Latest news with #MexicanIndependence
USA Today
08-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Diego Lopes targets Yair Rodriguez or Movsar Evloev for Noche UFC in Guadalajara
Diego Lopes targets Yair Rodriguez or Movsar Evloev for Noche UFC in Guadalajara Diego Lopes is eager to get to another title fight following his first UFC championship defeat last month in Miami. He knows that to do so, he'll need to fight a top contender in the division, and that's why he's got two names in mind. Lopes wants his octagon return to be on Sept. 13 at this year's Noche UFC – the UFC's annual event celebrating Mexican Independence. The pay-per-view card is set to go down in Guadalajara, Mexico – home of Lobo Gym, where Lopes does a bulk of his training. His ideal opponents would be Yair Rodriguez or Movsar Evloev. "My focus is to fight at Noche UFC in September," Lopes told Hablemos MMA in Spanish. "Two names I can mention that I'd like would be the rematch against Movsar (Evloev) or a fight against Yair (Rodriguez). Either of those guys gets me close to the title." Lopes fought Alexander Volkanovski for the vacant UFC featherweight title in the main event of UFC 314 on April 12. Unfortunately for Lopes, he came up short, losing a unanimous decision. Given the state of the weight class, the way he fought against Volkanovski, and that he was on an impressive five-fight winning streak prior to the title loss, Lopes doesn't see himself too far from a title shot. He thinks one good performance can get him there, or at worst, two. As far as the ideal rival, Lopes has no preference between Rodriguez and Evloev, as he has built-in history with both. With Evloev, it would be a rematch, since the two fought back in 2023. It was Lopes' first fight in the UFC, one he took on short notice the week of the fight. Despite the circumstances, it was a competitive bout that left both guys with a $50,000 bonus for Fight of the Night. Since, the two have gone back-and-forth on social media over a potential rematch. With Rodriguez, just last month prior to UFC 314, the two got into a fiery exchange and had to be separated by security at the UFC 314 pre-fight press conference. The dispute was over past beef that dates back to the regional scene in Mexico. Either fight is fine with him. "The fights that I have to take are the ones that guarantee me to fight for the belt next," Lopes said. "I have yet to really think about it too much on what we want to do, but obviously we have Noche UFC in Guadalajara, that's my objective, to fight there. The fight that I want is the one that gets me closest to the title. Regardless of who it is, I want the fight the UFC goes, 'Ok, win this one, and you're fighting for the title.' That's the one I'm taking, no problem." Rodriguez and Evloev are two of the top contenders in the division, which is why Lopes wants to fight them. They are also in the running to see who will be the next challenger for Volkanovski. Lopes thinks Evloev is the most deserving of the opportunity, but can see it going to either guy. "Look, it's definitely Movsar," Lopes said when asked who deserves to get the next title shot at 145 pounds. "The UFC has been cooking him for many years now. Even though people don't like his style, he's won key fights to have an opportunity to fight for the title. "'El Pantera' also had a good showing in his last fight. I think the UFC had to offer him something. I don't think it was like, 'Hey, fight this guy because that's the only one available.' I don't think he'd fight a newcomer outside the rankings without getting some promise or some offer. So I think any of those guys can fight for the title, but whoever doesn't get the title shot, have them fight me."
USA Today
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Celebrate Mexican heritage on Cinco de Mayo with margaritas and birria tacos
Celebrate Mexican heritage on Cinco de Mayo with margaritas and birria tacos Taco Tuesday is going to have to take a backseat this week as Cinco de Mayo is set for Monday, May 5—and yes, we're kickstarting our celebrations early. So, breakout the margarita mix and your best taco recipe; it's time to celebrate Mexican heritage (not Mexican Independence). Whether you're whipping up classic carne asada tacos or trying the TikTok viral Birria bombs, Cinco de Mayo is a day to enjoy fantastic Mexican food and your favorite beverages like a frozen margarita. Plus, with Amazon Prime, you can order everything you need and enjoy free shipping that'll have your Cinco de Mayo essentials delivered faster than you can say, "Celebremos!" Here are a few Amazon items to help you host the best Cinco de Mayo party: Everything you need for margaritas Pro-tip: For authentic taste and a boost of flavor, add this watermelon-flavored chamoy paste and this Tajin rimming seasoning to your cart. Everything you need for tacos Looking for more authentic flavors? Try these taco seasoning packets for Al Pastor, Carnitas and Tinga tacos. Pro-tip: When the weather isn't PERFECT for grilling and I'm in need of carne asada tacos, I whip out this countertop griddle for the same great flavor without firing up the grill. BIRRIA RECIPE: How to make birria seasoning, tacos in a fraction of the time: Video Cinco de Mayo party decor What is Cinco de Mayo? Many think of Cinco de Mayo as Mexican Independence Day, like the Fourth of July in the U.S.—but it's not. Mexico's Independence Day is on September 16, 1810, and celebrated every year on September 16. However, May 5, 1862 does mark an important battle in Mexico's battle against the French, led by Napoleon III (the nephew of Napoleon I, who was defeated at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815), according to What are the benefits of an Amazon Prime membership? We recommend signing up for a Prime membership, as the subscription gives you access to the biggest Amazon deals year-round and ensures you receive fast, free shipping on your Amazon orders.
USA Today
30-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Chris Gutierrez has two opponents in mind for Noche UFC in Guadalajara
Chris Gutierrez has two opponents in mind for Noche UFC in Guadalajara Chris Gutierrez has a name and date in mind for his next UFC fight. The veteran bantamweight wants to get matched up against Adrian Yanez or Marcus McGhee, who beat his teammate Jonathan Martinez. This callout from Gutierrez (22-5-2 MMA, 10-3-1 UFC) comes after defeating John Castaneda in a split decision this past Saturday at UFC on ESPN 66 in Kansas City, Mo. "I'd like to fight next against Adrian Yanez or maybe the guy that last beat Johnny, Marcus McGhee. I'd like one of those," Gutierrez told Hablemos MMA in Spanish. On top of having two specific names in mind, Gutierrez also has a card and date. He'd like either of those two fights to go down at this year's Noche UFC, the UFC's annual event celebrating Mexican Independence, which is slated for Sept. 13 in Guadalajara, Mexico. "I would like to fight again in September now that the UFC is going to Guadalajara," Gutierrez said. "I'd like to fight in front of a Hispanic audience, but first I need to recover from my hand. Health is the most important, and that's what I'm focusing on." Gutierrez suffered a hand injury in the lead-up to UFC Kansas City. He's yet to have a medical diagnosis, but if health permits, Noche UFC is his target. For Gutierrez, who's U.S. born but with Colombian and Guatemalan parents, reconnecting with the Hispanic MMA audience is important. The last time he fought outside of the U.S. was back in 2019 at a UFC Fight Night event in Uruguay. "I want to show my face in front of a Hispanic crowd," Gutierrez explained. "That blood runs hot, and it's a different energy that us Hispanics bring. I would obviously like to fight in front of that audience, of course. All my recent fights have been in the United States. This last fight was in Kansas City, but the fights before that were at the Apex. Man, the Apex bores so much. It's not what you think. The sport was made to fight in front of an audience. It's a beautiful experience, and I want to do it again, but this time in front of a Hispanic audience."
