Brandon Moreno has a new opponent for UFC Fight Night in Mexico City on Feb. 28. After Asu Almabayev had to withdraw from the main event due to a hand injury, the UFC has brought in Lone’r Kavanagh to take his place.
After starting his pro career with a 6-0 record in England, Kavanagh secured a UFC contract with a second-round stoppage of An Tuan Ho during a bout on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2024.
STEPPING IN 😤
Brandon Moreno will now face Lone’r Kavanagh in the #UFCMexico main event!
LIVE FEB 28 on @ParamountPlusLink — UFC (@ufc) February 4, 2026
Kavanagh triumphed in his first two UFC fights by decision over Jose Ochoa and Felipe dos Santos, but faced a setback with a TKO loss to Charles Johnson last August.
Almabayev’s withdrawal opens a significant opportunity for Kavanagh against the former two-time UFC flyweight champion, Brandon Moreno. Moreno’s latest title reign came to an end with a split decision defeat to Alexandre Pantoja in July 2023. After experiencing highs and lows in his career, a win may be crucial for Moreno as he aims for a potential chance to regain the championship.
