Fight week in Mexico is usually about athletes getting acclimated to the altitude and the warmth of the energetic Mexican fight fans. This time, it started with travel memos and security briefings.

Unrest erupted in Jalisco following the reported killing of cartel leader Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, also known as ‘El Mencho.’ Highways were reportedly blocked, vehicles set ablaze, and clips of the unrest flooded social media within hours. While Mexico City sits far from the epicenter, the situation has cast a long shadow over UFC fight week.

UFC affirms it’s safe to travel as security presence increases

According to journalist Nolan King, UFC teams and staff have been assured that it is safe to fly to Mexico City for UFC Fight Night 268. The Dana White-led promotion is actively monitoring the situation, but for now, it is moving forward.

“Sources say #UFCMexico teams and staff were assured today it’s safe to travel to Mexico City,” the journalist wrote on X. “The promotion monitors the unrest in Jalisco. Security has been increased, but otherwise it’s in touch with the U.S. Embassy, which recommends ‘business as usual.'”

In a memo to fighters, coaches, and staff, the UFC confirmed that additional security measures will be implemented. This includes increased police presence and protocols for the event.

Teams typically arrive on Tuesday of fight week. Some fighters are already on the ground, either adjusting to the high altitude or training at the UFC Performance Institute in Mexico City. So far, there has been no official announcement that the venue or date would change.

The event page still displays Arena CDMX as the venue for Saturday’s card, headlined by Brandon Moreno vs. Lone’er Kavanagh. For now, the show goes on.

Why won’t Dana White just move the card to Las Vegas?

It’s an easy suggestion from the outside. If there is any hint of instability, why not simply move the card to the UFC Apex in Las Vegas? It is a familiar territory. Problem fixed, right? Except it’s not that simple. When a fan proposed that same idea online, journalist Nolan King provided a realistic POV.

“If it did get to a point where they were to move it to Las Vegas, I think a whole host of matchups would be nuked due to visa issues,” he wrote on X.

That is the part that most people do not see. Moving an international card across borders is more than just booking a new arena. It’s about immigration paperwork, and fighters who may not even be cleared to enter the United States on short notice will have to be replaced.

As of now, the UFC has made no official announcement suggesting relocation. The event is still scheduled for Arena CDMX.