UFC’s Noche UFC event held on Mexican Independence Day, featuring Mexican fighters, was a significant success, with it being the most-watched fight night on ESPN+ and plans to hold the event annually moving forward, even if it clashes with a major boxing event.
“Noche UFC, an event held on Mexican Independence Day which featured several Mexican fighters, is considered one of the most innovative ideas from the MMA powerhouse in recent years. UFC flyweight champion Alexa Grasso, who defended her title against Valentina Shevchenko in the main event of the card, was among those who represented Mexico. The reception from fans was unprecedented, with UFC CEO Dana White divulging that Noche UFC was ESPN+’s most-viewed fight night card ever.
The crowd’s vibrations in the T-Mobile Arena could be felt by the contestants as well. UFC strawweight Loopy Godinez confessed that she was awed by the boisterous audience. “It was wild,” she stated during an interview on The MMA Hour, comparing the deportment to being in Mexico. She recapped the electrifying atmosphere noting everything from the mariachi music to the electric screams echoing from the crowd that could not be rivaled.
In the light of the Noche UFC’s success, Dana White has made known his plans to organize this event every year on Mexican Independence Day, disregarding any potential scheduling conflict with major boxing matches. Elated by her experience at the debut event, Godinez announced her willingness to participate in all future Noche UFC events. Although she expressed a preference for the event to take place in Mexico, she conceded that Las Vegas worked out well, and doesn’t mind fighting there again.
Godinez performed remarkably under the pressure, concluding with a second-round submission win against Elise Reed and procuring a Performance of the Night bonus. She recounted Reed’s persistence in resisting submission despite being held in a hard armbar with her arm bending in the wrong direction. Godinez admitted surprise at the tolerance of Reed but acknowledged her need to be patient with her attempts at submission. Since the event, she has been on a three-fight winning streak and aims to continue this upsurge. With a recent change in training teams and a newfound sense of confidence, Godinez is certain that a UFC title is within her reach.