Vegas — UFC makes its long-awaited return to Arena CDMX in Mexico City with an exciting flyweight showdown as a former UFC champion and No. 5-ranked contender Brandon Moreno takes on the No. 7-ranked rising star Asu Almabayev in the main event of UFC MEXICO: MORENO vs. ALMABAYEV.
The event takes place Saturday February 28and will stream live on Paramount+marking another major showcase for the promotion’s new streaming era. The preliminary map starts at 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PTfollowed by the main card at 8pm ET / 5pm PT.
Moreno returns home to headline Mexico City
Fighting for the fans of his homeland, Brandon Moreno (29-3-2, Tijuana, Mexico) looks to deliver another signature performance in one of the most electric atmospheres in the sport. A perennial fan favorite, Moreno has built his legacy through memorable wins Deiveson Figueiredo (twice), Kai Kara-France (twice)And Brandon Royval.
Now ranked fifth at flyweight, Moreno will look to defend his homeland and reassert himself in the title picture with a convincing win against the rising Almabayev.
Almabayev eyes breakthrough win
Asu Almabayev (23-3, Almaty, Kazakhstan) enters the fight with momentum and championship aspirations. Known for his elite submission game, Almabayev has racked up notable victories Alex Perez, Jose OchoaAnd Matheus Nicolau.
A victory over a former champion on enemy territory would mark the most important win of his career and catapult him into the flyweight title conversation.
Women’s bantamweights clash in co-main event
The co-main event contains a central event women’s bantamweight bout as a No. 7-ranked contender Macy Chiasson faces no. 8 Ailin Perez.
Chiasson (11-5Dallas, Texas), winner of The ultimate fighter 28 at featherweight, has proven her strength and perseverance at 135 pounds with stoppage victories Mayra Bueno Silva, Mrs KianzadAnd Sarah Moras. She tries to stop Perez’s momentum and defend her place in the Top 10.
Pérez (12-2Buenos Aires, Argentina) comes in at a five-fight winning streaktied for the third-longest in women’s bantamweight history. With victories over Carol Rosa, Darya ZheleznyakovaAnd Joselyne EdwardsPerez is aiming for her biggest win yet and a jump into the Top 5.
Additional attacks announced
The Mexico City stacked map also includes:
- Damien Pinas (8-1) vs Wes Schultz (8-2) — Middleweight
- Ryan Gandra (8-1) vs José Daniel Medina (11-6) — Middleweight
- Edgar Chairez (12-6, 1 NC) vs Felipe Bunes (14-8) – Flyweight
- Imanol Rodriguez (6-0) vs Kevin Borjas (10-4) – Flyweight
- Santiago Luna (7-0) vs Angel Pacheco (7-3) — Catch weight
- Cristian Quinonez (18-5) vs Kris Moutinho (14-7) — Bantamweight
- Sofia Montenegro (6-2) vs Ernesta Kareckaite (6-1-1) – Flyweight
Roberto Villa is the CEO, founder, executive writer and senior editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for martial arts and is also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He is also a former MMA fighter and kickboxer. He is also the chief photographer of the 4CornersMafia Car Club.
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