UFC Mexico: Moreno vs Erceg - Full Card Preview

Main Event: Brandon Moreno vs. Steve Erceg (Flyweight)

The night’s main event sees Brandon Moreno, the former flyweight champion, making his return to Mexico City to face off against Australian standout Steve Erceg. While Moreno has experienced mixed results fighting on home soil, he enters this bout with renewed confidence following a strong performance against Amir Albazi last November.

On the other side, Erceg is looking to bounce back from a two-fight skid that included a title loss at UFC 301 and a knockout defeat to Kai Kara-France at UFC 305. Known for his technical striking and disciplined approach, Erceg hopes to re-establish himself among the division’s elite.

With both fighters eager to prove themselves — Moreno aiming to secure another title shot and Erceg desperate to avoid getting lost in the crowd of emerging contenders — this fight promises fireworks from start to finish.

Additional Main Card Bouts

Manuel Torres vs. Drew Dober (Lightweight)

A thrilling lightweight bout between Mexico’s Manuel Torres and veteran Drew Dober serves as the co-main event. Torres has quickly become a fan favorite for his aggressive, finish-seeking style, collecting three wins (and three bonuses) before hitting a rough patch against Ignacio Bahamondes last September.

Dober, always one for a slugfest, is known for his willingness to engage in violent brawls, but he’s looking to turn things around after a 1-3 stretch. This bout has all the makings of a brawl, with both fighters likely to leave it all in the cage in search of a statement win.

Kelvin Gastelum vs. Joe Pyfer (Middleweight)

In a crucial middleweight clash, Kelvin Gastelum makes his official return to the division, looking to revive his career after a weight mishap forced his last welterweight bout to be contested at middleweight. The former title challenger has had a rocky run at 185 pounds but hopes a fresh start will bring success.

Meanwhile, Joe Pyfer continues his ascent in the division. After suffering a learning experience loss to Jack Hermansson, Pyfer rebounded with a stunning knockout over Marc-Andre Barriault, reaffirming his status as a dangerous striker. This fight serves as a measuring stick for both men’s future aspirations in the middleweight division.

Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Vince Morales (Bantamweight)

Highly-touted prospect Raul Rosas Jr. makes his first UFC appearance in Mexico City, taking on experienced campaigner Vince Morales. Rosas Jr. is riding a three-fight win streak but recently went the distance for the first time in his UFC career against Aoriqileng.

Morales, meanwhile, is on a two-fight skid and fighting to keep his spot on the roster. This bout presents a major opportunity for Rosas Jr. to cement his hype while Morales seeks to spoil the party and avoid a third consecutive loss.

David Martinez vs. Saimon Oliveira (Bantamweight)

Local talent David Martinez makes his UFC debut on home soil against Brazilian veteran Saimon Oliveira. Martinez earned his spot in the UFC by defeating Xavier Franklin on the Contender Series, bringing a seven-fight win streak into this contest.

For Oliveira, this fight represents a chance at redemption after two consecutive losses. A win over Martinez would go a long way in revitalizing his UFC career, while Martinez aims to make a memorable debut in front of a supportive home crowd.

Ronaldo Rodriguez vs. Kevin Borjas (Flyweight)

The main card opens with Ronaldo Rodriguez, a rising flyweight star who boasts a massive social media following thanks to his exciting fighting style. With a 17-2 record and two straight UFC wins, Rodriguez has all the makings of Mexico’s next big star in the 125-pound division.

He faces Kevin Borjas, a promising talent from Peru looking to rebound from a tough start to his UFC career. After losing to Joshua Van and being stopped by Alessandro Costa, Borjas is determined to make a statement in what promises to be a fan-friendly fight.

Preliminary Card Pairings

• Edgar Chairez vs. CJ Vergara (Flyweight) – A clash between flyweights looking to rebound from recent setbacks.
• Jose Daniel Medina vs. Ateba Gautier (Middleweight) – Two DWCS graduates looking to make their mark in the middleweight division.
• Christian Rodriguez vs. Melquizael Costa (Featherweight) – Rising talents face off with both men riding high after recent wins.
• Loopy Godinez vs. Julia Polastri (Strawweight) – Homecoming for Godinez, hoping to bounce back after back-to-back losses.
• Rafa García vs. Vinc Pichel (Lightweight) – Two experienced fighters hoping to find success in the deep lightweight division.
• Jamall Emmers vs. Gabriel Miranda (Featherweight) – A high-paced scrap between skilled strikers looking to climb the ranks.
• MarQuel Mederos vs. Austin Hubbard (Lightweight) – Mederos looks to make his mark in a tough matchup against the experienced Hubbard.

What to Expect

The UFC’s return to Mexico City is set to deliver high-octane action from top to bottom. With homegrown talents looking to shine on the big stage and international competitors aiming to play spoiler, this card has the potential to produce memorable moments and thrilling finishes.

Expect the passionate Mexican crowd to create a lively atmosphere as fighters leave it all in the cage to further their careers and entertain the fans.

ACE Leans:

Note: These leans are not financial advice and are merely suggestions by our traders as to where they see the most value. Gamble responsibly.

Mederos & Over 1.5 Rounds @ 1.83

Emmers KO/TKO & Over 1.5 Rounds @ 5.00

Polastri ML @ 3.15

Costa by Decision @ 4.10

Chairez ML & Over 1.5 @ 1.91

Ronaldo Rodriguez Submission or Decision & Over 1.5 Rounds @ 2.37

Martinez ML & Over 1.5 Rounds @ 1.87

Gastelum ML @ 4.5

Dober ML @ 2.00

Erceg ML @ 3.00