The UFC Mexico City event lost a major attraction as the highly anticipated bout between Brandon Moreno and Asu Almabayev was canceled after Almabayev withdrew from the fight. Moreno, the former UFC flyweight champion, now faces another delay in pursuing a possible title opportunity amid this unexpected change.
Moreno and Almabayev had been set to headline UFC Mexico City in March, marking Moreno’s first scheduled fight since his controversial TKO loss to Tatsuro Taira at UFC 323 in December. Despite Moreno’s protest over the referee stopping the fight midway through the second round—when Taira landed several ground punches—Moreno was visibly defending himself during the final moments of that match.
Details on Almabayev’s Withdrawal and Prospects for Replacement Fighters
According to initial reports from Ag.Fight, Asu Almabayev had to pull out of the UFC Mexico City headline for undisclosed reasons. It remains unclear whether Moreno will remain on the card or be removed as promoters consider alternate opponents to fill the main event slot.
Possible replacements for Almabayev include former flyweight contender Kyoji Horiguchi, Brandon Royval, and No. 2 contender Manel Kape, who recently earned a victory against Royval in the final UFC main event of 2025 at the Apex. Matchmakers are reportedly evaluating options as they determine how best to adjust the card in light of Almabayev’s sudden exit.
Implications for Brandon Moreno and the Flyweight Division Moving Forward
For Brandon Moreno, this cancellation means waiting longer for another chance to compete in a high-stakes flyweight matchup, particularly with the divisional picture remaining uncertain as Joshua Van begins his title reign. Almabayev was coming off two consecutive wins since a loss to Manel Kape last March, adding significance to the originally planned headliner.
As the UFC approaches this pivotal moment in the flyweight division, fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see who might step in for Almabayev, and whether Moreno will secure a fight at UFC Mexico City. The outcome may shape the contenders’ landscape for the foreseeable future.
BREAKING!
Asu Almabayev está fora da luta contra Brandon Morneo no UFC México… pic.twitter.com/unSlNfpZCw
— Ag. Fight (@AgFight) February 3, 2026
