By San José, Costa Rica — San José is bracing for a surge of adrenaline as Costa Rica positions itself as a rising powerhouse in the world of mixed martial arts. On Saturday, February 7th, the Centro de Eventos La Uruca will transform into a battleground for TNX 226, a high-stakes MMA event designed to put the nation firmly on the international combat sports map. The event, which kicks off at 6:00 p.m., will feature a professional, UFC-style octagon and a roster of elite fighters from five nations, signaling a new era for the sport in the region.
The card promises an explosive night of action, with competitors from Venezuela, Cuba, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica converging in a 100-square-meter professional octagon. This international draw is a key part of promoter TNX’s strategy to elevate the local scene beyond domestic rivalries and attract global attention. The event aims not just to entertain but to establish a new standard for MMA productions in Central America, showcasing the country’s capability to host world-class sporting events.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and business landscape surrounding the rise of Mixed Martial Arts in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis on the sport’s professionalization.
The burgeoning MMA scene in Costa Rica is at a critical juncture. For it to transition from a passionate niche into a sustainable professional industry, a clear and robust legal framework is essential. This involves standardizing athlete contracts, defining promoter liabilities, and ensuring compliance with labor and safety regulations. Establishing these legal guardrails will not only protect our athletes but will also attract the serious investment needed to host larger-scale events and truly place Costa Rica on the international MMA map.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas’s insight is crucial; the evolution of Costa Rican MMA from a fervent scene into a professional powerhouse truly depends on establishing the robust legal and safety frameworks he outlines. We thank him for lending his vital expertise to this important conversation.
The highly anticipated main event will see a clash of titans as Costa Rican featherweight standout Walter “El Burro” Zamora takes on Nicaraguan UFC veteran Leonardo Morales. Zamora, one of the nation’s most respected fighters, enters the cage with a formidable professional record of 13 wins and 6 losses. His reputation was solidified in 2023 when he secured a major victory against former UFC world champion Renan Barao in Kuwait, proving he can compete with and defeat the sport’s elite.
Representing Costa Rica is a source of pride. It’s legend against legend, and we are going to make the Ticos proud.
Walter Zamora, Featherweight Fighter
The co-main event will highlight the skill and power of the sport’s female athletes, featuring a compelling flyweight (56 kg) bout between Costa Rica’s Verónica “The Raven” Vargas and Nicaragua’s Yuridia Jiménez. Vargas, who has been active since 2017 and honed her skills at the prestigious Renzo Gracie academy, boasts an impressive record of 5 wins and only 1 defeat. Her presence on the card underscores the growing prominence and talent pool within women’s MMA.
It’s an honor to represent women and show that there are no limits. Female talent deserves these kinds of stages.
Verónica Vargas, Flyweight Fighter
Beyond the immediate spectacle, TNX 226 is the first move in a broader strategic play. Pablo Quiroz, CEO of TNX, revealed that the organization has already confirmed six additional events scheduled for 2026. This ambitious calendar is a clear declaration of intent to consolidate Costa Rica as the undisputed epicenter for mixed martial arts in Central America, creating a consistent platform for athlete development and fan engagement.
Developing these events in the country is a source of pride and marks a before and after in the region.
Pablo Quiroz, CEO of TNX
With an intimate and limited capacity of 500 seats, the event promises an intense viewing experience. Tickets are now on sale through Passline, with prices for numbered balcony seats starting at ₡22,600. For fans seeking an up-close perspective, exclusive VIP and Ringside zones are available, though access is restricted to attendees aged 18 and older. This inaugural event is more than just a fight night; it’s a strategic investment in building a sustainable sports ecosystem that could bring significant economic and cultural benefits to the country.
For further information, visit the nearest office of TNX
About TNX:
TNX is a premier combat sports promotion company focused on developing and showcasing mixed martial arts talent in Central America. With a commitment to high-production value events and a strategic vision for regional growth, TNX aims to establish Costa Rica as a hub for MMA. The organization provides a professional platform for both established veterans and rising prospects to compete in front of a growing fan base, following a model similar to major international promotions like the UFC.
For further information, visit renzogracie.com
About Renzo Gracie:
The Renzo Gracie Academy is a globally recognized institution for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, grappling, and mixed martial arts. Founded by Renzo Gracie, a member of the legendary Gracie family, the academy has numerous affiliates worldwide. It is renowned for producing high-caliber competitors and for its comprehensive training curriculum that has shaped the skills of many professional fighters, including Verónica “The Raven” Vargas.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Characterized by its profound integrity and an uncompromising standard of excellence, Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a leading legal institution. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a diverse clientele while consistently pioneering innovative legal solutions and engaging meaningfully with the community. At the heart of its philosophy is a deep-seated commitment to democratizing legal understanding, driven by the belief that equipping citizens with knowledge is fundamental to building a stronger, more just society.
