The Octagon returns to Mexico City this weekend as Arena CDMX plays host to a UFC Fight Night card packed with Mexican fighting talent.
With a host of local stars set to feature on the fight card, and a passionate Mexican fanbase set to pack the stands, it promises to be an electric night of fights.
Ahead of fight night, we take a look at three key matchups you should be keeping a close eye on at Arena CDMX this weekend.
Fights to follow at UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Kavanagh
Brandon Moreno vs Lone’er Kavanagh
Headlining the event is one of the greatest Mexican MMA fighters of all time, as former undisputed flyweight champion Brandon Moreno comes home to top the card.
Moreno is still a factor a tthe top end o the UFC’s 125-pound division, and will be looking to deliver another eye-catching performance to put himself back in line for a shot at the flyweight title.
Moreno was originally set to face dangerous Kazakh contneder Asu Almabeyev, but after he was forced to withdraw from the event, English hot prospect Lone’er Kavanagh has been drafted in on short notice.
Kavanagh is a livewire talent with legitimate one-shot knockout power in MMA gloves, blurring speed and a top-drawer team, coming from Great Britain Top Team and coached by UK MMA legend Brad “One Punch” Pickett.
Kavanagh was stunned and stopped by Charles Johnson in his last outing, so his call-up was something of a surprise, but make no mistake, he’s a live underdog in this fight. [Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]But Moreno is a proven talent and a former champion, so expect a fast-paced, exciting clash, with either a former champion staking his case as a title threat again, or the emergence of an exciting new contender.
It should be a thrilling encounter.
Marlon Vera vs David Martinez
The new generation faces the old as UFC veteran Marlon Vera faces off against in-form David Martinez in an important matchup for the UFC’s bantamweight division.
Former title challenger Vera has been there, seen it and done it all before. But Martinez has blasted his way into the bantamweight rankings after just two fights – his second UFC bout saw him claim a big-name scalp in the form of Rob Font.
Now Martinez faces an acid test in the form of Vera, who still has designs on a return to the top once again.
Expect Martinez to come out all guns blazing, with Vera looking to weather the early storm before dragging the Mexican contender into deep waters.
Daniel Zellhuber vs King Green
Another new school vs old school matchup sees Mexican lightweight star Daniel Zellhuber take on seasoned UFC vet King Green in a matchup that should deliver plenty of exciting action.
Green is never in a boring fight, with the slick striking of “King” proving to be the Kryptonite for plenty of his opponents over the years. But Green’s trademark hands-down fighting style always offers an opportunity for his opponents to find his chin, and Green’s punch resistance perhaps isn’t as good as it once was.
Enter Zellhuber, a super-talented lightweight who, despite his skillset, is looking to bounce back from successive defeats in his last two outings. A win over Green on home soil could be the perfect springboard to bigger things later this year.
Simon Head is Editor-in-Chief with renowned combat sports equipment company RDX Sports. Check out their latest range of MMA fightwear today. Simon Head can be found on X: @simonheadspor
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