SMG Europe has helped the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) set new records for an event outside the United States.

UFC 105, at the SMG managed M.E.N Arena, was watched by over 16,000 ticketholders, smashing the previous record by London's O2.

Following the event on Saturday 14 November, UFC President Dana White told the media "I couldn't be happier. We have had a fantastic gate and broken our attendance and merchandising records here tonight. This has blown me away. UFC in this country has come a long way. I cannot believe how educated the British crowd and fans have become in such a short time."

The Manchester mixed martial arts event, which was shown live across the United States on Spike TV and will be seen in more than a hundred countries, was also in the top 10 of first day sales for any UFC event anywhere in the world.

Dana also praised the SMG venue and its staff saying "The M.E.N Arena delivered one of the greatest experiences for UFC fans. We wish more venues like this existed throughout Europe. We can't wait to return!"