UFC 12
| Company type | Mixed martial arts event |
|---|---|
| Industry | Sports entertainment |
| Founded | February 7, 1997 |
| Headquarters | Dothan, Alabama , United States |
Area served | United States (pay-per-view) |
| Products | Mixed martial arts competition |
UFC 12: Judgement Day was a mixed martial arts competition organized by the Ultimate Fighting Championship on February 7, 1997. The event took place at the Dothan Civic Center in Dothan, Alabama. Broadcast live via pay-per-view across the United States, it was subsequently made available on home video. This event marked the first UFC appearance of future standout fighter Vitor Belfort.
History
For the first time in UFC history, UFC 12 implemented weight divisions, splitting competitors into two separate tournaments: heavyweight (200 pounds and above) and lightweight (below 200 pounds). Each tournament consisted of two semifinal bouts followed by a final match.
Additionally, the card featured a Superfight between Dan Severn and Mark Coleman, which served to unify the UFC Superfight Championship with the tournament victor’s title, thereby establishing the first-ever UFC Heavyweight Champion. Coleman stepped in for Don Frye, who had earned a rematch opportunity but withdrew due to injuries sustained at Ultimate Ultimate 1996. Frye did not compete again in the UFC. To prepare for possible injuries, two alternate fights were also scheduled as contingencies.
At only 19 years old, Belfort secured victory in the heavyweight tournament, announcing his presence as a rising contender. The event also marked commentator Joe Rogan’s debut role with the UFC, where he conducted backstage interviews and interacted with winners of the main bouts.
Due to political opposition from figures such as Senator John McCain and the loss of pay-per-view distribution partners, UFC faced significant difficulties booking venues. Originally intended to be held in Niagara Falls, New York, then moved to Oregon, both locations ultimately declined sanctioning. Consequently, UFC 12 was hosted in Dothan, Alabama.
Following this event, the UFC concentrated its events primarily within Southern states of the US (with occasional shows in Japan and Brazil) until it achieved regulatory approval from the New Jersey State Athletic Commission in 2001.
Results
{{MMAevent bout | Heavyweight | Vitor Belfort | def. | Tra Telligman | TKO (cut) | | 1:17 |}
UFC 12 Lightweight Tournament Bracket
- a. Template:Note label Yoshiki Takahashi was replaced by Nick Sanzo.
Encyclopedia awards
The following fighters received honors in the October 2011 List of UFC encyclopedia award recipients#UFC Encyclopedia:
- Fight of the Night: Mark Coleman vs. Dan Severn
- Knockout of the Night: Vitor Belfort (defeated Scott Ferrozzo)
- Submission of the Night: Mark Coleman (defeated Dan Severn)