UFC Fight Night® lands at Arena CDMX on February 28 with high-stakes flyweight and bantamweight clashes
LAS VEGAS — UFC® returns to Arena CDMX in Mexico City on Saturday, February 28, with a marquee flyweight showdown as former champion and No. 5 ranked contender Brandon Moreno squares off against No. 7 ranked rising threat Asu Almabayev in the main event of UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: MORENO vs. ALMABAYEV. Adding to the excitement, Top 10 women’s bantamweights collide in the featured bout as No. 7 Macy Chiasson faces No. 8 Ailin Perez.
The prelims will begin at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT, followed by the main card at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, with all bouts streaming live on Paramount+.
Main Event: Flyweight Fireworks in Mexico City
Fighting on home soil, Mexico’s own Brandon Moreno (29-3-2) looks to deliver another unforgettable performance in front of a passionate crowd. Hailing from Tijuana, Moreno has built a legacy as one of the most exciting flyweights in UFC history, earning memorable victories over Deiveson Figueiredo (twice), Kai Kara-France (twice), and Brandon Royval. A former champion and perennial contender, Moreno now aims to defend his home turf and reassert himself in the flyweight title picture with a statement win.
Standing across from him is Kazakhstan’s surging contender Asu Almabayev (23-3), who enters the bout determined to spoil the celebration. Fighting out of Almaty, Almabayev has quickly made waves in the division with his elite submission game and dominant performances. Wins over Alex Perez, Jose Ochoa, and Matheus Nicolau have propelled him into the Top 10, and a victory over Moreno would mark the biggest win of his career and potentially catapult him into title contention.
Featured Bout: Bantamweight Stakes Run High
In the featured matchup, Macy Chiasson (11-5) looks to kick off her 2026 campaign in style. The featherweight winner of The Ultimate Fighter season 28, Chiasson has proven her finishing ability at 135 pounds with stoppage victories over Mayra Bueno Silva, Pannie Kianzad, and Sarah Moras. Fighting out of Dallas, Texas, she aims to defend her Top 10 ranking and halt the momentum of a dangerous opponent.
That opponent is Argentina’s Ailin Perez (12-2), one of the fastest-rising contenders in the division. Currently riding a five-fight win streak—tied for the third longest in women’s bantamweight history—Perez has notched impressive wins over Karol Rosa, Darya Zheleznyakova, and Joselyne Edwards. A win over Chiasson would be the biggest of her career and could push her closer to the Top 5.
A Loaded Card Featuring Rising Talent
UFC Fight Night®: Moreno vs. Almabayev will also showcase a deep undercard packed with international talent and promising prospects:
- Middleweight: Dana White’s Contender Series signees collide as Damian Pinas (8-1) of Aruba takes on Wes Schultz (8-2) of Milwaukee
- Middleweight: Ryan Gandra (8-1) vs. Jose Daniel Medina (11-6)
- Flyweight: Mexico’s Edgar Chairez (12-6, 1 NC) meets Brazil’s Felipe Bunes (14-8)
- Flyweight: Undefeated Imanol Rodriguez (6-0) faces Kevin Borjas (10-4)
- Lightweight/Bantamweight: Unbeaten Santiago Luna (7-0) battles Angel Pacheco (7-3)
- Bantamweight: Cristian Quinonez (18-5) vs. Kris Moutinho (14-7)
- Flyweight: UFC debutant Sofia Montenegro (6-2) meets Ernesta Kareckaite (6-1-1)
Ticket Information
Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: MORENO vs. ALMABAYEV go on sale Friday, January 9 at 10 a.m. CT via superboletos.com, with a limit of eight tickets per person.
- UFC Fight Club® presale: Wednesday, January 7 at 10 a.m. CT
- UFC newsletter presale: Thursday, January 8 at 10 a.m. CT (registration required at UFC.com)
With a hometown hero in the main event, a pivotal women’s bantamweight clash, and a card stacked with emerging talent, UFC’s return to Mexico City promises a night of high drama and nonstop action. For the latest bout announcements and updates, visit UFC.com.
