UFC Fight Night Mexico City: Flyweight Headliner & What to Expect

Brandon Moreno returned to the Octagon Saturday night in Mexico City, headlining UFC Fight Night against Lone’er Kavanagh at Arena CDMX, despite recent cartel violence in parts of the country. The event proceeded as scheduled following the death of drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, similarly known as “El Mencho,” according to reports. Moreno, a former two-time UFC flyweight champion, stepped into the fight following the withdrawal of Asu Almabayev due to a hand injury. The 32-year-old Moreno (23-9-2) was looking to rebound from a second-round knockout loss to Tatsuro Taira in December 2025, a setback after consecutive victories over Amir Albazi and Steve Erceg. Kavanagh (9-1), a 26-year-old from London, entered the bout with the opportunity to rapidly ascend in the flyweight division. He had secured decision wins over Jose Ochoa and Felipe dos Santos earlier in his UFC career, but suffered a second-round knockout loss to Charles Johnson in August at UFC Shanghai. The co-main event featured Marlon “Chito” Vera (23-11-1) against rising bantamweight prospect David Martinez (13-1), with Vera seeking to break a career-worst slump. The preliminary card began at 5 p.m. ET on Paramount+, with the main card commencing at 8 p.m. ET, also on Paramount+ and available to all subscribers. The event marked a return to Mexico City for the UFC, showcasing a card headlined by a prominent Mexican fighter in Moreno.