UFC Octagon: The Bloody Life of an Emblematic MMA Ring

The Octagon: The Bloody Stage of the UFC and its Guardians

In the world of the UFC, the cage, known as the Octagon, is much more than a simple enclosure. It is the stage where legends are forged, rivers of blood are spilled, and the limits of the human spirit are tested. In this combat arena, each fight leaves a mark, a story etched on the canvas and in the memory of the fans. The history of the Octagon dates back to UFC 1 in 1993, a design that has evolved, but retains its essence. Since then, each event has taken place in the same space, with the same surface and the same conditions. The Octagon is a design that has been maintained over the years thanks to the vision of Dana White and the Fertitta brothers, who acquired the UFC in 2001. Despite the criticism, White defended the cage as an essential element for the safety of the fighters. The Octagon has been constantly updated and modernized, becoming an intricate and efficient fighting surface, maintained by a specialized team known as the “Octo Bros”.

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

The Octo Bros: The Architects of Chaos

The “Octo Bros” are in charge of setting up and taking down the Octagon at each event. This team of experts, led by Alex Baez, ensures that the cage is ready for battle. Alex Baez, with two decades of experience, is the mastermind behind the design and maintenance of the Octagon. His meticulousness and attention to detail are fundamental to ensuring the safety and proper functioning of the cage.

The team responsible for building the six mobile UFC Octagons has custom plates with the name “Octo Bros”.

The Baez team, consisting of Ako Savelio, Brandon Zvulun, and Edgar Vartanian, functions as a unit, each member contributing their experience and dedication. The assembly process of the Octagon is a spectacle of precision and efficiency, with each piece being transported and assembled in record time.

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

On the night of the fight, the Octo Bros make sure everything is in perfect condition. Their job is crucial for the development of the fights, from opening and closing the cage doors to cleaning up the blood and sweat. After each fight, the Octo Bros take care of cleaning the canvas, a process that can be challenging due to the amount of blood and other bodily fluids. The dismantling of the Octagon is as fast as its assembly, and the team takes care of packing everything for the next event.

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

The Octo Bros’ dedication is fundamental to the UFC’s success. Their work, although often overlooked, is essential to ensure that each event is a success. The Octagon is more than a cage; it’s a symbol of the brutality and excitement of the UFC, and the Octo Bros are the guardians of this bloody arena.