Asu Almabayev was forced to pull out of his anticipated main event bout against Brandon Moreno at UFC Fight Night 268, scheduled for February 28th in Mexico City, due to an arm injury sustained shortly before departing for the event. The fighter revealed on Instagram,
“The situation is like this, I got an arm injury two days before our flight,”
expressing regret but acceptance of the circumstances. He added,
“I don’t want to talk about the injury … no matter how much you [try], I can’t change it.”
Almabayev’s Rising Career and Recent Challenges
The 32-year-old Almabayev was poised to take on his highest-profile fight after compiling a strong 6-1 record inside the Octagon. His only loss occurred in March last year when he was inadvertently eye-poked in the third round by Manel Kape, an incident that was missed by the referee and subsequently led to a TKO defeat. Despite this setback, Almabayev rebounded with consecutive victories over Jose Ochoa and Alex Perez throughout 2025, climbing to the No.7 spot in the flyweight rankings.
Uncertainty Surrounds Moreno’s Opponent Replacement
With Almabayev sidelined, the UFC’s plan for Brandon Moreno remains unclear, though given Moreno’s popularity as a top Mexican fighter, officials are likely seeking a replacement to keep him featured in the main event slot. Moreno, ranked No.5 in the division, enters this event following a TKO loss to Tatsuro Taira last December, but had secured wins against Steve Erceg and Amir Albazi before that defeat. The organization’s urgency to maintain the fight card’s appeal is palpable as they work quickly to find a suitable opponent.
Additional Matchups on the UFC Fight Night 268 Card
Despite the drama surrounding the main event, the fight card will go on featuring other notable matchups. These include Marlon Vera facing David Martinez, Daniel Zellhuber battling King Green, and Macy Chiasson taking on Ailin Perez, which continues to offer compelling contests for fans in attendance and viewers worldwide.
Implications of the Last-Minute Change for UFC and Fighters
Almabayev’s injury not only disrupts his career momentum but also places pressure on the UFC to quickly secure a replacement fighter to support Moreno’s position as a headliner. Given Moreno’s star status in Mexico, maintaining the fight’s visibility is crucial. This incident highlights the unpredictable nature of combat sports, where injuries can cause disappointment and tension leading up to major events. The organization’s response over the coming days will determine how smoothly the event proceeds and how fans and fighters adapt to the sudden alteration.
