Former Champion Brandon Moreno Returns to Mexico City to Face Rising Prospect Lone’er Kavanagh at UFC Fight Night

Brandon Moreno returns home to face Lone’er Kavanagh at UFC Fight Night in Mexico City. Get the full card, start times, and upcoming March schedule here.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 28, 2026, 9:12 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Sportsnaut

The Return of the Assassin Baby

The UFC continues its 2026 international campaign with a high-stakes flyweight headliner in Mexico City. Brandon Moreno, the first Mexican-born champion in the promotion's history, is set to make his season debut in front of a partisan home crowd at the Arena CDMX. Moreno is currently in a transitional phase of his career, looking to regain his footing in the 125-pound division after suffering a TKO defeat at the hands of Tatsuro Taira last December at UFC 323. For Moreno, this bout is more than just a ranking defense; it is a critical opportunity to prove he remains a top-tier contender in one of the sport's most rapidly evolving weight classes.

Lone’er Kavanagh’s Path to Contention

Opposing the veteran champion is Lone’er Kavanagh, a surging prospect who represents the new guard of the flyweight division. Kavanagh enters the Octagon with significant momentum, having maintained an unblemished professional record through the regional circuits and early UFC outings. This matchup serves as the ultimate litmus test for the young striker, as a victory over a former two-time champion would likely catapult him into the top five of the divisional rankings. The contrast between Moreno’s seasoned grappling and Kavanagh’s explosive striking is expected to define the tactical narrative of the five-round main event.

Co-Main Event and Local Talent Showcase

The Mexico City card is heavily featured with regional talent, led by a co-main event pitting veteran bantamweight Marlon "Chito" Vera against David Martinez. Vera remains a staple of the division’s elite, while Martinez looks to utilize the platform to secure a breakthrough victory. The main card also features a lightweight encounter between Daniel Zellhuber and "King" Bobby Green, alongside several matchups designed to highlight the depth of the Latin American roster, including appearances by Edgar Chairez and Kevin Borjas. These bouts underscore the UFC's long-term commitment to developing the Mexican market as a primary hub for MMA talent.