UFC Fight Night Moreno vs. Kavanagh 2/28/26 – 28th February 2026 in Mexico City

UFC Fight Night Moreno vs. Kavanagh 2/28/26 – 28th February 2026 in Mexico City. Watch online UFC Fight Night Moreno vs. Kavanagh 2/28/26. UFC returns to Mexico City on February 28 with a flyweight headliner between hometown hero Brandon Moreno and rising contender Lone’er Kavanagh! Full card includes Marlon Vera vs David Martinez, Daniel Zellhuber vs King Green, and more. Global start times and streaming info on Paramount+.

UFC Fight Night Moreno vs. Kavanagh 2/28/26 – 28th February 2026 in Mexico City – Live Preview

The UFC makes its 2026 trip to Mexico City this Saturday night! Former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno looks to rebound in front of his home crowd against short-notice replacement Lone’er Kavanagh in a five-round main event. The card also features Marlon Vera vs ascending Mexican talent David Martinez, Daniel Zellhuber vs King Green, and a showcase of Latin American prospects. Here’s everything you need to watch the event live.

Let me set the scene for you. Saturday night has finally arrived in Mexico City. The Arena CDMX fills with 22,000 passionate fans, widely considered the loudest crowd in all of combat sports. The air crackles with electricity throughout the venue. For the first time in 2026, the UFC returns to the challenging altitude of the Mexican capital .

This Saturday, February 28, 2026, the Ultimate Fighting Championship presents UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanagh from the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico . This event marks the promotion’s latest visit to a country that has produced some of the most memorable atmospheres in MMA history.

To be honest, this card carries significant weight for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, it features the long-awaited return of Brandon Moreno , the first Mexican-born champion in UFC history, competing on home soil for the third straight time . Secondly, it showcases a wave of Mexican and Latin American talent looking to make their mark in front of a partisan crowd . Third, the main event pits a legendary veteran against a hungry young prospect who stepped up on short notice for the biggest opportunity of his career .

The main event features former two-time UFC Flyweight Champion Brandon Moreno taking on short-notice replacement Lone’er Kavanagh in a five-round flyweight clash . Moreno looks to rebound from a December loss to Tatsuro Taira. Kavanagh, meanwhile, aims to catapult himself into title contention with a signature victory .

However, that’s just the beginning of what this card offers. The co-main event pits Ecuadorian veteran Marlon Vera against undefeated Mexican prospect David Martinez in a bantamweight showdown with rankings implications . Daniel Zellhuber returns to his home country to face durable veteran King Green in a lightweight scrap guaranteed to deliver action . Edgar Chairez welcomes Brazilian Felipe Bunes to Mexico City in a flyweight battle between finishers . Imanol Rodriguez makes his UFC debut against Kevin Borjas . Santiago Luna fights in his hometown against DWCS grad Angel Pacheco .

If you’re planning to watch live—and trust me, you absolutely should—stick with me throughout this preview. I’ve compiled the complete match card, global start times, venue details, betting odds, and everything else you need to tune in successfully.

Event Details: Arena CDMX

First things first, let’s get the essential logistics locked in. Be sure to mark your calendars accordingly.

• Event: UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanagh (UFC Fight Night 268)

• Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026

• Venue: Arena CDMX

• Location: Mexico City, Mexico

• Prelims Start Time: 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT

• Main Card Start Time: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT

• Main Event Ring Walks: Approximately 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT

• Broadcast: Paramount+ (Exclusively)

About the Venue

Mexico City’s Arena CDMX ranks among the most electrifying venues in all of combat sports. Located at an altitude exceeding 7,000 feet, the thin air presents unique challenges for athletes’ cardiovascular systems. Every single deep breath matters significantly. Each round tests conditioning limits more severely.

The arena holds approximately 22,000 passionate fans who create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world. Mexican fight crowds are knowledgeable, vocal, and intensely patriotic. When a Mexican fighter competes, the building erupts spontaneously. When Brandon Moreno walks to the Octagon, expect the roof to come off completely.

UFC has visited Mexico City regularly throughout the years, and each trip produces memorable moments. The energy, the passion, the sheer volume—it’s something every MMA fan should experience at least once in their lifetime.

Global Timing: Watch From Anywhere

For our international readers scattered across the globe, here is exactly when the action starts in your specific time zone. I’ve done all the mathematical conversions so you don’t have to.

