Kavanagh Upsets Moreno At UFC Mexico

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Mar 1, 2026 1:03 AM ET

Lone’er Kavanagh upset Brandon Moreno to secure a unanimous decision win in their flyweight clash, as you can see how the fight played out live: 49-46, 48-47, 48-47.

Moreno, celebrated as the first Mexican-born champion in UFC history, returned to the Octagon looking to erase the memory of a difficult recent outing. His last appearance ended in a second-round TKO defeat to Tatsuro Taira—a shocking result as it marked the first time in Moreno’s professional career that he was finished. Prior to that setback, he had consecutive victories over Amir Albazi and Steve Erceg.

Meanwhile, Kavanagh’s perfect professional record was snapped last August at UFC Shanghai, where he suffered a second-round knockout at the hands of Charles Johnson. Despite that loss, Kavanagh remained one of the division’s most intriguing prospects, having wins over Jose Ochoa and Felipe dos Santos. Now, he secured his biggest win.

Updates

Brandon Moreno vs. Lone’er Kavanagh Round 1

Moreno landed a massive overhand right and a couple of nasty looping hooks.

Kavanagh is chopping the legs and even landed a smooth spinning back kick!

Moreno is finding his range, but the underdog is hanging tough and landing…
— BoxingNews.com (@BoxingNews) March 1, 2026

Brandon Moreno vs. Lone’er Kavanagh Round 2

OH MY GOODNESS. KAVANAGH JUST WOBBLED MORENO

Kavanagh landed a huge counter combo that had Moreno on shaky legs! The arena went absolutely wild.

Kavanagh is being so patient—snapping that front kick and chopping at Moreno’s legs…
— BoxingNews.com (@BoxingNews) March 1, 2026

Brandon Moreno vs. Lone’er Kavanagh Round 3

Moreno is headhunting now. He’s landing clean, heavy rights that are starting to add up.

Moreno forced the clinch and stayed glued to Kavanagh’s back. Those knees to the thigh are going to be a problem later.

Kavanagh is…
— BoxingNews.com (@BoxingNews) March 1, 2026

Brandon Moreno vs. Lone’er Kavanagh Round 4

Moreno is playing the pressure game, forcing the clinch and digging knees into the thighs. It’s getting gritty and ugly in there. ⛓️

The Injury? Kavanagh landed some nasty calf kicks that visibly hurt Moreno. The former champ is…
— BoxingNews.com (@BoxingNews) March 1, 2026

Brandon Moreno vs. Lone’er Kavanagh Round 5

Kavanagh was sniping with double-jabs and high kicks, even throwing a flying knee feint that had the crowd gasping! ✈️

Moreno refused to give him space, relentlessly hunting the single-leg and grinding Kavanagh against the cage.…
— BoxingNews.com (@BoxingNews) March 1, 2026

Brandon Moreno vs. Lone’er Kavanagh RESULT

THE UPSET IS OFFICIAL! WE HAVE A NEW STAR!!

Lone’er Kavanagh just walked into Mexico City as a massive underdog and stunned the world! After 25 minutes of absolute mayhem, the judges have spoken.

Official Scorecards:
49-46

48-47… https://t.co/CV0BLVWGp6
— BoxingNews.com (@BoxingNews) March 1, 2026

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: