Venue Location
Arena CDMX (formerly Palacio de los Deportes), Mexico City, Mexico. This legendary indoor arena in central Mexico City operates at high altitude (~7,350 ft / 2,240 m), which historically impacts fighter endurance, rewarding those with superior cardio, efficient gas management, grappling control, or measured pacing over pure volume strikers. The Octagon is centered for optimal crowd energy, and with Moreno headlining, expect an electric, pro-Mexico atmosphere that could provide a significant home-field boost.
Ringwalks are scheduled for
- Prelims: 5:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM CST (Paramount+)
- Main Card: 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CST (Paramount+)
The Brandon Moreno vs. Lone’er Kavanagh flyweight main event headlines the card (fight 13 of 13). Expected walkouts around 10:00–11:00 PM ET, depending on undercard lengths. Full event spans 4–6 hours. Note: Some security concerns in Mexico (unrelated to Mexico City directly) have been reported but the event remains on schedule as of February 23–24, 2026.
Injury Report
No reported injuries or withdrawals for either fighter as of February 23–24, 2026.
- Brandon Moreno is fully healthy and cleared after his recent wins; no issues from prior TKO loss recovery.
- Lone’er Kavanagh steps in on short notice (originally vs. Asu Almabayev for Moreno; Kavanagh replaced after pullout) but shows no acute injuries; his last fight was a KO loss, but he’s recovered and prepared. Both have focused on altitude acclimation—no flags in camp reports or weigh-in previews.
Fighter Matchups / Tale of the Tape
Brandon Moreno (“The Assassin Baby”) vs. Lone’er Kavanagh – Flyweight (125 lbs) – 5 Rounds (Main Event)
- Moreno: 32 years old (born December 7, 1993), 23-9-2 pro (11-6-2 UFC), 5’7″ (170 cm), 70″ reach, orthodox, Tijuana, Mexico (Bonebreakers MMA). Elite former two-time UFC flyweight champion, high-volume striker/grappler (SLpM ~3.89, 49.5% accuracy), excellent cardio, wrestling (TD avg. high), and finishing ability (multiple title-fight stoppages).
- Kavanagh: 26 years old (born June 9, 1999), 9-1-0 pro (2-1 UFC), 5’6″ (168 cm), 67″ reach, orthodox, London, England (Great Britain Top Team). Rising prospect with power (4 KO/TKO wins), balanced finishing (44% KO, 44% decision, 11% sub), solid defense (Str. Def 58%, TD Def 88%), but tested in UFC with recent KO loss.
Style Breakdown: Moreno is a complete fighter—high output, iron chin, elite grappling, and championship experience. Kavanagh brings crisp striking, knockout power, and youth/athleticism but faces a massive step-up in competition and short-notice prep. Moreno holds edges in experience, reach (+3″), volume, cardio (crucial at altitude), and home support. Kavanagh’s power could threaten early, but Moreno’s durability and pacing should dominate later rounds.
Recent Form
- Moreno (23-9-2, on 2-fight win streak): Rebounding strong. Wins over Steve Erceg (decision) and others post-TKO loss to Tatsuro Taira; consistent top-6 contender with elite Octagon time. Home-soil motivation huge—first Mexican UFC champ thriving in Mexico City.
- Kavanagh (9-1, recent KO loss): Promising but tested. UFC wins include strong showings (e.g., vs. Felipe dos Santos full fight highlight); KO loss to Charles Johnson exposed chin vulnerabilities. Short-notice step-up to main event vs. ex-champ is massive; youth and power offer upset potential but altitude/short camp raise concerns.
Fight History / Key Notes
No prior head-to-head. Moreno is a flyweight legend (multiple title reigns, wars with Figueiredo/Royval/Kara-France); excels in 5-rounders with cardio and grinding pressure. Kavanagh (DWCS alum, UFC since ~2024) has 2-1 Octagon record but faces his toughest test—short notice, first main event, altitude debut. Moreno thrives in Mexico City (prior headliners); Kavanagh’s power (4 KOs) vs. Moreno’s chin (rarely finished). Expect Moreno to use volume/wrestling to wear down Kavanagh; upset path for Kavanagh via early KO.
FIGHT ODDS
Brandon Moreno – 250
Lone’er Kavanagh + 175
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 27, 2026
