UFC Mexico results: Lone'er Kavanagh styles on Brandon Moreno, declares contendership

The UFC might have a new star on its hands.

In a shocking UFC Fight Night 268 main event, Lone'er Kavanagh master-classed former titleholder Brandon Moreno in enemy territory of Mexico City en route to a unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47).

Coming off a loss, Kavanagh (10-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) was not the promotion's first option as a replacement when original headliner Asu Almabayev withdrew. But the matchmakers' hands were tied and put their faith in the young Brit, who still had long-term promise in the eyes of many, despite being finished by Charles Johnson this past August.

As it turns out, the short-term was being overlooked. Kavanagh battered the lead leg of Moreno and brutalized with a scintillating boxing and muay Thai attack. Moreno had some success making things ugly against the fence, but was unable to inflict any significant damage on the 26-year-old flyweight.

When the dust settled, Kavanagh got the nod as a +168 underdog on average across major online sportsbooks (per Best Fight Odds).

Lone'er Kavanagh connects in RD2! 🎯

[ #UFCMexico | LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/POgHPDZprc— UFC (@ufc) March 1, 2026

The win is Kavanagh's third in the promotion. Prior to the Johnson loss, he defeated Jose Ochoa and Felipe Dos Santos, both by unanimous decision.

In defeat, Moreno, 32, falls into a two-fight skid and has lost four of his most recent six outings.

Up-to-the-minute UFC Fight Night 268 results:

• Lone'er Kavanagh def. Brandon Moreno via unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)
• David Martinez def. Marlon Vera via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• King Green def. Daniel Zellhuber via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:55
• Edgar Chairez def. Felipe Bunes via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Imanol Rodriguez def. Kevin Borjas via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:21
• Santiago Luna def. Angel Pacheco via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Ryan Gandra def. Jose Medina via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 0:41
• Ailin Perez def. Macy Chiasson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Cristian Quinonez def. Kris Moutinho via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Javier Reyes def. Douglas Silva de Andrade via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 4:59
• Regina Tarin def. Ernesta Kareckaite via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
• Francis Marshall def. Erik Silva via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:29
• Damian Pinas def. Wesley Schultz via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 2:30

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Mexico main event ends in shocking upset