by AAA Sports
Monday, Feb 23, 2026The Main Event
After an upset in last weekend's main event of Sean 'Tarzan' Strickland / Anthony 'Fluffy' Hernandez, the UFC heads down to Mexico for a huge Fight Night in Mexico City. This time, we're going to get to see former two-time Flyweight champion Brandon Moreno (23-9-2 | Mexico) take on the UK's rising star, Lone'er Kavanaugh (9-1-0 | England.) Moreno is favored to win in the -230 to -250 range.
Back in 2021, Moreno won his first belt in the Flyweight Division. His tetralogy (four fights) with Deiveson Figueiredo was what this sport needed in the smaller weight classes as all three fights were terrific to watch. Even though it's been a couple of wins and a couple of losses since those days, 'The Assassin Baby' remains one of the top contenders in this division.
Before his latest fight, Lone'er Kavanaugh was perhaps the next big thing in this weight class. He still might be just that. But, he definitely did not look like a future champion on August 23rd in 2025 when he got finished by Charles Johnson. Kavanaugh still has a great chance at being successful though with a 9-1 record and this fight could get him back into the conversation.
The total is set at 4.5 rounds, favoring the OVER slightly. Both fighters just lost via the knockout, so the UNDER could definitely be in play if someone's to get touched up early.
The Verdict -- One loss isn't going to make or break your career in the UFC, especially as a young 26 year old 'prospect.' Even two losses isn't the end of the world as many fighters suffer a ton of losses before reaching their ultimate peak. But, with a chance like this against a former two-time champ, Kavanaugh needs to lock in. Some would say Moreno is fast his prime. But, with this fight in Mexico and having watch Kavanaugh's last fight, we cannot take the younger fighter here. Go with Moreno.
The Co Main Event
Not getting as much respect as he used to, Marlon 'Chito' Vera (23-11-1 | Ecuador) takes on David 'Doctor' Martinez (13-1-0 | Mexico) in the Co-Main Event at UFC Fight Night. Basically just like the main event, the Mexican is favored to win in the -250 to -300 range.
Marlon Vera was a top fighter in the Bantamweight Division for many years. He has some fantastic wins over Sean O'Malley, Frankie Edgar, Rob Font, Dominick Cruz, and Pedro Munhoz. But, off three losses in a row, the Ecuadorian is getting the 'past his prime' treatment.
The home crowd will definitely be behind the man that they call 'Doctor' this weekend. Martinez is on a nine fight win streak and could break into a spot with a bunch of the top guys in the division with a win. Comparable to Kavanaugh, Martinez is in his mid-20's and is looking for a first signature win to boost his career status.
The OVER is heavily favored in this Co-Main bout on Saturday as both guys tend to like going the distance. In his 35 fight career, Marlon Vera has never been finished. That's telling us something -- with Vera as the pretty big underdog.
The Verdict -- Unlike the Main Event, the 'rising' star is favored in this one. Martinez is probably going to be the more active fighter, being the younger of the two. But, don't count out Marlon Vera who's been near the top Bantamweight Division for the majority of his career. Vera isn't even that old considering some of the other fighters in the UFC who attempt at UFC gold. I think the best choice is the OVER, even despite the poor odds. But, if you're looking for an underdog, this could be it. Marlon Vera could definitely score the upset.
Back in 2021, Moreno won his first belt in the Flyweight Division. His tetralogy (four fights) with Deiveson Figueiredo was what this sport needed in the smaller weight classes as all three fights were terrific to watch. Even though it's been a couple of wins and a couple of losses since those days, 'The Assassin Baby' remains one of the top contenders in this division.
Before his latest fight, Lone'er Kavanaugh was perhaps the next big thing in this weight class. He still might be just that. But, he definitely did not look like a future champion on August 23rd in 2025 when he got finished by Charles Johnson. Kavanaugh still has a great chance at being successful though with a 9-1 record and this fight could get him back into the conversation.
The total is set at 4.5 rounds, favoring the OVER slightly. Both fighters just lost via the knockout, so the UNDER could definitely be in play if someone's to get touched up early.
The Verdict -- One loss isn't going to make or break your career in the UFC, especially as a young 26 year old 'prospect.' Even two losses isn't the end of the world as many fighters suffer a ton of losses before reaching their ultimate peak. But, with a chance like this against a former two-time champ, Kavanaugh needs to lock in. Some would say Moreno is fast his prime. But, with this fight in Mexico and having watch Kavanaugh's last fight, we cannot take the younger fighter here. Go with Moreno.
The Co Main Event
Not getting as much respect as he used to, Marlon 'Chito' Vera (23-11-1 | Ecuador) takes on David 'Doctor' Martinez (13-1-0 | Mexico) in the Co-Main Event at UFC Fight Night. Basically just like the main event, the Mexican is favored to win in the -250 to -300 range.
Marlon Vera was a top fighter in the Bantamweight Division for many years. He has some fantastic wins over Sean O'Malley, Frankie Edgar, Rob Font, Dominick Cruz, and Pedro Munhoz. But, off three losses in a row, the Ecuadorian is getting the 'past his prime' treatment.
The home crowd will definitely be behind the man that they call 'Doctor' this weekend. Martinez is on a nine fight win streak and could break into a spot with a bunch of the top guys in the division with a win. Comparable to Kavanaugh, Martinez is in his mid-20's and is looking for a first signature win to boost his career status.
The OVER is heavily favored in this Co-Main bout on Saturday as both guys tend to like going the distance. In his 35 fight career, Marlon Vera has never been finished. That's telling us something -- with Vera as the pretty big underdog.
The Verdict -- Unlike the Main Event, the 'rising' star is favored in this one. Martinez is probably going to be the more active fighter, being the younger of the two. But, don't count out Marlon Vera who's been near the top Bantamweight Division for the majority of his career. Vera isn't even that old considering some of the other fighters in the UFC who attempt at UFC gold. I think the best choice is the OVER, even despite the poor odds. But, if you're looking for an underdog, this could be it. Marlon Vera could definitely score the upset.
