The UFC’s dreams of expanding their fanbase more firmly into Mexico are old news at this point. Cain Velasquez was supposed to lead the charge, back in 2010, when he won the heavyweight title. There were ad-campaigns, demo-targeted sponsorships, and a quickly established narrative that the promotion had found their first star to bring MMA fandom to a country better known for its passionate loves of boxing and pro wrestling.
Velasquez fought just once in Mexico. It was a disaster. Long known for his insane pace and cardio, the AKA talent did almost his entire camp for the title defense against Fabricio Werdum at sea level.