UFC on ESPN: Moreno vs. Erceg

Brandon Moreno returns to Mexico City on March 29 to face Steve Erceg in a flyweight showdown. Get all the details with US broadcast times, fight card, analysis, and historical context!

Brandon Moreno returns home to headline UFC Mexico City!

On March 29, the UFC returns to Mexico City for the first time since February 2024. Leading the charge is Mexico’s own Brandon “The Assassin Baby” Moreno, who takes on rising Australian contender Steve Erceg in a flyweight main event.

This marks the UFC’s seventh event in Mexico City, promising an electric atmosphere at Arena CDMX. The card features top Mexican talent and international contenders in strong form. The main card airs in the United States on ESPN2 and ESPN+ starting at 10:00 p.m. ET, with prelims from 7:00 p.m. ET.

Main Event: Brandon Moreno vs. Steve Erceg

Brandon Moreno (21-7-2) is one of the UFC’s most beloved and technically sound flyweights. He lost his title to Alexandre Pantoja in July 2023 but bounced back impressively with a win over Swedish contender Amir Albazi in late 2024. That victory firmly reestablished Moreno as a top title contender.

Steve Erceg (12-1) is a fast-rising prospect with three straight UFC wins, including victories over Matt Schnell and David Dvo?ák. With a strong grappling base and physical presence, he poses a real threat. But this will be the toughest test of his career, especially on hostile turf in front of Moreno’s home crowd.

Stylistically, this is a classic striker-vs-grappler matchup. Moreno has crisp boxing, slick footwork, and elite experience. Erceg will look to neutralize that with takedowns and top control. The question is whether the Australian can handle the pressure and rise to the level required in such a high-profile fight.

UFC and Mexico: A Growing Relationship

Since Brandon Moreno became the first Mexican UFC champion in 2021, the sport has exploded in popularity across Mexico. Fighters like Alexa Grasso, Yair Rodríguez, and Irene Aldana have added fuel to the fire, helping establish a passionate MMA fanbase.

Historic UFC moments in Mexico include Cain Velasquez’s title fight against Fabricio Werdum in 2015 and Yair Rodríguez’s stunning KO of Jeremy Stephens in 2019. The altitude of Mexico City (2,250 meters above sea level) is a known factor in cardio and conditioning, often favoring fighters who are acclimated. Combined with one of the loudest crowds in MMA, UFC Mexico City is always a spectacle.

Three Fights You Shouldn’t Miss

1. Middleweight: Kelvin Gastelum vs. Joe PyferKelvin Gastelum (18-9) is looking to revive his career after injuries and setbacks. Former title challenger, he now faces Joe Pyfer (12-3), a hard-hitting prospect from Dana White’s Contender Series. Pyfer is coming off a loss to Jack Hermansson but remains a dangerous finisher. This is a high-stakes bout for both.

2. Lightweight: Manuel Torres vs. Drew DoberTorres (14-2) is a Mexican favorite known for his aggressive striking. Dober (27-13) holds the record for most knockouts in UFC’s lightweight division (8 KOs). This fight screams “Fight of the Night” and is expected to be all action.

3. Women’s Strawweight: Loopy Godinez vs. Julia PolastriGodinez (12-3) is aiming to rebound from a recent loss, while Polastri (12-3) steps in on short notice to replace Yazmin Jauregui. Both women are former LFA standouts and could break into the top-15 with a strong showing.

Featured Fights and Background

Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Vince MoralesThe 18-year-old Raul Rosas Jr. (8-1) is returning after his first UFC loss. As the youngest fighter in the promotion, he has a lot to prove. Morales (13-7) brings veteran savvy and will test Rosas’ hype.

David Martínez vs. Saimon OliveiraMartínez (8-1) makes his UFC debut on home soil against Brazil’s submission ace Oliveira. A classic striker vs. grappler matchup that could swing on the ground exchanges.

Ronaldo Rodríguez vs. Kevin BorjasBoth young flyweights have solid momentum. Rodríguez (16-3) comes with regional experience, while Borjas (9-2) impressed on Dana White’s Contender Series.

UFC Mexico City Fight Card (US Eastern Time)

Main Card (10:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2 / ESPN+)

Flyweight: Brandon Moreno vs. Steve Erceg
Lightweight: Manuel Torres vs. Drew Dober
Middleweight: Kelvin Gastelum vs. Joe Pyfer
Bantamweight: Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Vince Morales
Bantamweight: David Martínez vs. Saimon Oliveira
Flyweight: Ronaldo Rodríguez vs. Kevin Borjas

Preliminary Card (7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2 / ESPN+)

Flyweight: Édgar Cháirez vs. C.J. Vergara
Middleweight: José Daniel Medina vs. Ateba Abega Gautier
Featherweight: Christian Rodriguez vs. Melquizael Costa
Women’s Strawweight: Loopy Godinez vs. Julia Polastri
Lightweight: Rafa García vs. Vinc Pichel
Featherweight: Jamall Emmers vs. Gabriel Miranda
Lightweight: MarQuel Mederos vs. Austin Hubbard

What’s at Stake?

For Brandon Moreno, this is a chance to return to title contention. His recent win over Sweden’s Amir Albazi proved he still belongs among the elite. A win here could earn him a rematch with current champ Alexandre Pantoja—or perhaps a title eliminator against Muhammad Mokaev.

For Steve Erceg, this is a breakout opportunity. An upset win over a former champion would catapult him into the division’s top five.

Elsewhere, Drew Dober and Manuel Torres could shake up the lightweight rankings. Joe Pyfer could break into the middleweight top 15, while Rosas Jr. must prove he’s more than just a teenage sensation.

Conclusion

UFC Mexico City isn’t just another event—it’s a celebration of Mexican MMA’s rise. With local heroes in key fights, compelling matchups, and altitude-driven drama, this is one of the most anticipated Fight Nights of the year.

Stay tuned to MMAnytt for live results and full coverage of UFC Mexico City!

▶️ Follow us on Youtube for the best & latest MMA content ▶️