For the past couple of years — and occasionally at random points throughout the year — videos of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Welterweight title contender Michael Morales have gone viral showing him dancing in the streets… wearing a tight black dress cosplaying as a widow. Naturally, the internet does what it does best. Fans are […]
For the past couple of years — and occasionally at random points throughout the year — videos of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Welterweight title contenderMichael Morales have gone viral showing him dancing in the streets… wearing a tight black dress cosplaying as a widow.
Naturally, the internet does what it does best.
Fans are usually left asking some version of the same question: Why is this ultra-masculine UFC fighter dressed like a grieving woman and dancing in public?
The answer is actually simple — and deeply cultural.
Morales is celebrating Las Viudas, an Ecuadorian New Year’s Eve tradition that dates back more than a century.
Before diving into the explanation, here’s a recent video of Morales taking part in the festivities:
Las Viudas, which translates to “The Widows,” is a uniquely Ecuadorian tradition held every Dec. 31 as part of the larger Año Viejo (“Old Year”) celebration. Men dress as exaggerated mourning widows of the “dying” old year, wearing black (or sometimes colorful) dresses, wigs, heavy makeup, and high heels.
They take to the streets in groups, dancing, crying dramatically, flirting with drivers, and even blocking traffic — all while collecting money to help “pay for the funeral” of their late “husband,” the Old Year. It’s part satire, part performance art, and part communal celebration.
At midnight, the tradition culminates with the burning of effigies — puppets or figures representing politicians, celebrities, or the misfortunes of the past year — symbolizing a fresh start and good luck for the year ahead.
So yes, when you see Morales in a dress, he’s not trolling — he’s honoring tradition.
For what it’s worth, Morales has said he made about $300 in just one hour participating last year… and he usually only stays out for an hour or two. Not bad for ringing in the New Year.
The 26-year-old is coming off a first-round knockout win over Sean Brady at UFC 322 (watch highlights).
Category: General Sports
