Let it be known that we here at MiddleEasy are 100% pro Luchador. The wrestling culture in Mexico is a thing of beauty, and probably 90% of the most mind-blowing things we've ever seen in a pro wrestling match have come from the army of luchadores flying through the air night after night.  If it were up to us, it would be mandatory for humans to watch a couple awesome matches a year. Or at least this highlight once in their lives.

Luchador to me is strictly pro wrestling, but in Mexico, the mask stands for something more - a way of life and a code that one carries with themselves through signifying their heritage. Outside of Tom Lawlor, the UFC is extremely strict with walkout attire and antics, so much so that they didn't want Erik Perez to wear a luchador mask out to the Octagon for his fight against Byron Bloodworth this Saturday. Through much pleading, Erik Perez and his camp finally got Dana White to give the thumbs up on the mask. This is what Erik told Kevin Iole about the way of the luchador:

"When I was a child, the masked warriors were people who never gave up, never stopped fighting no matter the odds, and fought with pride and warrior spirit," Perez said. "I think all Latinos are luchadors, maybe not in the Octagon, but in life, and by putting on the mask, I become each and every one of them and they become me."

Our LayzieTheSavage got Dana White's take yesterday.

Very cool.

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+5 # Nacho Libre 2012-12-28 13:47

Respect!

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0 # Buckley 2012-12-28 14:01

It makes sense, especially when the UFC already has to contend with people claiming the UFC is fixed or staged or some of the fights are a work, the further he can get it away from pro wrestling while still putting on a show the better. Obviously the fighters want to market themselves to be memorable for life after the UFC (or if they're cut), but if you're remembered for your Apollo Creed-esque "Living in America" walkout instead of being a good fighter, well... you're going to have issues anyway.

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+5 # Mr. Fister 2012-12-28 14:14

That's not true. Obviously you don't know who Genki Sudo or Kazushi Sakuraba are. They were phenomenal fighters who had great walk outs.

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+5 # Buckley 2012-12-28 15:11

I'm well aware, but if you were playing a word association game, and someone said "Sakuraba", would you say "great walkouts" or "Gracie killer"? If it's the former... I don't think you should be going around feeling too smug on Internet message boards (or maybe you should since that's the only place you should feel smug).

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-3 # BreadCostume 2012-12-28 15:11

Tell that to Tom Lawlor please

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0 # TigerMask 2012-12-28 17:23

The fuck is up with the Lawlor love here? I've seen constant down votes for people pointing out shit about this dude. Is it because y'all think he's funny, did the Genki get up so he's perfect? Dude hasn't made a step up in competition that's for damn sure. Matt Riddle too for that matter, the fuck is up here?

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-2 # Eye-h8-Dana 2012-12-28 15:32

Fuck Dana White. Fuck him in his stupid ass. The dickhead has to give his 2 cents about everything, and all he does is hate on everyone all the time.

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-1 # AFrontKicktotheFace- 2012-12-28 16:22

+1

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+6 # Adi 2012-12-28 15:42

He's being a dickhead. If a fighter wants to stand out for the generic bald headed dude with tribal tatoos in his division, then let him. If a fighter becomes a fan favorite, then everyone wins: the fans, the fighter, and the business. I guess by this logic Dana would think Sakuraba is "an idiot" or Genki Sudo as well.

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+8 # AFrontKicktotheFace- 2012-12-28 16:24

Exactly, but what Chael does is ok? what the fuck is wrong with this idiot. Which one is more WWE...an entertaining walkout or Chael being recognized strictly for his unfunny unwitty and racist or ignorant remarks? Stupid.

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-1 # Fatty_Sam86 2012-12-28 20:14

Whoa now! Somebody pulled the race card! Everybody start apologizing before Al Sharpton sees this!

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0 # AFrontKicktotheFace- 2012-12-29 01:07

Relax army boy. Step outside of your box for this one...stupid.

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+4 # p 2012-12-28 15:56

dana white acts like an idiot ever time he opens his mouth, does he embarrass himself?

he always yellin about finishes and showmanship too but he cuts people based on loses

dana is a huge hypocrite

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0 # AFrontKicktotheFace- 2012-12-28 16:22

+1

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+11 # Sambro 2012-12-28 16:36

Imagine having Dana as your boss? He's a micromanaging nightmare who holds a grudge.

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+8 # UFC Fan 2012-12-28 19:07

I thought Mexican Wrestlers wore those mask because they are ashamed to let their families know they are gay

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+3 # jwp 2012-12-28 21:36

If UFC want to look professional, how do you explain the TUF show?
"Let me Bang Bro"!

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0 # perpatraitor 2012-12-28 21:44

@Mr Fister great reference Genki Sudo. He is a legend that isn't talked about enough. Nobody has better walkouts than Sudo OR the michael jackson walkout by andertson silva. hahaha

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