Saturday, February 28 / Sunday, March 1, 2026

A quick note for Pakistani fans specifically: 3:00 AM on a Sunday morning for prelims arrives extremely early, I fully acknowledge that reality. Nevertheless, the main card starts at a more manageable 6:00 AM, with the main event expected around 7:00 AM. Consequently, coffee, chai, breakfast, and world-class MMA combine to create a memorable Sunday morning experience.

For UK fans: 10:00 PM Saturday for prelims leads into a predictably late night. The main event around 2:00 AM Sunday requires genuine commitment. However, this card absolutely justifies the lost sleep.

For Australian fans: Sunday lunchtime works perfectly for viewing the entire card. Therefore, you have no excuses whatsoever.

Main Event Breakdown UFC Fight Night Moreno vs. Kavanagh 2/28/26

Flyweight Main Event – 5 Rounds

Brandon Moreno (23-9-2 MMA, 11-6-2 UFC) vs. Lone’er Kavanagh (9-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC)

The Story Behind the Fight: Brandon Moreno, the former two-time UFC Flyweight Champion and the most accomplished Mexican fighter in UFC history, returns to his home country for his third straight headlining appearance at Arena CDMX . “The Assassin Baby” picked up a win over Steve Erceg in Mexico City last year before running into rising star Tatsuro Taira at UFC 323 this past December . As a result, he now kicks off his 2026 campaign looking to steady himself in the ultra-competitive and shifting flyweight ranks .

Lone’er Kavanagh was originally scheduled to compete on March 14, but jumped at the chance to share the Octagon with the former champion . The highly regarded British prospect earned wins in each of his first two UFC starts before suffering his first professional loss last August against Charles Johnson . Nevertheless, he can rebound in a monumental way with a win this weekend .

What Moreno Says About the Matchup: “He’s young. He’s the new blood of the division,” Moreno told UFC.com. “I feel my abilities are enough to be the champion again. Right now, the competition is on fire with our new champion, with new contenders, younger fighters. Everything looks super nice right now for the flyweight division. But I still feel like I’m in the conversation. I still feel like I have enough abilities to fight for the title again, and I have to prove it” .

What Kavanagh Says About the Opportunity: “Brandon’s a legend, and he seems like a nice guy as well,” Kavanagh revealed to MMAJunkie. “For me, it’s just when these opportunities come, you take them, and this is what I want. These are the moments I live for, so I’m excited for it” .

Fighter Comparison:

Current Betting Odds:

Why This Fight Matters Significantly: This contest should tell us a great deal about where each competitor stands in their careers as 2026 really gets rolling. The flyweight division is bustling at the moment, with champion Alexandre Pantoja looking down at a deep pool of contenders. Moreno wants to show he’s still deserving of a place in the title conversation. Kavanagh, in contrast, aims to demonstrate the lessons learned from his first loss while making an expedited climb into the mix .

Co-Main Event Analysis

Bantamweight Bout

Marlon Vera (24-11-1 MMA, 12-8 UFC) vs. David Martinez (13-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC)

The Story Behind This Matchup: Bantamweights feature in the penultimate pairing of the evening as divisional stalwart Marlon “Chito” Vera faces off with ascending sophomore David Martinez . Now 33 and more than a decade into his UFC career, Vera has settled in as a fixture in the Top 15—an ever-dangerous veteran who possesses the weaponry and power to beat anyone on a given night . He’s dropped three straight fights, dating back to his title bout with Sean O’Malley at UFC 299 . Nevertheless, given how livid he was following the verdict of his bout in Vancouver last October, you’d have to imagine he comes out with a greater sense of urgency here .

Martinez successfully accomplished the co-main event version of what Kavanagh is attempting to do this weekend. Back at Noche UFC in September, he climbed from a solid pairing with Quang Le into a clash with veteran Rob Font. He subsequently out-worked the experienced campaigner and usurped his place in the rankings . “Doctor” has now won nine straight overall. Consequently, running his streak to double digits could potentially put him in line for an even greater opportunity next time out .

Fighter Comparison:

Betting Odds: Vera (+212 to +235 underdog), Martinez (-268 to -290 favorite)

What to Expect Inside the Octagon: This contest presents a classic veteran versus rising star dynamic. Vera desperately needs a win to halt his losing streak and maintain his rankings position. Martinez, on the other hand, seeks another signature victory to continue his meteoric ascent. The central question remains: Will “Chito” stem the tide and hold fast, or can Martinez collect another massive victory to continue his impressive run ?

