Why Won't UFC Noche Be Held in Mexico? Remember the Event's History

'Esfera' in Las Vegas will host 'Noche UFC' on September 14 (Photo: Twitter/UFC)

'Sphere' in Las Vegas hosted ' Noche UFC ' in 2024. (Photo: Twitter/UFC)

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MMA fans around the world will have another event full of great fights this weekend. Starting at 15pm this Saturday (12), the biggest MMA organization on the planet will promote another Noche UFC , with the duel between Jean Silva and José Miguel Delgado in the main fight. However, many may wonder why an event with a Mexican theme is not held in Mexico.

Therefore, SUPER LUTAS provided a brief explanation of the history of Noche UFC and why it doesn't take place in Mexico.

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Noche UFC is in honor of Mexican Independence Day.

Celebrated on September 16th, the date marks the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence. On this day, in 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla led the 'Grito de Dolores' (Cry of Dolores) in the state of Guanajuato, becoming the main instigator of a process of popular dissatisfaction among Mexicans with Spain, which colonized the country.

The process initiated by Father Miguel Hidalgo quickly spread throughout the rest of the territory, gaining increasing popular support. Executed by firing squad in 1811, Hidalgo was replaced by fellow clergyman José Morelos, who led the popular army until 1815, when he too was assassinated.

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The first edition of Noche UFC took place in 2023 in Las Vegas, with the rematch between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko in the main event. The second edition was undoubtedly the most special, as it was held at Esfera, featuring the trilogy fight between the two athletes and the bout between Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili.

Why has the event never been held in Mexico?

UFC Night features Diego Lopes and Jean Silva in the main event (Photo: UFC)

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In fact, there was an attempt to promote the event on Mexican soil in 2025. For the first time, the UFC planned to hold Noche in Mexico. Guadalajara was chosen as the venue for the event, scheduled for September, at the new Arena Guadalajara.

The project, however, never got off the ground. Problems and delays in the arena's delivery led the UFC to remove the event from Guadalajara. The organization kept the date but moved Noche UFC to San Antonio, Texas, a city with a strong Mexican community. On that occasion, Diego Lopez knocked out Jean Silva in the main event.

Therefore, by 2026, there was an expectation that the UFC would finally bring the celebration to Mexico. However, this did not happen. The organization announced Noche UFC for September 12th in Arizona, again in the United States. It's worth noting that on the same day, Zuffa Boxing will host a highly anticipated boxing match between Conor Benn and Ryan Garcia, which will take place in Vegas.

However…

Although it doesn't take place on Mexican soil, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has always sought out locations with a strong Mexican community in the US, such as Texas and Arizona. Furthermore, the fight cards always feature several representatives from Mexico. This weekend, for example, names like Alexa Grasso and Brandon Moreno will step into the world's most famous octagon to compete and honor the achievements of their ancestors.

It's also important to point out that the UFC isn't resistant to holding events in the country. In total, nine events have already taken place there, in Monterrey or Mexico City. The last one was in February of this year at Arena CDMX, with Brandon Moreno and Lone'er Kavanagh in the main event.