses, Demetriou Johnson defeated the veteran Joseph Benavidez by split decision and becomes the first champion in the history of the category.