Main Card Breakdown

Lightweight Bout

Daniel Zellhuber (15-3 MMA, 3-3 UFC) vs. King Green (33-17-1 MMA, 14-11-1 UFC)

The Story Behind This Lightweight Clash: All-action DWCS grad Daniel Zellhuber returns to Mexico City in search of the biggest win of his career when he takes on tenured lightweight veteran King Green . Zellhuber has been involved in one instant classic and several additional close, competitive battles during his UFC tenure. Therefore, now represents the ideal time for the 26-year-old talent to start putting everything together and make a serious run in the 155-pound weight class .

Still grinding at age 39, Green closed out 2025 with a quality win over newcomer Lance Gibson Jr. in December . He leans on his signature deceptive style and strong defensive fundamentals. The Inland Empire man has a history of success in these types of matchups. He would love nothing more than to venture into Zellhuber’s backyard, collect another win, and keep things moving forward .

Betting Odds: Zellhuber (-500 to -510 favorite), Green (+364 to +380 underdog)

What to Expect in This Contest: Can “Golden Boy” get back in the win column and delight the partisan crowd, or will Green rule the day in Mexico City and spoil the homecoming ?

Flyweight Bout

Edgar Chairez (12-6 MMA, 2-2-1 NC UFC) vs. Felipe Bunes (14-8 MMA, 1-2 UFC)

The Story Behind This Flyweight Battle: In the second of three main card flyweight tussles, Mexican battler Edgar Chairez welcomes Brazilian Felipe Bunes to Arena CDMX . Chairez has been a vital addition to the division since his arrival, earning stoppage wins over Daniel Lacerda and CJ Vergara. His setbacks have come against title contender Tatsuro Taira and champion Joshua Van.

The 36-year-old Bunes makes his fourth appearance inside the Octagon here, looking to maintain his pattern of alternating results. After losing to Van in his promotional debut, “Felipinho” earned a quick submission win over Jose Johnson. He subsequently pushed unbeaten compatriot Rafael Estevam to his limits last summer .

Betting Odds: Chairez (-270 to -325 favorite), Bunes (+211 to +260 underdog)

What to Expect in This Matchup: This profiles as a sneaky barnburner in the 125-pound ranks. Both men bring aggressiveness and keen finishing instinct to the table. With the division in full focus this weekend, don’t be surprised if they aim to show out on Saturday night and steal the show .

Flyweight Bout

Imanol Rodriguez (6-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) vs. Kevin Borjas (10-4 MMA, 1-3 UFC)

The Story Behind This Flyweight Contest: Talented young flyweights clash on the main card as Imanol Rodriguez makes his first UFC start opposite fellow DWCS grad Kevin Borjas . Rodriguez was a semifinalist on Season 33 of The Ultimate Fighter and earned his roster spot with an impressive first-round stoppage win on DWCS last October. He has shown uncanny power for the division to this point in his young career .

Borjas is one of those fighters who has looked much better than his 1-3 record inside the Octagon indicates. He went the distance with champion Joshua Van in his debut loss. Moreover, he delivered a brilliant performance against Mexican standout “Lazy Boy” Rodriguez two fights later, showcasing the offensive skills that intrigued everyone coming off his Contender Series win .

Betting Odds: Rodriguez (-394 to -455 favorite), Borjas (+293 to +350 underdog)

What to Expect in This Clash: This represents an excellent initial test for Rodriguez and a good opportunity for Borjas to steady the ship and cement his place in the divisional ranks .

Bantamweight Bout

Santiago Luna (11-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) vs. Angel Pacheco (9-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC)

The Story Behind This Bantamweight Fight: After debuting last fall at Noche UFC, Santiago Luna returns home to Mexico for his sophomore appearance, stepping in with Dana White’s Contender Series grad Angel Pacheco . Luna looked nervous in the early goings of his fight with Quang Le. However, he needed just one clean shot to shift the momentum and secure a stoppage win. His ability to navigate rough moments bodes well for his future prospects. UFC Fight Night Moreno vs. Kavanagh 2/28/26

Pacheco stands as one of the rare competitors to earn a contract despite a loss in his DWCS appearance. He pushed Danny Silva to the cards on the Contender Series and did the same to Caolan Loughran in his debut. Additionally, he’s spent the last week in Mexico City preparing alongside teammate Kris Moutinho .

