The UFC returns to Mexico this weekend, live from Mexico City, with prelims starting at 4 p.m. EST followed by the main card at 7 p.m. EST. Flyweight standouts Brandon Moreno and Steve Erceg headline the event, both looking to secure a win and get back into title contention. The card also features UFC stars like Joe Pyfer, Raul Rosas Jr., and Ronaldo Rodriguez, ensuring an exciting lineup. One major X-factor for this weekend is the high-altitude venue, sitting over 7,000 feet above sea level. The thin air will challenge the fighters' cardio, potentially leading to momentum swings as the fight progresses into the later rounds, making for even more thrilling and unpredictable matchups.

Main Card

#2 Brandon Moreno vs #8 Steve Erceg
Flyweight Bout - 125 lbs

In the main event, former world champion Brandon Moreno faces off against former title challenger Steve Erceg, with both flyweights looking to make a statement in their quest to return to title contention. Moreno is a relentless, high-paced fighter who blends a well-rounded skill set with a dog mentality to find a way to win. Erceg, a slick grappler, combines solid striking volume with a wide karate stance. Both fighters have proven they can compete with the best in the world, setting the stage for a fast-paced, high-volume, and thrilling main event.

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Manuel Torres vs Drew Dober
Lightweight Bout - 155 lbs

In the co-main event, the UFC is set to showcase a thrilling showdown between two explosive strikers. Manuel Torres takes on Drew Dober in what promises to be a highlight reel fight. Torres, a long and rangy fighter, excels with knees in the clinch and powerful kicks from distance to dismantle his opponents. Dober, on the other hand, is a tough, hard-hitting brawler known for his durability and relentless aggression. He embodies excitement and is sure to bring the fight to Torres, setting the stage for a war.

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Kelvin Gastelum vs Joe Pyfer
Middleweight Bout - 185 lbs

Middleweight veteran Kelvin Gastelum will face rising star Joe Pyfer in an exciting clash of experience versus youth. Pyfer is a heavy-handed striker known for his relentless pressure that breaks opponents, and he also boasts strong Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills to keep the action moving when the fight hits the ground. Gastelum, a former title challenger, has faced the best of the best in the division. With exceptional skill and an unbreakable chin, he has relied on his toughness throughout his career. While Gastelum has always had the potential to be a champion, his work ethic has been the one thing holding him back. Now stepping into the role of gatekeeper, he presents a significant challenge for Pyfer to prove whether he's ready for a run at higher-ranked competition.

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Raul Rosas Jr vs Vince Morales
Bantamweight Bout - 135 lbs

Raul Rosas Jr., the 20-year-old star, makes his sixth UFC appearance as he continues his journey toward breaking the record as the youngest UFC Champion in history. Known for his relentless wrestling style, Rosas outworks his opponents and dominates them on the ground even if it leads to a boring fight. Standing across from him is Vince Morales, a tough and durable pressure striker who is always hunting for the finish. Now in his second stint in the UFC Morales and looking for his first UFC win since 2021.

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David Martinez vs Saimon Oliveira
Bantamweight Bout - 135 lbs

David Martinez makes his UFC debut against Saimon Oliveira in an exciting matchup. Martinez, a promising prospect featured on the main card, is a dynamic striker who utilizes footwork and angles to land his shots and set up powerful strikes. Oliveira, a dangerous Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist, thrives when the fight hits the ground. However, he has traditionally struggled to gain momentum on the feet to set up effective takedowns. After a two-year layoff, it will be interesting to see if he has made the necessary improvements to his striking game.

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Ronaldo Rodriguez vs Kevin Borjas
Flyweight Bout - 125 lbs

Kicking off the main card, Ronaldo Rodriguez takes on Kevin Borjas in what promises to be a brawl. Rodriguez, who missed weight, is making a name for himself in the UFC with his aggressive, power-packed striking style, constantly seeking the finish on the feet and willing to take a punch to land one of his own. Borjas, meanwhile, is also a talented striker, known for his sharp combinations. With both fighters bringing the heat, this could turn into a thrilling brawl on the feet and a perfect way to start the main card.

Prelims

Edgar Chairez vs CJ Vergara
Flyweight Bout - 125 lbs

Mexican brawler Edgar Chairez will face CJ Vergara in an exciting matchup. Chairez is known for his fast, aggressive striking and relentless pressure on his opponents. On the ground, he’s well-versed in both offensive and defensive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Vergara, also a pressure fighter, thrives in close-range exchanges and enters the fight with a higher level of experience than Chairez.

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Jose Daniel Medina vs Ateba Gautier
Middleweight Bout - 185 lbs

Jose Medina will face UFC newcomer Ateba Gautier this Saturday, with both fighters eager to secure their first UFC victory. Medina is a sharp boxer but shines with his top pressure and ground and pound. Gautier, on the other hand, is a fast, powerful striker who thrives on the feet. Known for his explosive early finishes, the big question for Gautier will be his cardio, especially if he can’t finish Medina early in the fight.

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Christian Rodriguez vs Melk Costa
Featherweight Bout - 145 lbs

Christian Rodriguez, known as the "prospect killer," has been on a hot streak, upsetting multiple highly touted UFC prospects in recent fights. He’s recognized for consistently delivering close, competitive battles but always managing to find a way to secure the win. A skilled striker, Rodriguez excels at controlling the pace of his fights. His opponent, Melk Costa, brings a dynamic striking style and solid wrestling. Costa has already faced some tough competition in the UFC, making him a formidable challenge for Rodriguez.

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#11 Loopy Godinez vs Julia Polastri
Strawweight Bout - 115 lbs

Ranked strawweight Loopy Godinez faces unranked Julia Polastri in an exciting matchup. Godinez is a technically sharp boxer with strong wrestling, and although she's looked impressive in recent fights, a few costly mistakes have led to two consecutive losses. Polastri, making her third appearance in the octagon, brings a well-rounded skill set to the table. She lands powerful straight punches on the feet, but her takedown defense remains a vulnerability. However, she stays highly active on the ground and refuses to accept being controlled from the bottom.

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Rafa Garcia vs Vinc Pichel
Lightweight Bout - 155 lbs

Rafa Garcia, the first Mexican fighter on the UFC Mexico card, is eager to make a strong impression. A skilled wrestler with solid striking, Garcia has recently showcased his jab-heavy stand-up game, opting to keep the fight on the feet rather than relying on his wrestling. He’ll be facing Vinc Pichel, a talented striker who excels with his timing and movement to outstrike his opponents. However, Pichel's biggest weakness lies in his takedown defense, which could give Garcia the opportunity to return to his wrestling roots and control the fight.

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Jamall Emmers vs Gabriel Miranda
Featherweight Bout - 145 lbs

Jamall Emmers returns to the octagon after a year-long hiatus, aiming to regain his momentum following a string of inconsistent results in his last seven fights. Known for his heavy hands and strong takedown defense, Emmers will look to get back on track. He faces Gabriel Miranda, a true Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist who is constantly hunting for submissions. However, in his most recent fight, Miranda struggled with his takedown attempts, highlighting a potential vulnerability in his game.

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Marquel Mederos vs Austin Hubbard
Lightweight Bout - 155 lbs

Austin Hubbard is a tough, well-rounded fighter known for his ability to scramble on the ground, though he prefers to keep the action standing. With a 1-2 record since his debut on The Ultimate Fighter, he'll face off against Marquel Mederos. Mederos is a skilled striker, known for his fluid combinations and high volume. Fast and athletic, he’ll be looking to go 2-0 with the promotion after returning from more than a year off.

Enjoy the Fights!