Tonight’s UFC Mexico City event was headlined by a men’s flyweight bout featuring former champ Brandon Moreno taking on Lone’er Kavanagh.
Moreno (23-10-2 MMA) had entered this evening’s main event looking to rebound, this after suffering a TKO loss to Tatsuro Taira in his most previous Octagon appearance at December’s UFC 323 event in Las Vegas (see that here). Prior to that setback, the former flyweight champion was coming off back-to-back decision wins over Amir Albazi and Steve Erceg.
Meanwhile, Lone’er Kavanagh (10-1 MMA) was returning to action for the first time since last August in Shanghai, where he suffered his first career loss at the hands of Charles Johnson. Prior to being KO’d by ‘InnerG’, the English fighter had gone a perfect 9-0 which included two wins, both by decision, under the UFC banner.
Tonight’s UFC Mexico City main event proved to be a coming out party for the young English fighter in Lone’er Kavanagh. The prospect was able to get the better of Brandon Moreno right from the opening bell, easily outpointing the former champion in the opening two rounds. While rounds 3, 4 and 5 were much closer, ‘The Assassin Baby’ never really got any momentum and wound up losing a unanimous decision. It was a massive win for Kavanagh, one which will push him right near the top of the flyweight rankings.
Official UFC Mexico City Results: Lone’er Kavanagh def. Brandon Moreno by unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47 x2)
Check out how the pros reacted to ‘Moreno vs. Kavanagh’ below:
10-9 Kavanagh
STRONG first round from the prospect
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) March 1, 2026
10-9 Kavanagh. Very close round but the Englishman landed the more powerful shots. Great matchup #UFCMexico
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) March 1, 2026
Sharp opening round from Kavanagh. Moreno starting to find more of his shots in the final 2 minutes or so. The low kicks from Lone’er are a problem.
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) March 1, 2026
Well holy fuck. Early upset of the year could be in progress
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) March 1, 2026
20-18 Kavanagh through two.
He is picking the former champ apart and now it comes down to managing energy systems and heart as they approach the championship rounds.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) March 1, 2026
10-9 Moreno in R3
29-28 Kavanagh entering the championship rounds. Close round, but felt Moreno was the more effective striker.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) March 1, 2026
Oh that left leg is done
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) March 1, 2026
10-9 Kavanagh in a razor close fourth round. Could go either way, but felt the limited work Kavanagh did in open space was far superior to what Moreno did in the clinch.
39-37 Kavanagh
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) March 1, 2026
2-2 or 3-1 Kavanagh. Kavanagh needs to win this round and. It take anything for granted
— Josh Thomson (@THEREALPUNK) March 1, 2026
I have it 49-46 Kavanagh
Rounds 4 and 5 are the swing rounds
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) March 1, 2026
Post-fight reactions to Lone’er Kavanagh defeating Brandon Moreno at UFC Mexico City:
All jokes aside Kavanagh striking is nasty never seen Moreno get pieced up on the feet like this sheesh Moreno is tough my skinny calf’s ain’t taking that lol
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) March 1, 2026
I was flat out wrong about that fight. Baffling matchup on paper, off a KO loss. Short notice, at elevation in Mexico City against a former Mexican champ. I thought the moment would be too big. Kavanagh had ice in his veins. Upset and performance of the year contender.
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) March 1, 2026
Who would you like to see Kavanagh fight next following his victory over Moreno this evening at CDMX Arena? Share your thoughts in the comment section PENN Nation!