Coming into Noche UFC, UFC president and CEO Dana White was inspired to use his fight card — on the weekend of Mexican Independence Day — to tell a story of the fighting spirit of Mexico.
The platform for his storytelling would be Las Vegas’ Sphere, the one-of-a-kind venue that serves as the world’s largest spherical structure. At over 360 feet tall and a 580,000-square-foot fully programmable LED exterior and 160,000-square-foot interior, White would have plenty to work with.
“We created this movie that I call a love letter to Mexico,” White said on ESPN on “First Take.” “[The movie] talks about their culture, their history, and, more importantly, the fighting spirit of Mexico. The place that they hold in combat sports, all the greats that have ever come from there. So all of this is going to be combined into a live event.
“So we have this movie and we have chapters of the movie. So, one chapter of the movie will play, and then a fight will happen. Another chapter will play, then a fight will happen, and this thing starts at the beginning of time and ends in the future of Mexico.”
In front of over 16,000 in attendance at Sphere, six chapters played out during the main card of UFC 306, supplemented with UFC’s “Octagon Girls” in wardrobe representative of different regions and themes tied to Mexico’s rich culture. The UFC shared details of each chapter of the film via X.
Chapter 1: In the beginning
The film, “For Mexico, For All Time,” set out to offer diverse perspectives on Mexico’s journey, from its earliest civilizations to modern-day achievements. “This film was an incredible collaborative opportunity to merge the universes of Mexico’s culture, UFC’s history,” said Joe Sill, director at Impossible Objects and chapter producer, to the UFC. “Seeing this inside the epic showcase of the Sphere is a breathtaking view into what the future of storytelling may hold, and we are thrilled to be a part of it.”
Chapter One: In The Beginning
Echoes of warriors past resonate through time honoring Mexico’s enduring legacy. The universes of UFC’s history and Mexico’s culture begin the main card at Riyadh Season Noche UFC.
[ #UFC306 | @RiyadhSeason #NocheUFC | @SphereVegas ] pic.twitter.com/8E58eOPBbM
— UFC (@ufc) September 15, 2024
Chapter 2: Early civilizations
Artist Saad Moosajee aimed to transport viewers to the beginning of Mexican civilization. Additionally, Danza Azteca costumes were worn “honoring the rich heritage of Aztec design while introducing contemporary elements.”
Chapter Two: 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.
[ #UFC306 | @RiyadhSeason #NocheUFC | @SphereVegas] pic.twitter.com/jmZBkbMP9P
— UFC (@ufc) September 15, 2024
This modern interpretation of Danza Azteca costumes is a masterful blend of tradition and innovation, honoring the rich heritage of Aztec design while introducing contemporary elements. The base of the costume remains true to the authentic Aztec silhouette, capturing the powerful… pic.twitter.com/RWhXzELCz6
— UFC (@ufc) September 15, 2024
Chapter 3: Rituals and traditions
“This project blended the fascinating research of Mexican rituals and traditions with the creation of an epic fantasy world for UFC 306 in the Sphere,” Paul Nicholls of Factory Fifteen, who directed and produced the chapter, said to the UFC. “It perfectly showcases our detail-oriented maximalist.”
Chapter Three: 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.
[ #UFC306 | @RiyadhSeason #NocheUFC | @SphereVegas] pic.twitter.com/Ima8ji0ZlB
— UFC (@ufc) September 15, 2024
In designing these exquisite gowns, every detail was carefully crafted to pay the utmost respect to this cherished tradition. The gown’s modern couture silhouette, while fashion-forward, remains deeply rooted in the elegance of traditional Mexican attire. Each element was chosen… pic.twitter.com/AigCB0ugdH
— UFC (@ufc) September 15, 2024
Chapter 4: Battle for independence
“As a Mexican director, this project has been a unique challenge, particularly from a pictorial perspective,” BASA studios director and chapter 4 producer Diego Huacuja said to the UFC. “Inspired by the greatest muralist artists of Mexico — Diego Rivera, Juan O’Gorman, and David Alfaro Siqueiros — we symbolized 11 years of struggle for independence through an epic animated piece serving as an ode to the entire movement for Mexican independence.”
Chapter Four: 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.
[ #UFC306 | @RiyadhSeason #NocheUFC | @SphereVegas ] pic.twitter.com/s3BhjJO4OZ
— UFC (@ufc) September 15, 2024
In reimagining the iconic attire of Las Soldaderas for modern-day Independence Day celebrations, this design pays tribute to the courageous women who played a pivotal role in the Mexican Revolution. These women not only fought alongside their male counterparts but also helped to… pic.twitter.com/PlpFs0qA4f
— UFC (@ufc) September 15, 2024
Chapter 5: Fighters and heroes
“Crafting a film for Sphere is truly unlike anything we’ve made before,” shared Shynola, director at Nexus Studios and chapter producer, to the UFC. “The screen fills your field of vision, which means it has a filmic language all its own unique to this venue. That’s been both a challenge and a lot of fun: thinking about shots, composition, lighting and movement in new ways to play with and fully utilize this incredible screen so the audience has the best experience. Sphere has given us a special opportunity to tell the story in a new, astounding way. It’s breathtaking.”
Chapter Five: 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.
[ #UFC306 | @RiyadhSeason #NocheUFC | @SphereVegas ] pic.twitter.com/3ErW3XmewV
— UFC (@ufc) September 15, 2024
This statuesque costume is a profound homage to Mexico’s heroes and fighters, drawing inspiration from the iconic Angel of Independence and the grandeur of historic architecture and monuments. Infused with the spirit of Mexico’s storied past, the design embodies the strength and… pic.twitter.com/AeM87kGHwP
— UFC (@ufc) September 15, 2024
Chapter 6: Mexico today and tomorrow
“The Sphere is the most exciting screen in the world to be creating stories for right now,” Chris O’Reilly, Nexus Studios creative director and chapter producer, said to the UFC. “It’s been an incredible journey collaborating with the visionary Carlos López Estrada and a host of exceptionally talented directors, designers, VFX artists, and technical teams to bring this project to life. This venue pushes the boundaries of immersive storytelling, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience the innovation and creativity that have gone into making this a reality.”
Chapter Six: Mexico Today And Tomorrow
Future Mexico: A civilization evolving from its rich lineage, as its people propel their culture forward into eternity.
{#UFC306 | @RiyadhSeason #NocheUFC | @SphereVegas ] pic.twitter.com/Woq9WrEAZH
— UFC (@ufc) September 15, 2024
This costume is a bold vision of Mexico’s future, encapsulating the strength and resilience that have defined the nation for centuries and will continue to inspire in the years ahead. Composed of a striking, fashion forward – athleisure black base, the design is infused with… pic.twitter.com/1gxmxc5FIF
— UFC (@ufc) September 15, 2024