Lone’er Kavanagh Stuns Brandon Moreno at UFC Fight Night in Mexico City

Britain’s Lone’er Kavanagh achieved the most significant victory of his career, upsetting former UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno in Mexico City on February 28, 2026. Kavanagh secured a unanimous decision win (49–46, 48–47, 48–47) against the Mexican fighter in front of a home crowd. ESPN reports that this win marks a pivotal moment in Kavanagh’s career.

Kavanagh Steps In on Short Notice

Kavanagh (10-1) initially stepped in to face Moreno (23-10-2) after Asu Almabayev withdrew due to a hand injury. UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanagh, also known as UFC Fight Night 268, took place at Arena CDMX. He was originally scheduled for a bout on March 14 in Las Vegas but seized the opportunity to compete against Moreno in Mexico.

A Dominant Performance

The 26-year-old Kavanagh delivered a mature performance, controlling much of the fight. While Moreno had some success pressing Kavanagh against the fence, he struggled to mount consistent offense. Kavanagh repeatedly hurt Moreno on the feet, particularly in the early rounds, utilizing effective leg kicks and punches. ESPN noted that Kavanagh hurt Moreno multiple times during the fight.

Moreno’s Recent Struggles

This loss adds to Moreno’s recent challenges, marking his fourth defeat in his last six fights. The former two-time UFC Flyweight Champion, a fan favorite, appeared out of sorts from the opening round.

Kavanagh’s Reaction

“These are the moments I live for, legendary moments,” Kavanagh stated after the fight. “This is a legendary moment. Brandon is a legend, two-time world champ. I’m a big fan. I watched him when I was a kid. To get to fight him is amazing.”

Other Notable Results from UFC Fight Night

• David Martínez defeated Marlon Vera by unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, 29–28) in a bantamweight bout.
• King Green defeated Daniel Zellhuber by TKO (punches) in a lightweight bout.
• Édgar Cháirez defeated an undisclosed opponent in a flyweight bout.

The event marked the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s eighth visit to Mexico City and first since March 2025. UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanagh is considered a significant event in the promotion’s history in Mexico.