Bloody Octagon: The Soul of the UFC and Its Guardians, the “Octo Bros”

The Octagon: The UFC Battleground

In the UFC world, the octagon is more than just a venue; it’s the epicenter where brutality and skill merge. In the second round of an uneven fight between Khaos Williams and Andreas Gustafson, blood stains the canvas, marking the territory of a relentless battle. The scene, worthy of a forensic investigation, reveals the intensity of the fight, with blood splattering every corner of the ring. After Gustafson’s victory, UFC staff, clad in gloves and black suits, enter the octagon to clean up the crime scene. With white towels, they attempt to absorb the blood, a spectacle often reserved for the main fights of the night. The canvas, with its clinging surface, bears witness to every battle. The fighters, in their corners, spit water to avoid becoming immobile. UFC workers strive to clean the blood, knowing that each event leaves a unique mark on the canvas, a visual narrative of the night. Thanks to the “Octo Bros”, the show goes on. They are the guardians of the octagon, a team that travels the world to ensure that every UFC event runs smoothly.

The modern octagon is an evolution of the original UFC 1 cage in 1993.

The Octagon’s Legacy

From UFC 1 in 1993 to UFC 316 in 2025, the octagon has been the invariable stage for every fight. It’s the equivalent of a single playing field for all NFL teams, or all MLB games played at Fenway. Dana White and the Fertitta brothers, upon acquiring the UFC in 2001, kept the octagon, despite criticism and the need for the sport’s legitimization.

“The cage provides security,” White affirmed.

Dana White

The octagon, with its constant improvements, has become a modern and complex combat surface, maintained by an efficient team. The “Octo Bros”, with their personalized license plates, are responsible for this task, managing six mobile octagons and one smaller one in the Apex center of Las Vegas.

The team responsible for building the six mobile octagons of the UFC has personalized license plates with the name “Octo Bros”.

The Architects of the Octagon

Alex Baez, the leader of the “Octo Bros”, is the main architect of the modern octagon. With two decades of experience, Baez knows every detail of the cage. His obsession with perfection is reflected in every aspect of his work, from design to maintenance. The Baez team, composed of Ako Savelio, Brandon Zvulun, and Edgar Vartanian, shares its dedication. Savelio, with his contagious laughter and love for music, brings a positive atmosphere. Vartanian, with his eye for detail, is a key piece of the team. Zvulun, with his strength and determination, completes the unit. The construction of the octagon is a meticulous process, involving the placement of moving parts, the installation of support beams, and the placement of the canvas. Each step is designed to ensure the safety and performance of the fighters.

Baez, 41, has designed and maintained every millimeter of the octagon for the last two decades.

Fight Night

In the night of combat, the “Octo Bros” perform a final inspection. The spectacle begins, and they position themselves in their designated places: one in each corner to open and close the doors, one moving on the outside, and another resting. The adrenaline is high, and the “Octo Bros” must act with speed and precision. Time is crucial, and every second counts. Safety is paramount, and the hits don’t stop. The night unfolds with exciting fights. The presence of prominent figures, such as Donald Trump, adds a special touch to the event. Kevin Holland’s victory, followed by a jump over the cage, generates controversy and reinforces the importance of safety.

In person, the cage has an incredible glow. The stadium dims as the fighters enter the cage, with bright lights from above and intricate LED lighting woven into the cage frame below.

The night culminates with championship fights, where the tension reaches its peak. The octagon door closes, and the battle begins. Each fight is unique, every moment is unforgettable. After the interviews, the “Octo Bros” prepare to dismantle the octagon. The process is quick and efficient. The work doesn’t stop, and the cycle continues. The cage is dismantled and prepared for the next event.

The team takes about three intense hours to build the octagon the day before fight night. Baez, however, says they can probably do it in less than two hours.

VIP access to the octagon is a coveted experience. Attendees have the opportunity to step onto the canvas and take photographs. The “Octo Bros” take the opportunity to dismantle the cage, ensuring efficiency at every step. Baez’s perfection is manifested in every detail. The efficiency of the octagon packaging is a work of art. The dedication of the “Octo Bros” is evident in every event. The night ends, and the cycle repeats.