Historiador cubano Julio César González Pagés has raised alarms on social media about a disturbing trend: clandestine fight circuits in Cuba offering young people just 20 euros per match. The so-called "Combate Libre" project seeks participants "willing to fight for money and fame" under the slogan "Fearless of Bleeding." These fights, held in rooftops, yards, abandoned factories, or streets, prioritize "showmanship and engagement" over safety.
Despite advertised rules and matchups by weight, these events operate illegally, lacking medical or sports supervision. González Pagés, who leads the Ibero-American and African Network of Masculinities, notes that this phenomenon began in Santiago de Cuba but now involves participants from Havana, Pinar del Río, Sancti Spíritus, Cienfuegos, Granma, and Las Tunas. Organizers record the fights to share on social media, aiming to monetize views and attract sponsors while avoiding police detection.
The project accepts both novices and amateur fighters without requiring professional training. The meager pay and the underground nature of these brawls put young participants at risk of serious injury, commodifying violence in the digital age. According to González Pagés, this reflects the dire circumstances and hopelessness faced by many young men in Cuba, where a lack of opportunities and the rise of violent content on social networks normalize physical aggression as an escape or source of income.
The Social and Moral Decline Reflected in Underground Fights
The emergence of these "real fights" signals a broader societal issue, highlighting the erosion of social safety nets. A generation, beset by crisis, resorts to risking their physical well-being for a few coins and fleeting visibility. Social media reactions have amplified concerns, with many users viewing this as indicative of deep moral and social decay in Cuba, transcending mere illicit entertainment.
Patricia Pérez Ramos lamented, "Every day we hear new stories, none of which are encouraging. Our society is transforming into something we never dreamed of." Meanwhile, Bernardo Maturell Martínez criticized institutional inaction: "Why do the authorities allow these Roman-style challenges? We continue to show absolute complacency and passivity towards unprecedented social ills."
Others, like Caridad Miranda Martínez, succinctly summarized the crisis: "These tough times reveal many dark sides." Maritza Hernández described the era as "barbaric," and Lily Lorenzo warned that conditions are ripe for such initiatives to grow. Luigi Joe remarked that this phenomenon is not unique to Cuba but is a local manifestation of a global crisis, brought to light by an unprecedented domestic situation.
Rising Violence and Insecurity in Santiago de Cuba
Recent violent incidents in Santiago de Cuba highlight the island's growing insecurity. Residents report an increase in violent and criminal acts, noting an ineffective response from authorities. Citizens demand better control and security, denouncing a growing sense of impunity threatening vulnerable communities.
On Tuesday, residents found José Luis Rodríguez, known as "Jaca," dead in his home. In another incident, 32-year-old Mario Leandro Duharte Cala died after being stabbed at a street party. A violent robbery on September 1 in the José Martí District left two injured and a significant sum of money stolen. Weeks earlier, a brutal attack on several women occurred in a busy intersection, stunning onlookers.
The city was further shocked by multiple stabbings in a single day, emphasizing the increase in public aggression. A brawl outside a cellphone repair shop added to the chaotic atmosphere. The case of the alleged "cannibal killer" continues to unsettle the community, with suspicions that José Luis Fernández Torres may be responsible for multiple disappearances.
In June, a 70-year-old farmer was tortured and murdered for his belongings, a crime that rattled eastern Cuba. Months before, a student was severely injured in a violent incident at the "Antonio Maceo" Vocational School of Exact Sciences. Residents also report armed youth gangs committing assaults and robberies, with authorities struggling to provide effective solutions.
Understanding the Impact of Clandestine Fights in Cuba
What are clandestine fights in Cuba?
Clandestine fights in Cuba are illegal combat events where participants are recruited to fight for small sums of money and exposure. These fights are often held in secret locations without proper oversight.
Why are young Cubans participating in these fights?
Young Cubans are drawn to these fights due to a lack of opportunities and financial desperation. The prospect of earning money and gaining visibility in a struggling economy is a significant driving factor.
What are the risks associated with these underground fights?
Participants in underground fights face the risk of severe injuries due to the lack of medical supervision and the violent nature of the events. There is also a risk of legal consequences since these fights are illegal.
How do these events reflect broader societal issues in Cuba?
These events highlight the socio-economic challenges in Cuba, including a lack of opportunities, rising violence, and the normalization of aggression as a means of survival in a crisis-stricken society.