The octagon will eventually end up in Guadalajara and its new arena, but building delays meant that this year's Noche UFC events had to be changed. It was first said that the third annual Noche UFC event to mark Mexican Independence Day would be in Mexico for the first time. The card was supposed to take place on September 13 in Guadalajara, but it was moved to San Antonio, Texas, where Diego Lopes vs. Jean Silva would now be the main event. Marc Ratner, the UFC's Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, says that even though things didn't go as planned this time, going back to the city and venue is still a top goal. Ratner told MMA Junkie Radio in a recent interview, "Guadalajara is still in our plans." "The arena wasn't quite ready yet." We couldn't go there until everything was fully done, like the roof and other things. I believe you will see it. We might not go back this year, but we will. We want to go back. The first Noche UFC event of 2023 took place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. In 2024, the card took place at Sphere in Las Vegas and was one of the most lavish spectacles in UFC history. Ratner noted that a return to Sphere is not being thought about right now, and UFC CEO Dana White said before that it was probably a one-time event. Ratner added, "I haven't heard any rumors about another Sphere show." "It was a spectacle that cost a lot of money. More than $20 million went into making the show and other things. It worked out really well. I loved being there and being a part of it. I don't know if we'll go back or not, but so far there haven't been any signs.