The UFC’s much-anticipated return to Mexico City faces uncertainty as Asu Almabayev has withdrawn from the main event against Brandon Moreno at UFC Fight Night 268, scheduled for February 28 at Arena CDMX. The promotion is urgently searching for a replacement to preserve the headlining flyweight bout and maintain the event’s appeal.
Unexpected Withdrawal Puts UFC Mexico Main Event at Risk
Originally set to feature former two-time flyweight champion Brandon Moreno against emerging contender Asu Almabayev, this fight was expected to be a highlight of UFC Fight Night 268. Moreno, ranked fifth in the division, was eager to rebound from a second-round TKO loss to Tatsuro Taira at UFC 323 in December, aiming to reassert himself among the division’s top fighters in front of his home crowd.
Almabayev, ranked seventh and coming off nineteen wins in his last twenty bouts, including triumphs over former challenger Alex Perez and Jose Ochoa, presented a formidable challenge due to his strong submission skills. However, his sudden exit has disrupted plans for this pivotal flyweight clash.
The timing of Almabayev’s withdrawal presents a significant setback for UFC management, who have already faced numerous cancellations and changes in high-profile fights in 2026. This card was set to highlight Moreno, a native of Tijuana and a key figure in Mexican MMA, in what would mark the UFC’s eighth event in Mexico City. His participation was considered essential for drawing local fan support.
No replacement fighter has yet been announced, leaving the UFC with less than four weeks to find a contender who can keep the main event competitive and preserve fan interest for the February 28 show.
🚨| Asu Almabayev is OUT of his #UFCMexico main event fight against Brandon Moreno on February 28th. ❌
[first rep. @AgFight] pic.twitter.com/U1wqn8c3AB
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) February 3, 2026
Additional Significant Bouts on the UFC Mexico Card
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the main event, the February 28 lineup at Arena CDMX still features several notable matchups across divisions. These fights promise a dynamic night of competition for fans.
The co-main event will see women’s bantamweights Macy Chiasson and Ailin Perez face off. Chiasson, ranked seventh, is aiming to end a two-fight losing streak against Perez, who holds the eighth spot and is currently riding a five-fight winning streak.
In the bantamweight division, former title challenger Marlon “Chito” Vera attempts to halt a three-fight losing skid when he meets rising contender David Martinez, who boasts an undefeated 3-0 UFC record.
Among the lightweights, Mexican prospect Daniel Zellhuber (15-3) will test veteran Bobby Green (33-17-1) in a bout anticipated for its blend of youth and experience.
Two flyweights, Edgar Chairez (12-6) from Mexico and Brazil’s Felipe Bunes (14-8), are set to clash, adding further national rivalry to the card. Undefeated flyweight Imanol Rodriguez (6-0) looks to maintain his perfect record against Kevin Borjas (10-4).
Featherweight fights on the card include Douglas Silva de Andrade, a seasoned competitor with a 29-6 record, facing Mexican Javier Reyes (22-5), and a preliminary bout between Francis Marshall (8-2) and Erik Silva (9-3).
Challenges Ahead for Brandon Moreno and UFC Mexico Event
For Brandon Moreno, the uncertainty surrounding his main event opponent brings added frustration during a challenging period in his career. As a beloved figure in Mexican mixed martial arts and a two-time flyweight champion, his role in UFC Mexico is critical both for fan engagement and the promotion’s presence in the region.
The UFC now faces pressure to act swiftly to find a suitable replacement who can deliver a competitive fight and maintain Moreno’s draw in his homeland. This situation underscores the volatility of fight bookings early in the 2026 season and raises questions about the stability of UFC’s event schedules moving forward.
As the event approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the UFC navigates this setback and whether Moreno’s bout remains the centerpiece of the Mexico City card.
🚨| Asu Almabayev is OUT of his #UFCMexico main event fight against Brandon Moreno on February 28th. ❌
[first rep. @AgFight] pic.twitter.com/U1wqn8c3AB
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) February 3, 2026
