The UFC returns to Mexico City on February 28, 2026, with former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno headlining against Lone’er Kavanagh in a main event reshaped by injury. Kavanagh steps in on short notice after Asu Almabayev's withdrawal, facing a battle-tested opponent on home soil. The card includes several debuts from Dana White's Contender Series winners and a co-main event pitting Marlon Vera against rising prospect David Martinez.
UFC Fight Night Mexico City is set for Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico, broadcast on Paramount+ starting at 6 p.m. ET for prelims and 9 p.m. ET for the main card. The event highlights Brandon Moreno (23-9-2), who last fought at the end of 2025, losing by TKO to Tatsuro Taira—a stoppage Moreno disputed as premature. Prior to that, he secured decision wins over Steve Erceg and Amir Albazi, following title losses to Brandon Royval and Alexandre Pantoja.
His opponent, Lone’er Kavanagh (9-1), enters on short notice after Asu Almabayev withdrew due to injury. The 26-year-old Englishman suffered his first career loss, a TKO to Charles Johnson in August, but holds a 2-1 UFC record since joining in 2024 with wins over Felipe dos Santos and Jose Ochoa. Previously a Cage Warriors fighter, Kavanagh faces a significant experience gap against the 32-year-old Moreno, who benefits from the home crowd and greater durability.
The co-main event sees Marlon Vera (23-11-1), coming off three straight losses including a split decision to Aiemann Zahabi in October, against David Martinez (13-1), a former Combate Global champion who recently won a unanimous decision over Rob Font. The main card also features Daniel Zellhuber versus King Green, Edgar Chairez versus Felipe Bunes, Imanol Rodriguez versus Kevin Borjas, and Santiago Luna versus Angel Pacheco.
Prelims include notable debuts for six Dana White's Contender Series Season 9 contract winners: Ryan Gandra versus Jose Medina, Ailin Perez versus Macy Chiasson, Cristian Quinonez versus Kris Moutinho, Douglas Silva de Andrade versus Javier Reyes, Ernesta Kareckaite versus Regina Tarin (replacing Sofia Montenegro), and Damian Pinas versus Wes Schultz. Analysts favor Moreno to leverage his boxing and cardio for a victory, while prospects like Rodriguez and Martinez are tipped for upsets or strong showings.
