UFC 40
| Industry | Mixed martial arts promotion |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Las Vegas , United States |
Area served | United States, Australia |
Key people | Dana White (President) |
| Products | Mixed martial arts events |
| Owner | Zuffa |
| Website | www |
UFC 40: Vendetta was a mixed martial arts spectacle organized by the Ultimate Fighting Championship on November 22, 2002, hosted at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Paradise, Nevada. This event was transmitted live via pay-per-view across the United States and subsequently issued on DVD.
History
One of the most eagerly awaited matchups in UFC history took place at UFC 40: a UFC Light Heavyweight Championship clash between longtime adversaries Tito Ortiz and Ken Shamrock. Shamrock, a revered former champion making his first UFC appearance since 1996, significantly heightened anticipation. The bout was marketed as "the biggest fight in UFC history."
The fight card also showcased a Welterweight Title contest featuring Matt Hughes against Gil Castillo. Moreover, following an interview after UFC President Dana White’s announcement, Tank Abbott declared his return to competition under a three-fight contract.
Announcer Bruce Buffer has recognized the Shamrock-Ortiz encounter as one of the most memorable he has witnessed, highlighting the electrifying atmosphere generated by nearly 13,700 spectators. UFC 40 marked the debut of live UFC pay-per-view broadcasts on Australian cable television. Jeff Osborne continued his role conducting behind-the-scenes interviews. Fighters upheld the custom of entering the octagon accompanied by their own theme music.
Significance
For Zuffa, the parent company of UFC, UFC 40 represented a crucial milestone. The headline Shamrock versus Ortiz bout achieved a pay-per-view buyrate approximately twice that of previous Zuffa-promoted events. After enduring initial financial setbacks, UFC 40 proved that mixed martial arts shows could be profitable under Zuffa’s stewardship. This achievement played a vital role in solidifying Zuffa’s dedication to expanding the UFC and integrating MMA into mainstream North American sports culture.
The event attracted an almost sold-out audience of 13,022 attendees at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, establishing a then-record UFC gate revenue of $1.54 million. Mainstream visibility surged as Shamrock and Ortiz appeared on The Best Damn Sports Show Period, participating in live televised promotional exchanges. Prominent media outlets including ESPN and USA Today provided coverage unprecedented for MMA at that time. UFC President Dana White attributed much of the event’s success to Shamrock’s widespread public recognition.
Veteran referee "Big" John McCarthy regarded UFC 40 as a defining moment for MMA’s future in America, noting that the crowd's enthusiasm convinced him the sport would survive and expand under Zuffa’s guidance.
Encyclopedia awards
Among fighters recognized in the October 2011 UFC Encyclopedia were:
- Fight of the Night: Tito Ortiz vs. Ken Shamrock
- Knockout of the Night: Chuck Liddell
- Submission of the Night: Carlos Newton