Former two-time flyweight champion Brandon Moreno takes on 1-loss challenger Lone’er Kavanagh in the main event at UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanagh on Saturday. Moreno seeks to get back in position for another shot at the title he won for the first time by submission over Deiveson Figueiredo in 2021.
Kavanagh was added to the fight card as an injury replacement for Asu Almabayev and looks to get back in the winner’s circle after suffering his first professional loss last time out in August. Currently the No. 15 contender in the division, Kavanagh can rebound against a big-name opponent. Early UFC betting odds had Moreno as a -215 favorite.
UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanagh Preview
A total of 13 fights are on the UFC Fight Night ticket with the headline bout between flyweight hopefuls Brandon Moreno and Lone’er Kavanagh. The action takes place on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico. The entire fight card will be streamed on Paramount+.
UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanagh Predictions
- Moreno is the more experienced fighter with 34 professional fights on his resume. Nearly half of his 9 losses, however, have come in his last 8 bouts suggesting a possible decline at the age of 32.
- You can’t say Moreno has shied away from taking on some of the best in the division. His last 11 fights have been against highly ranked flyweights. He won the belt a first time by submitting Figueiredo in a rematch from a bout that ended in a draw.
- Moreno gave up the belt in a loss to Figueiredo but reclaimed it with a stoppage win over Kai Kara-France in 2022. He’s since dropped 3 of his last 5 fights, most recently to No. 3 contender Tatsuro Taira in December. During that spell he also lost to No. 1 Alexandre Pantoja and No. 4 Brandon Royval.
- Kavanagh can make a move up the rankings with a win over a former champion. A star in the Cage Warriors promotion, the Brit won his first 9 bouts graduating to the UFC with a win in the contender series.
- Facing his toughest opponent to date, Kavanagh was stopped in the second round by Charles Johnson in August 2025. He was originally scheduled to fight Bruno Silva on Mar. 14 but Kavanagh jumped at the chance to take on the former 2-time champ.
- This is a difficult ask for Kavanagh, who is a late replacement on a shortened timeline. His youth and energy will help, but he’s clearly not at the level of Moreno and a developing fighter beating the savvy vet on short notice is unlikely.
UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanagh Betting Tips
- Recent form from Moreno has the UFC betting odds closer than they would otherwise be. Taken in context, though, the former champ has tangled with the best in the division which means something. Moreno is an early -215 favorite with Kavanagh at +172.
- A number of other bouts on the ticket have steep odds. Daniel Zellhuber (-525) is the biggest favorite on the main card in his lightweight tussle with veteran King Green.
- In the penultimate fight of the night bantamweights David Martinez and Marlon Vera go at it. With a professional record of 13-1 and riding a 9-match winning streak, Martinez is a -290 favorite over Vera (+226).
UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanagh Head to Head and Key Stats
(6) Brandon Moreno vs. (15) Lone’er Kavanagh – Flyweight Fight
- Moreno has proven to be a complete fighter during his career. He has a 23-9-2 record as a pro with 11 submissions and 7 decisions. He’s also honed his game against the best flyweights in UFC winning his share of them.
- With his hopes of another crack at the title diminishing, it’s imperative that Moreno take care of business, otherwise he doesn’t get another chance.
- A recent addition to the UFC after beating undefeated An Tuan Ho in the contender series, Kavanagh will use this fight as a proving ground. He’s 9-1 since turning pro and was victorious in his first 2 fights inside the Octagon before suffering his first pro loss last time out.
- The most accomplished Mexican fighter ever in the UFC, Moreno is the more skilled fighter and will have the backing of an entire nation. He has a submission game Kavanagh’s likely never seen before and recent fights against elite competition give Moreno the edge.
