The UFC set up an octagon on the White House South Lawn for Freedom 250, held on President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and as part of the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. The event took place at a time of high tension in the relationship between Washington and its neighbors, marked by tariff disputes, immigration policies, and a diplomatic climate that has generated friction with much of the world.
Trump appeared before more than 4,000 handpicked guests to applause, accompanied by UFC CEO Dana White. According to reports, figures such as Mark Zuckerberg and Melania Trump were among the audience. Analysts and social media users were quick to point out that the choice of the event—broadcast globally—can hardly be interpreted as unrelated to the president’s political agenda, whose approval rating has fluctuated in recent polls. Although officially a sporting and patriotic celebration, the context transformed it into something more.
And it was precisely in that setting that “La Chona” played.
In that highly solemn setting, the first fighter to walk to the octagon was Diego Lopes, and he did it in his own unique way.
Lopes, who has historically used “La Chona” by Los Tucanes de Tijuana as his entrance song, also carried the flags of Brazil and Mexico during his walk to the cage. Born in South America but trained in Mexico—specifically in Puebla—the fighter has a deep connection to Mexican culture that he carries with him to every event.
