Every New Year’s Eve, UFC welterweight contender Michael Morales takes part in Las Viudas, a unique Ecuadorian custom. Translated as “The Widows,” the tradition forms part of the larger Año Viejo, or “Old Year,” celebration. Men wear black dresses, wigs, makeup, and high heels, acting as widows of the departing year, and take to the streets to dance and interact with the community.
Morales has become widely recognized online for participating in this colorful display, drawing viral attention each December 31.
A Mix of Performance and Celebration
The ritual blends theatrical performance, satire, and public engagement. Participants mimic mourning widows, often performing dramatic dances, playfully teasing drivers, and sometimes collecting money to symbolically pay for the funeral of the “Old Year.”
At midnight, the festivities culminate with the burning of effigies representing public figures or the difficulties of the past year. This ceremonial act signals a fresh start and hopes for good fortune in the new year.
😭 What Michael Morales is doing
🤦♀️ Morales dressed up as a widow and danced on the streets of Ecuador on New Year’s Eve.
( 🎥 Michael Morales IG ) pic.twitter.com/ttM4lSkvhz
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) December 31, 2025
Morales has taken part in Las Viudas for several years, usually for an hour or two each New Year’s Eve. According to the MMA Mania report, he earned approximately $300 in one hour during last year’s event. The fighter recently returned from a first-round knockout victory over Sean Brady at UFC 322, but still dedicates time to maintain this cultural tradition.
Fans worldwide are often surprised to see a professional UFC athlete engaging so vividly in a public folk tradition, but Morales’ involvement underscores the enduring significance of Las Viudas in Ecuador. The celebration combines humor, performance art, and community spirit, offering both entertainment and cultural education.
