EXCLUSIVE: UFC 306 star admits that fighters are 'nervous' about the effects $20million Sphere show will have on performances

13/09/2024 17:55

Ahead of one of the biggest nights of the year, UFC star Norma Dumont has admitted there are some concerns around fighting at The Sphere.

Dumont faces Irene Aldana in the featured prelim of UFC 306, which is expected to draw the highest gate in the sport’s history tomorrow night. Promoter Dana White has pumped over $20million into the event, which celebrates Mexican fighters for the nation’s Independence Day.

The show takes place at Las Vegas’ hot new venue, and will feature a running theme of a film regarding Mexico’s history throughout the night. But some fighters are worried they may be distracted by the unique venue, and the massive 160,000-square-foot LED screen that surrounds it.

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Norma Dumont admits concerns about The Sphere conditions

While the event is one of the biggest in UFC history, there are some factors that make it very different from a standard pay-per-view or fight night. The Sphere is as much of a star as any of the fighters on the card, and may play a factor in performances on the night.

Speaking exclusively with Bloody Elbow in her role as an OnlyFans creator, Norma Dumont explained: “Obviously all of the athletes are a bit curious about it. It’s something new and we don’t know yet how it’s going to be inside.

“We don’t know where the cage is going to be, where the lights are going to be so everybody is a little concerned or nervous about it. I think in the end we are going to manage, but it is something that everybody is really curious about how it’s going to turn out.”

Dumont hadn’t been to The Sphere until last night’s press conference, but noted that she watched as it was constructed when she lived in Las Vegas. “I haven’t seen it from inside but I have seen it from the outside and I used to see it as it was being built when I was living in Las Vegas.

“I lived pretty close by, and I could see it as it was built. I’m very excited to see it at the press conference which will be my first time.”

Norma Dumont rejects underdog tag for Irene Aldana fight at UFC 306

The entire event is centred around Mexican Independence Day, with the promotion even opting to go head-to-head with Canelo Alvarez’s latest fight against Edgar Berlanga. Aldana, who is ranked number five in the world, is representing Mexico, meaning it is likely she is the promotion’s pick to win.

But Dumont doesn’t see it that way, adding: “I don’t see Irene as a favorite for this fight even though it is Mexican Independence Week. I think that I am way better than her, I have more qualities for this fight and I do not see anything bad happening to me.

“All of my fights are hard ones, and I know that Irene is good as well. But I am confident that I am going to give my best and maybe win the belt after this. She is one of the most experienced and resilient fighters that I have faced so far.

“I’m very excited about it because I love fighting with hard and good, experienced fighters. I love exciting fights and that’s what I’m expecting on Saturday.”

Norma Dumont details why she has partnered with OnlyFans

Dumont is one of a number of fighters on the UFC 306 card who have joined up with OnlyFans to share their journeys in the sport. The site has a reputation online for a particular brand of content, but is branching out by having star athletes show off their journeys behind the scenes.

Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili in the main event are the biggest names on the card to have joined up with the company. But there are a number of other stars that have signed on, and are offering fans exclusive looks into their lives.

“The athletes are bringing a lot of visibility in a positive way because they can show their routine, they can show everything they are doing behind the scenes,” she explained. “Sometimes we don’t feel comfortable using other platforms.

“The fans that join me on OnlyFans are my true fans and I can have more proximity with them on this platform. I’m very happy with this partnership and using OnlyFans to show my skills and my athletic side.”

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