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Diego Lopes, the most Mexican UFC fighter, plays 'La Chona' at the White House
๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Mexico /Culture & Society

Diego Lopes, the most Mexican UFC fighter, plays 'La Chona' at the White House

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • UFC fighter Diego Lopes, who is Brazilian but embraced by Mexico, entered the Octagon at a White House event to the song 'La Chona.'
  • Lopes knocked out his opponent Steve Garcia in the second round of their featherweight bout.
  • The fighter expressed his gratitude for the support from Puebla, Mexico, and the unique experience of hearing a Mexican song performed by the presidential band.

In a historic first, the White House opened its doors to the UFC, hosting a major event featuring some of the sport's top stars. Among the night's most viral moments was the entrance of Brazilian fighter Diego Lopes, who has deeply embraced Mexican culture throughout his career.

Lopes, who competes in the featherweight division, faced Steve Garcia. While Lopes secured a victory by knockout in the second round, his walk to the Octagon captured significant attention. He entered to the iconic Mexican song 'La Chona,' famously performed by Los Tucanes de Tijuana, with this rendition played by the presidential band.

Lopes, who consistently asks to be announced as being from Puebla, Mexico, where he resides and maintains strong community ties, expressed his profound emotion at being part of such a unique moment. The event coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump's birthday.

'It's inexplicable what just happened. The truth is, it's one of the most recognized songs in all of Mexico, and even more so with the president's orchestra,' Lopes stated. 'In my division, not just anyone can beat me in an exchange; I have the desire to keep advancing. I thank the people of Puebla for their support and hope to visit soon to celebrate.'

It's inexplicable what just happened. The truth is, it's one of the most recognized songs in all of Mexico, and even more so with the president's orchestra. In my division, not just anyone can beat me in an exchange; I have the desire to keep advancing. I thank the people of Puebla for their support and hope to visit soon to celebrate.

โ€” Diego LopesThe Brazilian-born UFC fighter described his feelings after his entrance at the White House event.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.