As the UFC prepares for its upcoming Noche UFC event at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, on September 12, 2026, fighters are increasingly utilizing walkout music to broadcast their cultural heritage and personal identity. These song choices serve as deliberate markers of national pride and regional roots, turning the moments before a bout into a display of Latin American musical tradition.
The Cultural Significance of Walkout Music
The UFC walkout serves as a primary opportunity for athletes to establish their brand and public persona before physical engagement begins. According to the promotion, fighters often select music that reflects their individual motivations, culture, and personality rather than simply choosing high-energy tracks. For Noche UFC, an event established in 2023 to coincide with Mexican Independence Day celebrations, the selection of Latin music has become a standard method for athletes to connect with their audience and highlight their background.
Notable Latin Walkout Selections
Fighters across the UFC roster employ a wide variety of musical styles, ranging from traditional mariachi to modern dembow and salsa, to define their entrance.
- Alexa Grasso: The fighter has consistently used "El Son de la Negra" by Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. This mariachi standard was noted by MMA Junkie during her title-winning performance at UFC 285 in March 2023.
- Diego Lopes: The Brazilian athlete uses a high-energy Steve Aoki remix of "La Chona" by Los Tucanes de Tijuana. This selection emphasizes a high-tempo, celebratory atmosphere that aligns with his offensive fighting style.
- Edgar Chairez: Known for his direct approach, Chairez walks out to "Soy Un Mexicano, Lo Que Hay" by Carlos Blanco, a track that explicitly highlights his Mexican identity.
- Kelvin Gastelum: A long-time user of the Vicente Fernández classic "El Palenque," Gastelum’s choice is frequently cited by the UFC as a reflection of his Mexican-American heritage.
- Loopy Godinez: Godinez utilizes Marc Anthony’s "Vivir Mi Vida." She has stated in media appearances that the song resonates with her personal experience and gratitude for her career.
- Alex Pereira: Breaking from the traditional Latin pop or mariachi genres, Pereira enters to "Itsári" by Sepultura. The instrumental track features a collaboration with the Indigenous Xavante people of Brazil, serving as a direct nod to his Pataxó roots.
- Raul Rosas Jr.: The young prospect frequently selects music by Vicente Fernández, such as "México Lindo y Querido," to underscore his connection to Mexican pride.
- Ilia Topuria: Topuria incorporates "Canción del Mariachi" by Antonio Banderas and Los Lobos. The track, famously associated with the 1995 film Desperado, provides a cinematic and theatrical entrance.
- Tracy Cortez: Cortez walks out to the Selena classic "Como la Flor." She has noted on social media that the song serves as a tribute to her immigrant parents and her Chicana identity.
- Waldo Cortes-Acosta: The Dominican heavyweight utilizes "Pila de Bandera" by Don Miguelo, Mozart La Para, and Lapiz Conciente. This choice introduces the dembow genre to the UFC, highlighting Caribbean musical influence.
Impact on Fan Engagement
The use of culturally specific music allows fighters to bridge the gap between their personal history and the global UFC audience. While some selections lean into established folklore and patriotic themes, others, like the inclusion of dembow or instrumental Indigenous-inspired tracks, demonstrate the diversity of Latin American influence within the sport. As the promotion continues to prioritize identity-driven spectacle, these musical choices remain a primary tool for athletes to project their heritage to a worldwide fanbase.
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