Dana White: UFC 217 did well over a million PPV buys, broke a Mayweather vs McGregor record

UFC 217 lived up to its billing -- and then some -- after the stacked pay-per-view (PPV) event delivered one crazy, highlight-filled fight after another, as the event produced three new champions in what truly was a history-making night.

As far as how it performed at the box office, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) president Dana White says it was a smash, doing well over one million buys and even beat the record for purchases coming out of Canada that was recently held by the boxing match between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor.

“I told some of you guys this yesterday. Mayweather vs McGregor had the record in Canada, and we were number two and three. I’m pretty sure this beat Mayweather in McGregor tonight,” said White during the post-fight press conference.

It would make sense, actually, since St-Pierre -- who defeated Michael Bisping to win the Middleweight title in the main event via rear-naked choke — is one of Canada’s most beloved sons and the fight fans up North are as rabid and loyal as anyone.

Still, the rest of the main card — as well as the undercard -- delivered in a big way, as T.J. Dillashaw knocked out Cody Garbrandt to claim the 135-pound title, while Rose Namajunas shocked the world by knocking out Joanna Jedrzejczyk to win the women's Strawweight title (video highlights here).

“I told you that this would do a million buys, I was way wrong it did over a million, I’ll have a definite answer tomorrow, but it’s looking like we destroyed it,” added White, who say he is happy to have “Rush” back leading the pack.

Calling it one of the best — if not the best card ever -- White was thrilled that the event lived up to the hype on all fronts, and says having it go down inside Madison Square Garden added a special element to the overall success.

For complete UFC 217 play-by-play coverage and results click here.