Brandon Moreno hopes UFC Fight Night can 'bring joy' amid unrest in Mexico
CBS Sports
by
Brian Campbell
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Brandon Moreno, the first Mexican-born UFC champion, is set to headline UFC Fight Night in Mexico City on Saturday, aiming to bring hope and joy to his country amid recent unrest. The event marks Moreno’s fifth appearance on a UFC card in Mexico, following his historic victory over Deiveson Figueiredo in 2021, which made him the promotion’s first Mexican-born champion. Currently training in Las Vegas, Moreno is looking to rebound from a December loss to Tatsuro Taira and return to title contention.
The fight takes place at Arena CDMX, located in central Mexico, where conditions are calm despite recent violence triggered by the capture and death of cartel leader Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho." While areas like Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta have experienced significant unrest, Moreno’s hometown of Tijuana has also seen destruction. Despite this, Moreno remains focused on his fight, yet deeply aware of the struggles faced by his people.
Moreno expressed his desire for the event to serve as a moment of distraction and unity for Mexicans dealing with the crisis. He shared his concerns about the nation’s current state, emphasizing the importance of using sports as a tool to uplift spirits during challenging times. The UFC event is expected to proceed as scheduled, with the U.S. State Department confirming that most areas outside Jalisco have returned to normal.
For sports enthusiasts and MMA fans, this event holds significance not only for Moreno’s potential rise back to title contention but also for its cultural impact in Mexico. It highlights how sport can serve as a unifying force during periods of crisis, offering a glimmer of hope and joy for those affected by the ongoing turmoil.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/24/2026