The UFC was really busy on June 28, 2014, as two events in two different countries took place. The first was set from Auckland, New Zealand with the second airing from San Antonio, Texas.
UFC Makes History With New Zealand Trip
For the first time ever, the Octagon set up shop in New Zealand, as James Te Huna and Nate Marquardt squared off on June 28, 2014. Over 8,000 fans packed inside the Vector Arena to see the bout.
Te Huna, the overwhelming crowd favorite as a native of New Zealand, was submitted by Marquardt in the first round. The former title challenger locked up an armbar to secure the win.
Future UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira was working at featherweight during this time. He earned a second round submission over Hatus Hioki via anaconda choke.
Another future champion, Robert Whittaker, kicked off the main card on UFC Fight Pass with a decision win over Mike Rhodes.
The card was also the first of two to take place on the day, as the night event saw the action shift to the United States and San Antonio, Texas.
UFC Holds Second Event In Return To San Antoino
The nightcap marked the return of the promotion to San Antonio, as Zuffa had not held an event there since WEC in 2009.
All six main card bouts went to the scorecards, including the main event between Cub Swanson and Jeremy Stephens. Fighting in front of over 9,000 fans inside AT&T Center, Swanson downed Stephens to propel himself up the featherweight ladder.
Kelvin Gastelum, a former Ultimate Fighter winner, continued with his weigh-in struggles, missing weight before besting Nico Musoke.
Cezar Ferreira, Ricardo Lamas, Clint Hester and Joe Ellenberger all won via decision on the main card.
In prelim action, Ray Borg competed, picking up a submission win in the first round over Shane Howell. Also, Aleksei Oleinik kicked things off with a neck crank submission of Anthony Hamilton.
