The UFC plans to hold its Fight Night event in Mexico City on February 28, 2026, despite recent violence in the state of Jalisco following the death of cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho.' Officials state the situation in the capital remains calm, with heightened security measures in place. The card is headlined by former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno against Lone’er Kavanagh.
The UFC's upcoming Fight Night in Mexico City, scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Arena CDMX, is set to go ahead as planned. This comes in the wake of a Mexican military operation on Sunday that resulted in the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, alias 'El Mencho,' leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, along with six other cartel members in Tapalpa, Jalisco. The operation also led to the deaths of 25 Mexican National Guard members, according to reports, sparking retaliatory violence including burning cars, road blockades, and disruptions in areas like Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.
Mexico City, located approximately 335 miles east and a six-hour drive from the affected regions, has seen no such incidents. UFC officials told TMZ the event is "proceeding as planned at this time." Mexico-based reporter Rodrigo Del Campo González confirmed via sources that there are no plans to cancel or relocate, noting UFC staff have been on the ground since the previous weekend and that nothing has occurred in or around the capital. He added that moving the event to the United States, such as to Las Vegas, would pose visa challenges for several Latin American fighters on the card.
A UFC memo assured athletes and teams of their safety, citing improved security, additional police presence, and coordination with local law enforcement. This aligns with the U.S. Embassy's recommendation for a "business as usual" approach outside Jalisco. The Mexican Embassy stated the security situation has stabilized, with normal airline operations resuming.
Headlining the card is Mexico's Brandon Moreno (23-9-2), the first Mexican-born UFC champion, facing England's Lone’er Kavanagh (9-1) in a flyweight bout. Moreno, speaking to CBS Sports, expressed hope that the event could "bring joy" to Mexicans amid the unrest. "Right now, in Mexico City, things here are super calm," he said. "Maybe [the UFC Fight Night event] can be a nice moment for the people to try to forget the bad moment and get some joy."
The high elevation of Mexico City requires fighters to acclimate early, and many are already in the city, potentially using the UFC Performance Institute despite its prior fire damage in June.
