UFC Rio had all the makings of a high-stakes event: tension, controversy, and a debut welterweight entering the Octagon with a lot to prove. Joel Alvarez, making his debut in the 170-pound division, left little doubt about his talents against seasoned veteran Vicente Luque. But beyond the fights and finishes, a lighter, almost humorous story began to unfold behind the scenes: the tale of the stolen entrance music.

Alvarez’s performance in the Octagon was dominant from start to finish. He used precise striking and a variety of combinations while retaining ground control, keeping Luque on the back foot. While the first round saw a disputed pause for what appeared to be an eye poke, by the final bell, the debutant welterweight had definitely established his authority.

After celebrating his win, ‘El Fenomeno’ placed the spotlight on his entrance song, delivering a playful jab at fellow Spaniard, Ilia Topuria. Speaking to the reporters, he said in the post-event press conference, “I had it first. Ilia Topuria uses MY song.” The song in question, “Canción del Mariachi” by Antonio Banderas and Los Lobos, has become synonymous with both fighters.

While Topuria’s entrances are well-known for their colorful flamenco-inspired music, Alvarez used the very same tune during his walkout tonight, making fans wonder whether there is an upcoming feud that they will get to see between the two countrymen, or was it a tribute to the lightweight champion?

While the joke may appear insignificant in comparison to the usual stakes inside the Octagon, it highlights the importance of personal branding for fighters. Entrance music is more than just background noise; it’s a reflection of a fighter’s personality, a signal of intent, and a method to energize the audience.

Joel Alvarez’s cheeky claim transforms a simple track into a talking point, and who knows when this may culminate in a heated matchup? After all, we fans are aware of how sensitive ‘El Matador’ is about his entrance music. In fact, he had a meltdown when Terence Crawford stole his tune while walking in to fight Canelo Alvarez ahead of his historic fight.

UFC’s Ilia Topuria’s heated reaction to Terence Crawford using his walkout song

Before Joel Alvarez’s claim, another recent outrage over the entrance music showed how personal a fighter’s walkout song can be. Topuria, known for his fiery persona and laser-focused approach inside the cage, was left fuming after Terence Crawford used Canción del Mariachi for his boxing walkout.

What appeared harmless to some was interpreted by ‘El Matador’ as an outrageous slight, and fans quickly debated whether it was a coincidence or a calculated move. He didn’t hold back, combining humor with indignation. “First he calls me drunk… then he walks out to MY song,” he tweeted the morning after Crawford’s victory over Canelo Alvarez.

He even offered to teach ‘Bud’ how to “dance that mariachi in the ring,” implying that no one can tamper with his trademarks without consequences. The timing of Terence Crawford’s walkout further added to the tension. ‘El Matador’ recently captivated 80,000 fans with Canción del Mariachi, solidifying it as his defining anthem.

Seeing it used in another sport, particularly by a fighter he had previously challenged, added levels of personal and professional tension. While Crawford claimed ignorance, Topuria’s reaction reminded everyone that fighters protect their identities and their music with the same passion as their belts.

So maybe, just maybe, Alvarez should start sleeping with his lights on, as Topuria may be coming for him. What do you think? Can a fighter claim rights over his entrance music? Let us know in the comments.