Betting Odds: Luna (-650 favorite), Pacheco (+470 underdog)

What to Expect in This Contest: Can the local prospect thrill the partisan crowd in the main card opener, or will the steely underdog spoil his homecoming and play spoiler ?

Preliminary Card Breakdown

Featured Prelim – Middleweight Bout

Ryan Gandra (8-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) vs. Jose Daniel Medina (9-3 MMA, 0-2 UFC)

Middleweights who made their way to the roster through the Contender Series meet here. Gandra has posted seven straight wins to arrive in the UFC, earning finishes in six of those victories . The 34-year-old Medina impressed UFC CEO Dana White with his toughness. Nevertheless, he has yet to have his hand raised inside the Octagon, a fact he hopes to remedy this weekend .

Betting Odds: Gandra (-650 favorite), Medina (+470 underdog)

Bantamweight Bout

Ailin Perez (10-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) vs. Macy Chiasson (10-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC)

These two bantamweights meet in a compelling matchup with rankings implications. Perez has won three straight since her UFC debut loss, establishing herself as a legitimate threat in the division. Chiasson, a former Ultimate Fighter winner, brings experience and power to the Octagon.

Betting Odds: Perez (-166 favorite), Chiasson (+140 underdog)

Bantamweight Bout

Cristian Quinonez (18-4 MMA, 2-1 UFC) vs. Kris Moutinho (10-6 MMA, 0-3 UFC)

Quinonez looks to build momentum in front of his home country crowd against durable veteran Moutinho. Notably, Moutinho has never been finished in his UFC appearances despite facing absolute killers throughout his career.

Betting Odds: Quinonez (-675 favorite), Moutinho (+490 underdog)

Featherweight Bout

Douglas Silva de Andrade (29-6 MMA, 7-5 UFC) vs. Javier Reyes (6-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC)

Veteran Brazilian striker Silva de Andrade welcomes undefeated DWCS grad Reyes to the Octagon in what promises to be an explosive featherweight clash.

Betting Odds: Reyes (-230 favorite), Silva de Andrade (+190 underdog)

Catchweight Bout (130 lbs)

Ernesta Kareckaite (6-1-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) vs. Regina Tarin (9-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC)

Kareckaite looks to build on her two-fight winning streak against Tarin, who seeks her first UFC victory.

Betting Odds: Kareckaite (-175 favorite), Tarin (+145 underdog)

Featherweight Bout

Erik Silva (9-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC) vs. Francis Marshall (9-3 MMA, 2-3 UFC)

Both fighters desperately need a win to avoid consecutive losses and maintain their roster spots in the competitive featherweight division.

Betting Odds: Marshall (-750 favorite), Silva (+525 underdog)

Middleweight Bout

Damian Pinas (6-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) vs. Wesley Schultz (8-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC)

Two DWCS grads open the card in a middleweight contest. Pinas earned his contract with a finish, while Schultz impressed with his grappling acumen.

Betting Odds: Pinas (-250 favorite), Schultz (+205 underdog)

How to Watch UFC Fight Night Moreno vs. Kavanagh 2/28/26Live Stream

This section contains the most important information for viewers. Here’s how you catch every second of the action:

Official Streaming: Paramount+

Paramount+ serves as the exclusive home for UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanagh . Here’s what you need to know:

• Content: Live broadcast of the entire event, from prelims through main card

• Language: English commentary

• Devices: Web browser, mobile app, smart TV apps, gaming consoles

• Website: paramountplus.com

Regional Streaming Options

Note for international viewers: Paramount+ holds exclusive rights to UFC events in numerous territories. Consequently, check your local Paramount+ availability for the most accurate regional information.

Subscription Options

Paramount+ offers two main subscription tiers:

• Essential Plan: Ad-supported, includes all UFC content

• Premium Plan: Ad-free (except live TV), includes SHOWTIME content

Both plans provide access to every live UFC event and the complete on-demand library for your viewing pleasure.

UFC on Paramount+ Explained

For those wondering about the new broadcasting landscape, here’s what you need to know. As of 2026, Paramount+ is the exclusive home of all UFC numbered events and UFC Fight Nights in the United States and numerous international markets . Pay-per-view no longer exists for UFC events in these regions. In other words, your monthly or annual Paramount+ subscription gets you everything .

