As the UFC gears up for a historic event, fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the celebration of Mexican Independence Day in the octagon. For the first time ever, the promotion has organized a card centered around Mexican and Mexican-American fighters. The highly anticipated Noche UFC on Saturday will see Alexa Grasso, the UFC’s first Mexican-born women’s champion, defend her women’s flyweight title against former champion Valentina Shevchenko at the illustrious T-Mobile Arena. This event not only highlights extraordinary fighting talent but also pays homage to Mexican culture and heritage.
In addition to the thrilling fights, the UFC has bestowed Alexa Grasso with a special honor. Grasso was presented with a vibrant custom championship belt, named Tribe Belt #1, during a media and fan event held on Thursday. The Tribe Belt, meticulously designed by Taller Jacobo y María Ángeles in Oaxaca, showcases the richness of Mexican history and culture. Drawing inspiration from the nation’s pre-Hispanic background, the belt features straps adorned with intricate details in purple, blue, red, orange, and green.
The symbolism infused in the belt reflects the resilience and determination of women who face adversities fearlessly. According to a UFC release, it “seeks to exalt the leadership of those women who, among the adversities of the territory, make their way to face adversities of life.” This remarkable piece of craftsmanship serves as a testament to the strength and courage displayed by female fighters, like Grasso, in their pursuit of greatness.
Alexa Grasso is not the first Mexican-born fighter to be honored with a special belt. Yair Rodriguez, the former UFC interim featherweight champion, received a similar tribute over the summer. Cesar Gomez, the founder of Mexico-based Upper Sports Management, presented Rodriguez with an exclusive belt. The talented designers at Taller Jacobo y María Ángeles, who are responsible for creating the Tribe Belt, also designed a World Boxing Council (WBC) belt for boxing sensation Canelo Alvarez after his victory over Gennady Golovkin. The WBC belt, named “Zapoteca Jaguar Warrior,” embodied the essence of Mexican pre-Hispanic cultures, serving as a memento of triumph and success.
Delving into the intricate details of the Tribe Belt, one can find profound iconography symbolizing various aspects of life and conquest. These symbols represent protection, people, happiness, movement, and “maximum power in a bid to materialize the arduous path of a champion.” The belt encapsulates the essence of Mexican heritage and the journey each fighter embarks upon to attain victory.
Grasso revealed her superstitions regarding championship belts, expressing her reluctance to touch them or be near them until she secures victory. The UFC women’s flyweight champion considers the belt as truly hers only once she has triumphed in her upcoming bout. Grasso’s dedication and focus on earning the title shines through her demeanor as she aims to cement her status as one of the best in her division.
While the UFC has stated that the Tribe Belt is Grasso’s to keep, Valentina Shevchenko, her formidable opponent, has voiced her desire to acquire the prestigious belt should she emerge victorious on Mexican Independence Day. Shevchenko, born in Kyrgyzstan but fluent in Spanish after residing in Peru for several years, is determined to claim the regular UFC title and the Tribe Belt as a testament to her triumph. Her goal is not only to win the title but also to celebrate her victory with the entirety of Mexico on their special day.
The UFC’s celebration of Mexican Independence Day through Noche UFC showcases not only the talent of Mexican and Mexican-American fighters but also pays homage to the rich culture and history of Mexico. The Tribe Belt, designed with meticulous craftsmanship, serves as a symbol of strength and determination in the face of adversity. As the fighters step into the octagon and embrace the spirit of Mexican Independence Day, they exemplify the resilience and unwavering spirit of the Mexican people.
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