Two Men Stabbed During UFC 169 At The Prudential Center

Unfortunately blood was being spilled outside of the Octagon as well as in it at UFC 169 on Saturday night as it’s now been confirmed that two men were stabbed in the stands at The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey during the fights.

It is alleged that one man, 36 year-old Angel Pereira from Pennsylvania was responsible for the attack on two other men, also from Pennsylvania, and is now in police custody on charges of aggravated assault and two weapon offenses according to The Star Ledger.

The two victim’s injuries, which were believed to have been inflicted at approximately 8pm when the main card commenced on pay-per-view, are not believed to be life-threatening, though they did require hospital treatment.

The police have not revealed at this stage if the victims and the attacker knew each other, or what the motive for the assault was, but they did confirm that the knife used has been recovered.

“We are working with the Newark Police Department on a open investigation regarding an incident that took place during UFC 169,” a Prudential Center official told Fox Sports. “Our priority is to provide a safe and secure environment to ensure that every guests has a world-class experience. Our thoughts are with those affected by the incident.”

Violence in the stands is not unheard of at UFC events, but a stabbing most definitely is, so this would appear to be an isolated incident.

Nonetheless, it’s not good publicity for the UFC, and the fact it happened on New York’s doorstep is far from ideal as the promotion continues to try to convince the state to legalize the sport.

Ross launched MMA Insight (previously FightOfTheNight.com) in 2009 as a way to channel his passion for the sport of mixed martial arts. He's since penned countless news stories and live fight reports along with dozens of feature articles as the lead writer for the site, reaching millions of fans in the process.