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The UFC hasn't hosted a PPV or Fight Night card on Mexican soil in three years. Perhaps the promotion's most high-profile event in Mexico was UFC 188. Back then, Dana White and co. sought to capitalize on the brutal run of then-reigning UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez by hosting an event in Mexico City.
Unfortunately, the American Kickboxing Academy star tasted defeat against Fabricio Werdum. That was the last time that the promotion hosted a PPV on Mexican soil. Now, however, things have changed and the UFC is no longer in a position where it hopes a Mexican star emerges.
Several Mexicans have emerged as dominant divisional forces in recent years. Thus, it only makes sense for the promotion to schedule an event there after a three-year absence, especially after the events of UFC 285 this past weekend.
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#5. There are now three Mexican champions in the UFC
In 2021, Brandon Moreno dethroned Deiveson Figueiredo in a rematch at UFC 263. His gutsy and tenacious efforts saw him capture the promotion's flyweight crown to enthrone himself as the first Mexican champion in UFC history. After a back-and-forth quadrilogy with 'Deus da Guerra', he remains the 125 lbs kingpin.
At UFC 284, Yair Rodriguez helmed his greatest-ever performance en route to finishing Josh Emmett in the second round to claim featherweight interim gold. Meanwhile, Alexa Grasso just stunned the MMA world this past Saturday with one of the greatest upsets in women's MMA history.
She dethroned longtime women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko after a thrilling bout. The promotion now has three Mexican champions it can use to build a card around. Witnessing three title fights on a PPV card is rare, and the promotion's return to Mexican soil is just the right occasion to do so.
#4. Yair Rodriguez vs. Alexander Volkanovski could serve as the headline bout
UFC 284 was overshadowed by Alexander Volkanovski's failed attempt to defeat Islam Makhachev for the latter's lightweight title. Meanwhile, Yair Rodriguez put in a stellar performance in the co-main event. He brutally outstruck Josh Emmett before securing a leg-triangle choke in the second round.
While the win crowned 'Pantera' the interim featherweight champion, his true objective is to claim undisputed gold at 145 lbs. To do so, he will have to dethrone Alexander Volkanovski. There would be no better stage for him than a PPV in Mexico. If he succeeds, the win would be an enormous upset.
Rodriguez could become a breakout star if he defeats the sport's number one P4P fighter on home soil. Unlike Islam Makhachev, who was favored to defeat 'The Great', the situation will be different for 'Pantera'. This makes a potential win even sweeter for the hometown crowd.
#3. Three title fights increase the chance that at least one Mexican fighter could win
Not many will give Yair Rodriguez much of a chance against Alexander Volkanovski. However, the same cannot be said for the promotion's other two Mexican champions. Brandon Moreno has come into his own as an elite fighter and seems increasingly difficult to defeat at 125 lbs.
Kai Kara-France crumbled in front of him after absorbing a brutal liver kick. Furthermore, 'The Assassin Baby's' recent triumph over Deiveson Figueiredo was a catalyst in the Brazilian's departure from the flyweight division. Whoever the UFC announces as the next title contender at flyweight is unlikely to beat Moreno.
Meanwhile, Alexa Grasso has proven her ability to defeat Valentina Shevchenko. Not only did she dethrone 'Bullet', but she exhibited surprising moments of success. She outstruck the former flyweight queen and showcased greater speed. At least one Mexican champion should win to keep the hometown crowd happy.
#2. The UFC must capitalize on the buzz around Mexican MMA and strike while the iron is hot
The Mexican MMA scene has achieved its highest point of interest to date. With three champions that the country can identify with, the promotion can build its promotional and booking efforts in Mexico around them. Brandon Moreno is a big star in the sport and has injected new life into the 125 lbs weight class.
With fan interest in Mexican fighters the highest that it's ever been, the promotion should capitalize now. There may never be another point at which there are three Mexican champions in the promotion. All three champions may very well lose their titles in their subsequent bouts.
Fans won't be as eager to watch them fight if they no longer hold their divisional crowns. This is the only time when all three of them are champions. It's thus the most optimal moment to build a card around Mexican fighters, with three of them at the helm of their respective divisions.
#1. The PPV could lead to an influx of Mexican talent into the UFC
At the UFC 285 post-fight press conference, Dana White spoke candidly about his plans to expand the promotion's reach across the globe. He expressed an interest in building Performance Institutes in different parts of the world. He named both Africa and Mexico as places of interest.
The right time to build a Performance Institute in Mexico would be after a successful PPV in the country. After watching fellow Mexicans achieve success in the promotion on home soil, many MMA hopefuls could be inspired to take up the sport.
New talent flooding into the promotion widens the potential pool of future stars to generate revenue. Dana White and co. are always on the lookout for the next Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey. They may very well be in Mexico, and there's only one way to find out.
