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UFC Mexico City: Moreno Shines at Home, Torres and Abega Deliver Fireworks

The UFC’s return to Mexico City was everything fans hoped for — fast finishes, back-and-forth battles, and a raucous home crowd rallying behind their fighters. Headlining the night was former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno, who rebounded from back-to-back losses with a sharp and calculated unanimous decision win over the rising Steve Erceg.

Moreno mixed striking and wrestling with ease, neutralizing Erceg’s offense and dominating the later rounds. The judges all saw it 49–46 in his favor, a clear return to form. Speaking after the fight, Moreno said:

“Fighting in front of my people here in Mexico City is always an honor. Steve was a tough opponent, but I was determined to show that I'm still a top contender in this division. I'm ready for whatever comes next”
— Brandon Moreno, post-fight interview

In the co-main, Manuel Torres sent a thunderbolt through the lightweight division with a brutal first-round TKO over veteran Drew Dober, who has long been known for his durability and knockout power. Torres wasted no time, walking Dober down and landing a crushing combo that ended it at just 1:45 into Round 1.

“I knew Drew was a dangerous striker, but I trusted my training and saw an opening early. Getting this win in front of my home crowd is a dream come true”
— Manuel Torres, post-fight interview

To his credit, Dober remained gracious in defeat, posting the following on social media:

“Well, that sucked. A beautifully timed one-two by Manuel Torres. As much as I love Mexico City, it's given me two of my most embarrassing losses of my career, haha. But the food and people are still the best. I'm happy and healthy and excited to be a stay-at-home dad for a while”
— Drew Dober via Instagram

Elsewhere on the card, Ateba Abega made a jaw-dropping debut, flattening Jose Medina with a perfectly timed flying knee just moments into the fight. The knockout earned him a $50,000 bonus and instantly put his name on fans’ radars.

“I've been dreaming of this moment for years. To come into the UFC and get a finish like that is just the beginning. I'm here to make a statement”
— Ateba Abega, post-fight interview

As the UFC returns to Mexico City on March 29, 2025, fans are set for an electrifying night at Arena CDMX. This event not only showcases top-tier talent but also highlights the UFC's ongoing commitment to the passionate Mexican MMA community.

Mexico City's altitude—over 7,300 feet above sea level—adds an additional layer of intrigue to this card. Fighters will need to adjust their conditioning to avoid gassing out early, particularly those not acclimated to the elevation. Historically, this has played a factor in past Mexico City events, where pace and cardio have often dictated the outcome of fights.

UFC London & ONE Championship 172 Recap: A Weekend of Shocks, Legends, and Rising Stars

Combat sports fans experienced a rollercoaster ride of emotions this past weekend, as two iconic venues—London's packed O₂ Arena and Japan's legendary Saitama Super Arena—hosted unforgettable nights of action. UFC London and ONE Championship 172 delivered spectacular knockouts, thrilling submissions, record-breaking moments, and career-defining victories. From shocking upsets and emotional farewells to the rise of new contenders and champions, these events underscored exactly why combat sports remain uniquely compelling. Let’s dive into the unforgettable moments, remarkable statistics, and intriguing storylines that will shape the future of MMA and kickboxing alike.

A Weekend That Could Change Everything: UFC London & ONE 172 Deliver Firepower and Legacy

There are fight nights… and then there are weekends like this.

This Saturday and Sunday, two of the world’s most powerful combat sports promotions — the UFC and ONE Championship — are putting on cards that feel less like routine events and more like turning points.

In London, a fallen champion returns under pressure. In Japan, two of the most iconic strikers in history face off in a dream fight years in the making. Five belts are on the line. Multiple divisions are in flux. And several careers — some legendary, others just beginning — may never look the same.

Catch the electrifying combat sports action from this past weekend! Witness epic performances, knockouts, and career-defining victories across UFC, ONE Championship, Cage Warriors, and boxing. Click to see more!

Combat sports fans, get ready for an action-packed weekend with thrilling matchups in boxing, MMA, and kickboxing! Here’s a quick preview of the top events, featuring key stats and insights into the fighters you won’t want to miss