Two world titles changed hands, there was a fight of the year contender and a nightlong celebration of Mexican Independence Day and Mexico’s contribution to combat sports. Yet, the consensus most memorable aspect of Saturday’s UFC 306 was the unique visuals and production technology utilized during the first live sporting event held at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
Joe Rogan summed up the collective thoughts of many viewers when he exclaimed “whoa” during one of the first big graphics transitions.
“I have been all over the world and inside some of the greatest arenas man has ever created and the view of UFC Noche inside the Sphere is the most incredible looking stage for MMA I have ever seen,” a former mixed martial arts referee and current Bellator MMA commentator wrote on social media. “Congratulations to all the people who put in hours upon hours of hard work to make it possible.”
As part of the second annual Noche UFC event, chapters from an original film titled “For Mexico, For All Time” played throughout the main card.
The film was narrated by actor Gael Garcia Bernal and scored by composer Germaine Franco, with each chapter focusing on a specific period in Mexican history.
You can watch all six parts in their entirety below.
Chapter I: IN THE BEGINNING
“Echoes of warriors past resonate through time honouring Mexico’s enduring legacy. The universes of UFC’s history and Mexico’s culture begin the main card at Riyadh Season Noche UFC.”
Chapter II: EARLY CIVILIZATIONS
“Get transported to the beginnings of Mexican civilization as Mexico’s first settlers forge a legacy of resilience, igniting the nation’s fighting spirit for centuries to come.”
Chapter III: RITUALS & TRADITIONS
“Through the rituals and traditions of Mexico’s earliest civilizations, the essence of the ancestors lives on, immortalized in customs that endure across generations.”
Chapter IV: BATTLE FOR INDEPENDENCE
“At a defining moment in history, Mexico stands against centuries of colonial oppression, as the fight for independence shatters the chains and reshapes the future.”
Chapter V: FIGHTERS & HEROES
“Spanning the origins of Mexico’s history to the present, iconic figures — from ancient leaders to modern sports heroes — embody the relentless spirit that defines the nation’s identity.”
Chapter VI: MEXICO TODAY AND TOMORROW
“Future Mexico: A civilization evolving from its rich lineage, as its people propel their culture forward into eternity.”
UFC 306 was headlined by Merab Dvalishvili earning a unanimous decision over Sean O’Malley to win the men’s bantamweight title.
Valentina Shevchenko put in a vintage performance to win the women’s flyweight champinshop back from Alexa Grasso in the co-main event.
UFC president Dana White announced the event set a new gate record for both the organization and venue.