UFC returns to Mexico on Saturday, February 28, 2026, for an electrifying flyweight showdown between former champion Brandon Moreno and challenger Lone’er Kavanagh at Arena CDMX in Mexico City. The event also features a notable bantamweight co-main event with Marlon “Chito” Vera taking on the rapidly rising contender David Martinez, offering an exciting mix of familiar veterans and promising newcomers.
The prelims begin at 5pm ET/2pm PT, followed by the main card at 8pm ET/5pm PT, with the entire event available for live streaming on Paramount+. UFC Fight Night Mexico prominently showcases the flyweight division’s competitiveness and positions Moreno to regain momentum in the title picture on home ground.
Action-Packed Early Fights Set the Tone for the Night
Opening the prelims, Imanol Rodriguez made an impressive UFC debut by defeating Kevin Borjas via TKO with strikes at 4:21 of the second round. Despite nearly being finished in the first round after Borjas knocked him off balance early, Rodriguez regained control through a critical takedown midway in round one and mounted an effective striking attack that led to his victory.
Rodriguez, a 26-year-old flyweight and semifinalist from The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 as well as a Dana White Contender Series graduate, remains undefeated at 7-0 with a perfect finishing record. Trained by former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier, Rodriguez’s raw talent illustrates significant potential for future growth within the division.
In the first fight of the main card, bantamweight prospect Santiago Luna secured a unanimous decision win over Angel Pacheco, a fellow Contender Series alum. Luna displayed a balanced and diversified skill set across all three rounds, combining sharp striking and smooth grappling transitions while consistently pressuring Pacheco.
Though Luna faced resilient opposition from Pacheco, who absorbed considerable punishment and created difficulties throughout, Luna’s precision and aggression were clearly decisive. He improved to an 8-0 record, demonstrating his rising status as a promising contender in the 135-pound division.
Upcoming Matchups Add Intrigue and Experience
The prelims continue with Mexican lightweight Daniel Zellhuber facing off against veteran King Green of Fontana, California. Zellhuber, who holds a 15-3 record, begins his 2026 campaign against Green, a seasoned competitor with 33 wins and nearly 20 losses. This bout offers an intriguing contrast between youthful ambition and fighting experience.
The co-main event features a bantamweight clash between Marlon “Chito” Vera, known for his previous title challenge and ranked No. 9 globally, and David Martinez, a fast-rising contender ranked No. 10 and fighting on home turf in Mexico City. Vera, fighting out of Chone, Manabi, Ecuador, brings significant elite-level experience, while Martinez looks to continue his impressive unbeaten run, holding a 13-1 record.
Flyweight Main Event Promises High Stakes and Intense Competition
Headlining the evening is a gripping flyweight bout with Brandon Moreno, a two-time former champion, aiming to reclaim his status against short-notice challenger Lone’er Kavanagh from London, England. Moreno, who trains out of Tijuana, Mexico, carries a record of 23-9-2, demonstrating resilience and championship pedigree. Kavanagh, with a remarkable 9-1 record, is eager to upset the established order by seizing a career-defining victory in an away setting.
This matchup not only highlights Moreno’s quest to return to the summit of the division but also embodies the global nature of UFC, bringing talent from multiple countries together in a high-pressure environment.
Broadcast and Viewing Information for UFC Fans
Fans can catch every moment of UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Kavanagh live from Mexico City, with preliminary bouts starting mid-afternoon US time. Paramount+ subscribers will have access to all preliminary and main card fights, including undercard matchups, backstage interviews, and post-fight analysis.
The event serves as a significant marker for multiple fighters looking to shift their career trajectories, whether climbing the ranks or reclaiming former glory. With a mix of undefeated prospects and established veterans featured, UFC Fight Night Mexico embodies the energy and intensity that continues to define the sport’s evolution globally.