Key points about UFC on Paramount+:

• Every live UFC title bout streams exclusively on Paramount+

• All prelims and main cards are included in the subscription price

• No additional pay-per-view fees for any event whatsoever

• Full on-demand library available for replay viewing

• Select numbered events receive CBS simulcasts for specific windows

For UFC 326 on March 7, for example, CBS will simulcast the final hour of prelims and the first hour of the main card . However, the full event remains exclusively on Paramount+ for complete viewing.

The Weigh-In Results

All fighters successfully made weight for Saturday’s event . Here are the official weigh-in results:

Main Card:

• Brandon Moreno (125.5) vs. Lone’er Kavanagh (125)

• Marlon Vera () vs. David Martinez ()

• Daniel Zellhuber () vs. King Green ()

• Edgar Chairez () vs. Felipe Bunes ()

• Imanol Rodriguez () vs. Kevin Borjas ()

• Santiago Luna () vs. Angel Pacheco ()

Preliminary Card:

• Jose Medina () vs. Ryan Gandra ()

• Macy Chiasson () vs. Ailin Perez ()

• Cristian Quinonez () vs. Kris Moutinho ()

• Douglas Silva de Andrade () vs. Javier Reyes ()

• Ernesta Kareckaite () vs. Regina Tarin ()

• Erik Silva () vs. Francis Marshall ()

• Damian Pinas () vs. Wes Schultz ()

Why This Card Matters UFC Fight Night Moreno vs. Kavanagh 2/28/26

Let me break down exactly why you cannot miss this particular UFC event:

1. Brandon Moreno’s Emotional Homecoming

The first Mexican champion in UFC history returns to the arena where he remains unbeaten. The energy when Moreno walks out defies accurate description. Every Mexican fighter on the card feeds off that electric atmosphere.

2. Exciting Prospect Showcase

David Martinez, Imanol Rodriguez, Santiago Luna—these names represent the next generation of Mexican MMA talent. Saturday night offers a compelling glimpse into the future of the sport.

3. Critical Veteran Tests

Marlon Vera fights to prove he’s still elite at 33 years old. King Green ventures into hostile territory to spoil a prospect’s homecoming. These are the fights that ultimately define legacies.

4. Impressive Finishing Potential

Edgar Chairez vs Felipe Bunes features two men who actively hunt finishes. Douglas Silva de Andrade vs Javier Reyes pairs two explosive strikers. The preliminary card alone could produce multiple highlight-reel moments.

5. The Unmatched Arena CDMX Atmosphere

Mexico City crowds consistently create magic inside the arena. The altitude, the passion, the volume—it all combines to produce memorable fights. Every single trip to Mexico delivers action-packed results.

Final Thoughts: Tune In

All things carefully considered, the February 28 UFC Fight Night event is shaping up to be absolutely can’t-miss MMA programming. A former champion headlines in his home country. Rising prospects look to announce themselves to the world. Veterans fight to stay relevant in their careers. The legendary Arena CDMX atmosphere ties everything together perfectly.

For Pakistani fans specifically: 3:00 AM Sunday for prelims arrives early, certainly. Nevertheless, the main card starts at 6:00 AM with the main event expected around 7:00 AM. Coffee, chai, breakfast, and world-class MMA combine perfectly for a memorable Sunday morning experience.

For UK fans specifically: 10:00 PM Saturday leads into a predictably late night. However, this card absolutely justifies the lost sleep completely.

For US fans specifically: Saturday afternoon into evening offers ideal viewing conditions. Therefore, you have no excuses whatsoever.

For Australian fans specifically: Sunday lunchtime works perfectly for viewing. Afternoon MMA simply makes life good.

Let me leave you with this critical question to consider: Brandon Moreno looks to rebound in front of 22,000 screaming fans. Lone’er Kavanagh steps up on short notice for the biggest opportunity of his career. Marlon Vera fights to prove he’s still elite. David Martinez seeks another signature victory. Daniel Zellhuber battles King Green in a guaranteed banger. All this quality content available on Paramount+.

Drop a comment below with your honest thoughts: Does Moreno handle business at home, or does Kavanagh pull the massive upset? Can “Chito” halt his frustrating losing streak? Which Mexican prospect impresses you most? Let’s build the hype together as a community!

See you on the stream.

UFC Fight Night Moreno vs. Kavanagh 2/28/26

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