Raleigh prepares for first taste of Ultimate Fighting Championship
Posted January 22, 2020 11:00 p.m. EST
Updated January 22, 2020 11:24 p.m. EST
Raleigh, N.C. — PNC Arena has played host to the Stanley Cup Championship, the NCAA Tournament, heck, even Taylor Swift. This weekend, it's something new for the longtime Raleigh venue. Something, ultimate. On Saturday, UFC Fight Night 166 descends on the capital city, and Wednesday served as the first taste of North Carolina for these ultimate fighting champions.
"It's cold, my gosh, very cold," smiles Junior Dos Santos, former UFC Heavyweight Champion. "I was just in Florida, that was fine there. When I got here, I was like, my gosh."
And for this neck of North Carolina, it's the first taste of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
"It's cool to come to these cities that haven't had the exposure to the UFC yet because everyone wants to come see the spectacle," explains Michael Chiesa, UFC Welterweight. "It's an honor to be one of the people that put it on, I mean, I'm co-main event, I'm on the poster, I'm around the town. They welcomed us with open arms, so I've been to NC State, they opened up their training room, getting some practices in, watching those guys. I went to the hockey game last night, it's just a good hometown feel."
Three days before Fight Night, a mass of curious spectators came to catch a glimpse at the co-main eventers for a public workout. Amidst the swarm of fists homing in on a knockout and the wrenching of limbs seeking submission, they may not always be heard come fight night.
"All I see is the tunnel and the octagon," explains Curtis Blaydes, UFC Heavyweight. "So, I hope to put on a great show for the fans, give them a great performance, but I really don't pay attention to the crowd."
But a feverish, first time fanbase, is definitely appreciated by these masters of mixed martial arts.
"I love fighting in Las Vegas, but I love just as much coming to places like Raleigh, North Carolina, and get to share this experience with you guys," says Chiesa.
