At dusk in Las Vegas, storm clouds are rolling in, but the city is eerily still. The casinos are empty, the streets abandoned. But then a man in a suit makes his way over the horizon. Another sets out against the iconic Strip. Fans amass behind each, following these modern-day gladiators on their collision course.

The two make eye contact when the sunglasses come off, and that’s when the gloves come on. Via dizzying special effects, we are transported inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena, where a desert standoff becomes fight night.

The spot debuted during UFC Fight Night Dublin on UFC Fight Pass. The Irish MMA market exploded when Irishman Conor McGregor made his UFC debut there in 2013, and their support helped rocket him to main event status. From there the spot was trafficked online and to partners at FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2 to run in inventory until the event itself on December 12.

The spot was widely shared virally and well-received by fans, who appreciated the cinematic quality as well as the inherent drama of these two fighters' long-brewing enmity. UFC 194 was one of the top-selling Pay-Per-View events of the year.