But that doesn't mean UFC president Dana White has ever seriously thought about bringing that concept back, even for one event.
"My philosophy on that was, this many people want to see a crazy freak show, that many people want to see a real sport," White said at a question-and-answer session prior to the Fight for the Troops 2 weigh-ins last week. "We believe that's why the thing has grown as fast as it has and become as big as it has, because people want to see a real sport. So, no.
"Plus, we couldn't do that anymore; you could never do a one-night tournament. And to be honest with you, the one-night tournament thing never worked; it didn't make sense."
The UFC's last one-night tournament was UFC 23: Ultimate Japan 2 in 1999, won by Kenichi Yamamoto. The organization has never held another in the Zuffa era.
Recently, Shine Fights and Strikeforce have dabbled with the concept, but neither have committed to it for more than one event.
White simply doesn't believe the tournament format proves who the top fighter really is.
"Imagine going three rounds, two tough guys, and then you gotta get back in the tournament and fight again another thirty minutes. It's not fair. It doesn't really determine who the best guy is."
Source: mmafighting.com
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