LAS VEGAS — The UFC is taking a significant step forward by celebrating Mexican Independence Day for the very first time. This weekend, fight fans will be treated to a card that highlights Mexican and Mexican-American fighters, showcasing their skills and representing their rich heritage. The main event of Noche UFC will feature an exhilarating match between Alexa Grasso, the UFC’s first Mexican-born women’s champion, and former champion Valentina Shevchenko. This groundbreaking event will take place at the T-Mobile Arena, promising an electrifying night of fights and a memorable celebration of Mexican culture.
To honor the occasion, the UFC decided to present Alexa Grasso with a custom championship belt that reflects the vibrant colors and historical significance of Mexican culture. Known as the Tribe Belt #1, this exquisitely designed belt features purple, blue, red, orange, and green straps, capturing the essence of Mexico. The belt was carefully crafted by Taller Jacobo y María Ángeles in Oaxaca, a renowned design studio that seeks to commend the strength and determination of women who overcome the adversities of life. The belt serves as a symbol of their leadership and resilience.
This is not the first time that Mexican fighters have been bestowed with such an exceptional gift. Yair Rodriguez, the former UFC interim featherweight champion, received a belt of similar design during the summer, courtesy of Cesar Gomez, the founder of Upper Sports Management in Mexico. In fact, the same talented designers were responsible for creating a WBC belt for boxing sensation Canelo Alvarez last year. This belt, named “Zapoteca Jaguar Warrior,” showcased elements of Mexican pre-Hispanic culture, incorporating values such as protection, happiness, and movement. The Tribe Belt #1 draws inspiration from this rich artistic legacy, embracing symbols that exemplify the arduous journey of a champion.
As she prepares for her highly-anticipated match against Valentina Shevchenko, Alexa Grasso has developed a superstition about championship belts. She firmly believes that she should not touch them or come into close proximity until she rightfully earns them. However, during a media and fan event, Grasso did allow herself to hold the Tribe Belt #1 on her shoulder, a gesture that symbolized her determination to claim victory. Grasso, who became the UFC women’s flyweight champion after defeating Shevchenko via fourth-round submission at UFC 285 in March, is fully committed to defending her title and proving her worth as a champion. The 30-year-old fighter from Guadalajara, Mexico, alongside her teammate Irene Aldana, has paved the way for future generations of Mexican-born women fighters in the UFC.
While Grasso has been awarded the Tribe belt as a token of her previous triumph, Valentina Shevchenko has expressed her desire to become the new champion and take home both the regular UFC title and the Tribe belt. Shevchenko, born in Kyrgyzstan but fluent in Spanish due to living in Peru for several years, sees this fight as an incredible opportunity to celebrate Mexican Independence Day with the entire nation. Her mindset is firmly fixed on attaining victory and being able to share in the festivities that mark this monumental day. The matchup between Grasso and Shevchenko promises to be a intense showdown, as both fighters bring their unwavering determination and immense skill to the Octagon.
Noche UFC serves as a momentous occasion for the UFC and fight fans around the world. By dedicating this event to Mexican and Mexican-American fighters, the UFC not only pays tribute to their heritage but also recognizes their outstanding contributions to the sport. The beautifully crafted Tribe Belt #1 further emphasizes the importance of celebrating diverse cultures within the UFC. As the fighters step into the Octagon on Mexican Independence Day, they carry the hopes of their nations and the aspirations of future generations. This event is not just about a fight; it symbolizes unity, strength, and perseverance. It is a testament to the power of sport in bringing people together and showcasing the very best in human achievement.
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