As we gear up for the highly anticipated Noche UFC event, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the remarkable contributions of Mexican fighters in the UFC. These warriors have delivered some of the most electrifying moments in the sport, solidifying Mexico’s reputation as a powerhouse in mixed martial arts. Let’s take a deeper dive into five unforgettable moments that have left an indelible mark on the UFC.
Mexican fighters have been making waves in the UFC since 2008 when Efrain Escudero first entered the Octagon through The Ultimate Fighter’s eighth season. Over the years, the sport has seen a surge of incredible talent from Mexico, thanks in part to the country's deep-rooted fighting culture and the recent establishment of the UFC Performance Institute in Mexico City. This facility is set to nurture and develop future generations of fighters, ensuring that Mexico remains a dominant force in MMA for years to come.
With the UFC spotlight shining brightly on Mexican talent during the Noche UFC events, especially on Mexican Independence Day weekend, let's revisit some of the most iconic moments that have captivated fans worldwide.
1. Alexa Grasso’s Historic Upset Over Valentina Shevchenko
When Alexa Grasso stepped into the Octagon at UFC 285, she was facing a seemingly insurmountable challenge: Valentina Shevchenko, a dominant flyweight champion who had held the title for nearly five years. Shevchenko was widely regarded as one of the best female fighters in the history of the sport, known for her striking precision, tactical acumen, and nearly flawless defense. Grasso, however, was undeterred by the odds.
The fight was a high-stakes chess match, with Shevchenko using her superior striking and grappling skills to keep Grasso at bay for much of the fight. But Grasso, known for her grit and determination, seized her moment in the fourth round. After a failed spinning attack by Shevchenko, Grasso quickly took her back and secured a tight rear-naked choke, forcing the long-reigning champion to tap out. The victory not only made Grasso the first Mexican female UFC champion but also sent shockwaves through the MMA community.
The rematch between Grasso and Shevchenko was equally thrilling. The two fought to a draw in a back-and-forth battle that left fans clamoring for more. Now, with both fighters having served as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter Season 32, they are set to clash for the third time at the upcoming Riyadh Season Noche UFC, a fight that promises to be another chapter in this riveting rivalry.
2. Brandon Moreno’s Triumphant Breakthrough
Brandon Moreno’s rise to the top of the flyweight division is a testament to his relentless work ethic and unshakable self-belief. Moreno’s rivalry with Deiveson Figueiredo is one of the most compelling stories in UFC history, characterized by four intense battles that pushed both fighters to their limits.
Their first encounter at UFC 256 was an instant classic. Moreno, a former Ultimate Fighter contestant who had clawed his way back into the UFC after being cut, fought Figueiredo to a draw in a fight that many considered one of the best of the year. Despite not winning the title, Moreno had announced himself as a true contender.
The rematch at UFC 263 in Arizona was even more dramatic. Moreno, who had made significant adjustments to his training and strategy, came in with a laser focus. He dominated the fight from the outset, using his improved striking and grappling to overwhelm Figueiredo. In the third round, Moreno secured a rear-naked choke, forcing Figueiredo to tap and becoming the first Mexican-born UFC champion. His emotional celebration, where he broke down in tears, became an iconic moment, not just for Mexican MMA fans but for the entire sport.
Moreno and Figueiredo would go on to fight two more times, with Moreno solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest flyweights in UFC history. His journey from obscurity to the pinnacle of the sport is a source of immense pride for Mexican MMA fans and an inspiration to fighters around the world.
3. Raul Rosas Jr.’s Explosive Noche UFC Victory
At just 18 years old, Raul Rosas Jr. is already making a name for himself as one of the most exciting prospects in the UFC. Hailing from Mexico, Rosas Jr. burst onto the scene with a series of dominant performances, showcasing a level of skill and maturity far beyond his years. But it was his fight at Noche UFC 2023 that truly put the MMA world on notice.
Rosas Jr. was matched against Terrence Mitchell, a veteran fighter with a significant experience advantage. However, Rosas Jr. wasted no time in making his mark. From the opening bell, he applied relentless pressure, using his speed and agility to overwhelm Mitchell. Within seconds, Rosas Jr. landed a crushing punch that left Mitchell stunned and vulnerable. Sensing the finish, Rosas Jr. pounced, delivering a flurry of strikes that forced the referee to step in and stop the fight inside the first minute.
The victory was a statement—Rosas Jr. was here to stay, and he was ready to take on anyone in the division. With his impressive performance at Noche UFC, Rosas Jr. not only secured a much-needed bounce-back win but also established himself as a fighter to watch in the coming years.
4. Irene Aldana’s Epic War with Karol Rosa
Irene Aldana has long been one of Mexico’s top contenders in the bantamweight division, known for her powerful striking and relentless forward pressure. After a tough loss to Amanda Nunes in a title fight, Aldana was eager to get back on track and prove that she belonged among the elite. Her opportunity came at UFC 296 against the formidable Karol Rosa.
The fight was a clash of styles, with Rosa relying on her kicks and grappling to control the distance and dictate the pace. Aldana, on the other hand, was determined to keep the fight standing, using her superior boxing to land heavy punches and wear Rosa down. The result was a grueling, back-and-forth battle that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Despite absorbing a significant amount of punishment from Rosa’s kicks, Aldana’s resilience and determination shone through. She continued to press forward, landing crisp combinations and punishing Rosa every time she tried to close the distance. By the end of the fight, both women were battered and bruised, but it was Aldana’s aggressive strategy and striking precision that earned her a unanimous decision victory.
The fight was awarded Fight of the Night honors, and Aldana’s performance solidified her status as one of the most dangerous fighters in the bantamweight division. With her victory over Rosa, Aldana sent a clear message to the rest of the division: she’s not done yet.
5. Yair Rodríguez’s Mind-Blowing Last-Second Knockout
Before capturing the interim featherweight title in 2023, Yair Rodríguez was already known for his flashy striking and unpredictable style. But it was his fight against The Korean Zombie at UFC’s 25th anniversary show in 2018 that truly elevated him to superstar status and gave the world one of the most unforgettable knockouts in UFC history.
The fight, which took place in Denver, was an intense battle from start to finish. Both Rodríguez and The Korean Zombie, known for their toughness and striking prowess, engaged in a brutal back-and-forth war that saw each man push the other to his limits. With only seconds remaining in the fifth and final round, it seemed that the fight was headed to a decision.
But Rodríguez had other plans. As The Korean Zombie charged forward in one final flurry, Rodríguez ducked under his punches and threw a no-look, reverse elbow strike that connected flush with The Korean Zombie’s chin. The blow was so perfectly timed and executed that it instantly knocked out The Korean Zombie, sending him crashing to the canvas just as the final buzzer sounded.
The knockout was not only one of the most spectacular in UFC history but also one of the latest finishes ever recorded in the promotion. Rodríguez’s ability to pull off such an incredible move in the dying seconds of the fight earned him widespread acclaim and cemented his reputation as one of the most dynamic and dangerous fighters in the featherweight division.
Rodríguez’s victory over The Korean Zombie remains a highlight of his career and a testament to the kind of unforgettable moments that Mexican fighters continue to bring to the UFC.
With these iconic moments in mind, the stage is set for another explosive event at UFC 306: Riyadh Season Noche UFC. Headlined by a thrilling matchup between Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili, the event promises to deliver all the excitement and drama that fans have come to expect from a Noche UFC event. Tune in live from the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, on September 14, 2024. Prelims start at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT, and the main card kicks off live on PPV at 10 pm ET/7 pm PT. You won't want to miss it!