This Saturday, February 28, 2026, the Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to Arena CDMX for UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanagh, and one of the most intriguing bouts on the preliminary card features American featherweight Francis Marshall aiming to make a statement as he faces Erik Silva.
“Fire” Marshall, 26, enters the Octagon looking to rebound and elevate his position in the featherweight division after an up-and-down run in the UFC. Since earning his contract via Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022, Marshall has compiled a UFC record that includes hard-fought wins and narrow defeats — two of which came by split decision.
Speaking ahead of his fight, Marshall acknowledged the lessons learned from those razor-thin losses and stressed his desire to leave no doubt this weekend. He has spent his latest training camp sharpening his all-around game, focusing on pressure striking and grappling to ensure a clear verdict, ideally inside the distance.
“I’ve gotta put it on them — make it one-sided,” Marshall said in a recent interview about his mindset heading into Mexico City. “I want a finish or a dominant performance so the judges don’t even come into it.”
His opponent, Silva, enters with his own set of strengths — a striking base and submission instincts that could pose problems if Marshall presses too directly. Oddsmakers had the American favored heading into the matchup, reflecting confidence in his ability to control the bout’s pace.
For Francis Marshall, this fight represents more than just another notch on his record; it’s a chance to reset momentum and showcase the growth he feels he’s made since his early UFC tenure. A strong performance on international soil — especially under the bright lights of Arena CDMX — could position him for higher-profile opportunities later this year.
UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanagh kicks off with preliminary action early Saturday afternoon U.S. time on Paramount+, with the full card streaming live from Mexico City.