In the main event of UFC Mexico City, British prospect Lone’er Kavanagh pulled off an upset unanimous decision victory over former two-time champion Brandon Moreno. Kavanagh, stepping in on short notice, controlled the fight with sharp striking and leg kicks to improve to 10-1. The co-main event saw David Martinez extend his undefeated streak with a unanimous decision win over Marlon Vera.
UFC Fight Night took place on February 28, 2026, at Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico, headlined by a flyweight clash between Brandon Moreno and Lone’er Kavanagh. Moreno, ranked No. 7 and entering with a 23-9-2 record after a knockout loss to Tatsuro Taira in December 2025, sought to rebound at home. Kavanagh, unranked at 9-1 following his first career defeat to Charles Johnson in August 2025, replaced the injured Asu Almabayev on short notice.
The five-round bout saw Kavanagh dictate the pace early with jabs, leg kicks, and counters. In the first round, he edged Moreno with mixed strikes, including kicks to the lead leg. The second round featured a big combination from Kavanagh that wobbled Moreno, followed by a head kick, though Moreno survived. Moreno attempted takedowns in the third and fourth rounds, pressing Kavanagh against the fence, but failed to complete any and landed minor clinch strikes. Kavanagh's leg kicks visibly damaged Moreno, who limped by the fourth. In the fifth, Moreno pushed for grappling but couldn't secure control, allowing Kavanagh to land jabs and a spin kick to the body.
Judges scored it 49-46, 48-47, and 48-47 for Kavanagh. Post-fight, Kavanagh said, “These moments... I live for legendary moments and this is a legendary moment. Brandon is a legend, two-time world champ, and I’m a big fan.” Moreno, now 4-2 in his last six, did not speak.
In the co-main bantamweight bout, David Martinez (3-0 UFC) frustrated Marlon Vera with fast hands, quick movement, and takedowns en route to a 29-28 unanimous decision. Martinez, who has won nine straight, said of Vera, “He’s a really hard fighter... He hits really hard. I’m here to represent.” Vera suffered his third consecutive loss.
