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In a sport in which fight promotions constantly seek ways to stand out from the pack, a Mexico-based startup has set its sights very high indeed.
In comparison to many other sports, mixed martial arts is still in its infancy, but ever since the Ultimate Fighting Championship established its dominance three decades ago with its iconic name, trademark eight-sided cage and catchphrases like “As Real As It Gets,” would-be rivals across the globe have looked for innovative alternatives. Those efforts have ranged from interesting experiments like YAMMA Pit Fighting, the brainchild of UFC co-creator Bob Meyrowitz which took place in a concave bowl-shaped enclosure, all the way to bizarre spectacles like M-1 Global presenting medieval knight fights in Russia where combatants faced off in full medieval armor with swords and shields in a ring.
On May 30, a new innovation will be introduced to the sport, as Aeternum Fight League will host its inaugural event at the World Trade Center in Mexico City. The tag line of Aeternum 1, “The Highest MMA Fight Ever,” refers to elevation, as Mexico City is the one of the highest capital cities in the world at roughly 7200 feet above sea level.
Speaking specifically of mixed martial arts, Mexico City is the highest city where organized MMA takes place on any regular basis and easily the highest the UFC has ever visited. However, Aeternum’s organizers plan to outdo even those events: Aeternum 1 will take place at the Mirador, a tourist destination on the 46th floor of the Mexico City’s World Trade Center. That location promises a breathtaking view of the city’s skyline—and will add another 803 feet to the elevation, enough to secure a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
In speaking about his upcoming event, Aeternum CEO Dylan Marino acknowledged that the “highest” catchphrase for the debut show is about branding and attention. However, his comments made it clear that the promotion itself is no gimmick, but a well-planned effort at improving combat sports in Latin America.
“During a conversation with a friend named Misael, we were brainstorming for innovative ideas on how we could come in with a new approach,” Marino said. “He mentioned hosting an event at the Mirador in the World Trade Center as it could be a record-breaking, innovative event due to the height of the building. We did our research and confirmed it would, indeed, be the highest event in mixed martial arts history. I give him all credit for the idea. We will have a full production team on hand as our event will air on Hi Sports TV and will also be streamed live on our official YouTube channel. Due to the setup, we will only have capacity for an attendance of approximately 300 people. However, for future events we will look to expand the capacity.
“Our goal is to make a new alternative in Mexican mixed martial arts,” he added. “We want to give fighters more opportunities to compete and showcase their talents on a new high-level platform. Now we are focused on making an impact and marking a difference in Mexican mixed martial arts. Once we accomplish that, we will be looking to expand to across Latin America.”
The first edition of Aeternum Fight League takes place on May 30 at the World Trade Center in Mexico City. The seven-fight card features Mexican as well as international talent and will be headlined by bantamweights Diego Gomez Manzur (Chile) and Jhon Tacha (Colombia.)
Aeternum Fight League 1: The Highest MMA Fight Ever
Bantamweight: Diego Gomez Manzur (12-1) vs. Jhon Tacha (13-3)Flyweight: Fernanda Munoz (9-3) vs. Fernanda Larios (6-3)
Flyweight: Einar Gonzalez (7-1) vs. Osvaldo Segura (8-2)
Featherweight: Luis Ceron (12-14) vs. Isaac Ruelas (7-8)
Welterweight: Luis Marquez (6-5) vs. Kevin Arreola (4-3)
Strawweight: Nadia Vera (6-5-1) vs. Ariadne Uriega (3-1)
Flyweight: Carlos Jimenez (0-0) vs. Cesar Bourjac (1-2)
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