Violence outside the octagon has rarely disrupted the action inside it. Take the Dillon Danis-UFC 322 brawl for example. However, recent developments in Mexico have sparked speculation about the fate of UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanagh, scheduled for February 28 at Arena CDMX in Mexico City. With just days to go, troubling news has raised concerns about the likelihood of the event happening this weekend.

A surge of violence has gripped parts of Mexico. This comes in the wake of the killing of the country’s most wanted drug lord, ‘El Mencho,’ by Mexican security forces. Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as ‘El Mencho,’ was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). On February 22, Mexican special forces—reportedly acting on intelligence support from the United States—carried out a military operation in the town of Tapalpa, Jalisco, during which he was fatally wounded. Violence broke out immediately afterward. Now, with flights and buses into Mexico reportedly canceled, rumors have begun circulating about a possible cancellation of the UFC event. So, is it?

Is the UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanagh happening?

According to West Till Death on X, UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanagh remains on track, at least for now, and will proceed as scheduled on February 28, with no changes to the planned date or start time.

“UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanagh is still scheduled for Saturday, February 28, at Arena CDMX in Mexico City,” the X handle wrote. “But the event could be affected by the current security situation in Mexico after the killing of cartel leader ‘El Mencho,’ which triggered retaliatory violence, roadblocks, and travel disruptions in multiple states. 

“While the heaviest violence has been reported outside Mexico City, the situation is fast-moving. So, fans and travelers should watch for any UFC, airline, or local government updates this week in case security measures or transportation issues impact event logistics.”

While the event is still a go, the security situation is being closely monitored, and if the surge continues, the UFC may be forced to take action or, in likelihood, postpone the event altogether.

Notably, Brandon Moreno was originally supposed to face No. 8-ranked flyweight Asu Almabayev on the February 28 card. However, due to a hand injury weeks before the fight, Almabayev pulled out of the fight. No. 15-ranked flyweight Lone’er Kavanagh has since stepped in at the last minute to save the main event fight. That said, is the card worth taking the risk to travel to Mexico? 

UFC Fight Night: Mexico City card

The UFC last touched down in the country on March 29, 2025, for UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Erceg, an event staged at the same venue set to host the upcoming card. In total, Mexico has welcomed eight UFC events to date, underscoring the promotion’s growing footprint in the region. 

Later this month’s lineup is stacked with 13 bouts, featuring a slate of compelling matchups spread across both the main card and the prelims.

Main event – 

• Brandon Moreno vs Lone’er Kavanagh

Main card –

• Marlon Vera vs David Martinez
• Edgar Chairez vs Felipe Bunes
• Daniel Zellhuber vs King Green
• Imanol Rodriguez vs Kevin Borjas
• Santiago Luna vs Angel Pacheco

Preliminary card – 

• Ryan Gandra vs Jose Daniel Medina
• Ailin Perez vs Macy Chiasson
• Cristian Quinonez vs Kris Moutinho
• Douglas Silva de Andrade vs Javier Reyes
• Sofia Montenegro vs Ernesta Kareckaite
• Damian Pinas vs Wes Schultz
• Erik Silva vs Francis Marshall

Hopefully, the violence in Mexico will soon be brought under control, and the upcoming event will remain unaffected, allowing fighters to get paid and fans to get their usual fix of MMA action. But would you take the risk?