For the eighth time, the UFC is set to host a fight night in Mexico City, this time featuring former two-time flyweight champion Brandon Moreno. Moreno, who has a record of 23 wins, 9 losses, and 2 draws, made history in 2021 as the first Mexican-born champ by defeating Deiveson Figueiredo for the 125-pound title.

Moreno, now aged 32 and training out of Las Vegas, is eager to reclaim his title contention following a TKO loss to Tatsuro Taira in December. He is scheduled to fight Lone’r Kavanagh, who stepped in late as a replacement. This fight carries profound significance as it unfolds against the backdrop of significant unrest in Mexico following the capture and death of notorious cartel leader Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.” The ensuing violence has shaken the country even further.

Moreno expressed his feelings saying:

“I was walking yesterday in the streets and I stopped to watch my cellphone at all the bad news around the country. Right now, in Mexico City, things here are super calm… It has been really hard hours for my Mexican people. It’s crazy because, right now, I’m super focused on my fight but, at the same time, I know that a lot of Mexican people are focused on this bad moment. Maybe this event can bring a nice moment for the people to try to forget the bad moment and get some joy.”

Despite the turmoil, the UFC Fight Night is anticipated to proceed without interruption, offering a distraction amidst the chaos.