Oh man, let me tell you, it’s been a wild ride. Since 2001, this dream’s been cooking in the back of my mind. Finally stepping into the UFC Performance Institute in Mexico City? Unreal. It’s a game-changer for our sport, not just in Mexico but across Central and South America. Dana White dropped this bomb on Twitter, February 23, 2024. Yeah, you heard that right.
But wait, there’s more. The UFC’s big bash in Mexico City wasn’t just about the fights on Saturday. Nope. They went and launched another Performance Institute. Talk about making moves!
Dana White, the big boss himself, was all fired up at the post-fight presser. “Just the beginning,” he says. And I believe him. The UFC’s been itching to spread its wings in Mexico, and now? They’re all in.
UFC Fight Night 237 was the talk of the town, showcasing local talent right in the heart of Mexico City. White’s got his eyes set on touring the whole country with the Octagon. “Incredibly successful,” he beams. And why not? The UFC’s planting flags, building facilities, and making dreams happen.
Remember UFC 180 back in 2014? Werdum vs. Hunt headlining in Mexico City was just the start. The UFC made it a point to visit annually until the world turned upside down in 2019. Thanks, COVID.
But hey, the UFC’s comeback story is one for the books. The Performance Institute is Dana White’s baby, and despite a rocky start (thanks again, COVID), it’s finally here. Walking through that gym in Mexico City? Satisfying doesn’t even begin to cover it.
This new PI isn’t just about grooming fighters. It’s about community. Bringing kids off the streets, teaching them martial arts, nutrition, you name it. White’s looking to unearth champions and change lives.
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. A brawl in the crowd during Saturday’s card stole the spotlight, but only for a moment. White shrugged it off as a one-off. “Never happens,” he says. But in Mexico City? It did. And it was wild. No security, just let them duke it out until it fizzled out. Crazy, right?
In the end, it’s not a bad look for the UFC. It happened, and that was that. After witnessing that chaos, I doubt anyone’s eager to start round two. Just another day in the life of the UFC, folks.