The UFC returns to Mexico City on February 28, 2026, with Fight Night headlined by former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno facing short-notice opponent Lone’er Kavanagh. Moreno seeks to rebound from recent losses, while the co-main event pits Marlon Vera against David Martinez. Fighters like Daniel Zellhuber and Ailin Perez also aim to shine in front of hometown crowds.
UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanagh takes place at Arena CDMX in Mexico City on February 28, 2026, marking a significant return for the promotion in Mexico. The main event features Brandon Moreno (23-9 MMA, 11-6-2 UFC), who has gone 2-3 in his last five fights, including a TKO loss to Tatsuro Taira in December 2025. Moreno, a two-time flyweight champion, faces Lone’er Kavanagh (9-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC), who steps in on short notice as a replacement for Asu Almabayev. Moreno expressed confidence in his abilities, stating to UFC.com, "I feel my abilities are enough to be the champion again." Kavanagh, in his fourth UFC appearance, called it an honor, telling MMA Junkie, "Brandon's a legend, and he seems like a nice guy as well."
In the co-main event, Marlon 'Chito' Vera (33 years old) aims to snap a three-fight losing skid against surging prospect David Martinez in a bantamweight clash. Vera, coming off decisions to Sean O’Malley, Deiveson Figueiredo, and Aiemann Zahabi, plans a more aggressive start. He told MMA Fighting, "F*ck it, just go. I mean, I got power, I got good reflexes, I got good instincts, so that’s what I’m going to put in play this week." The fight accepted on short notice after Vera sparred to prove his readiness. Martinez, in his third UFC bout, recently defeated Rob Font at Noche UFC in September 2025.
Lightweight Daniel Zellhuber (26 years old) fights hometown hero in a bid to rebound from a 2025 loss to Michael Johnson. After a rough year with injuries and one defeat, Zellhuber emphasized commitment over motivation, saying, "It’s not about motivation; it’s about being committed." He faces veteran King Green, fresh off a win in December 2025.
Bantamweight Ailin Perez, on a five-fight win streak and ranked No. 7, meets No. 8 Macy Chiasson. Perez, training at MMA Science Academy, boldly predicted a first-round submission and eyes a title shot, stating, "Getting a win against Macy is going to for sure put me into the Top 5." The card includes 13 bouts, streaming on Paramount+ with prelims at 5 p.m. ET and main card at 8 p.m. ET.