M2MMAMonday Blog - 31st of March

M2MMA Monday Blog - 31st of March

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

RIZIN 50: Inoue Edges Motoya in Technical Title Fight, Yachi and Sudario Score Wins in Japan

Sunday, March 30th saw RIZIN Fighting Federation celebrate its 50th numbered event in Takamatsu, Japan, at Anabuki Arena Kagawa. While not the flashiest card in RIZIN history, the event was loaded with high-level Japanese talent and technical showdowns — capped by a bantamweight title fight that went the distance.

In the main event, reigning RIZIN Bantamweight Champion Naoki Inoue successfully defended his belt against experienced challenger Yuki Motoya in a closely contested split decision. Inoue, known for his smooth transitions and fight IQ, controlled most of the action with smart movement and sharp counter-striking. Motoya, who came in aggressive and frequently pressured, had his moments, especially with clinch knees and flurries in rounds two and four. But it wasn’t enough to sway two of the judges, and Inoue retained his title in what was a cerebral, strategic fight — more chess match than brawl.

This marks Inoue’s second title defense in RIZIN and keeps him at the top of Japan’s bantamweight division. While he hasn’t fought under the UFC or Bellator banners since his early career, his growth and consistency in RIZIN continue to make a case for global recognition. Post-fight, Inoue humbly thanked the crowd and expressed interest in facing international talent in future cross-promotional matchups.

The co-main event featured a lightweight clash between Yusuke Yachi and Ali Abdulkhalikov, where Yachi returned to form with a unanimous decision win. Once seen as a future RIZIN champion, Yachi has had a rollercoaster career, but this performance — built on sharp striking and improved cardio — suggested he’s still a threat in the division.

Also notable on the card was heavyweight bruiser Tsuyoshi Sudario, a former sumo wrestler turned MMA knockout artist. Sudario finished his bout against Hyun Man Myung with a barrage of punches in Round 2, reminding fans why he’s one of RIZIN’s most entertaining (and dangerous) heavyweights. With continued development, Sudario could soon find himself in talks for an international step up.

While RIZIN 50 didn’t offer the kind of viral chaos fans associate with the promotion’s wildest nights, it was a meaningful night for Japanese MMA: a celebration of homegrown talent, technical evolution, and the slow-burning rivalries that define long-form storytelling in the sport.

Zepeda Edges Farmer in Razor-Close Rematch; Collazo Impresses Again

In Cancún, Mexico, William Zepeda stayed unbeaten with a hard-fought majority decision win over Tevin Farmer in their rematch. Farmer started slowly but came on strong in the later rounds, making it a competitive and controversial contest. The judges scored it 114-114, 116-112, and 115-113 in favor of Zepeda, though Farmer voiced frustration afterward, believing he had done enough to win.

On the same card, Oscar Collazo successfully defended his WBA and WBO minimumweight titles, stopping Edwin Cano in the fifth round. Collazo dominated from the outset, showcasing sharp combinations and finishing instincts to reinforce his status as a top name in the division.

Mayer Beats Ryan in Sequel Showdown, Eyes Unification with Price

In Las Vegas, Mikaela Mayer retained her WBO welterweight crown with a commanding unanimous decision victory over British rival Sandy Ryan. Judges scored it 97-93, 97-93, and 98-92. While Mayer had to fight through a cut above her eye, she controlled much of the bout with smart movement and crisp punching. Ryan pushed the pace in the final rounds but couldn’t overturn Mayer’s lead.

With the rivalry settled, Mayer wasted no time setting her sights on a unification bout with Lauren Price, the current holder of the WBC, WBA, and IBF welterweight titles.

Tragedy at Fight Night 15: Remembering Segun Success Olanrewaju

The boxing world was left in mourning following the tragic passing of Nigerian fighter Segun Success Olanrewaju, who collapsed in the ring during his bout at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League. The incident occurred shortly after a series of heavy exchanges, and despite immediate medical attention, Olanrewaju was later pronounced dead. His sudden loss has cast a shadow over the weekend’s events. Tributes have poured in from across the combat sports community, remembering him not only as a competitor, but as a passionate ambassador for the sport he loved.