Full Results – UFC on ESPN: Moreno vs. Erceg
UFC made a thrilling return to Mexico City on March 29, 2025, for UFC on ESPN: Moreno vs. Erceg. Headlined by former champion Brandon Moreno, the event at Arena CDMX delivered fast finishes, emerging stars, and a passionate crowd in one of MMA’s most intense environments. Here’s a full breakdown of all the results, standout performances, and what comes next for the fighters involved.
Moreno dominates at home to re-enter title contention
Former UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno (23-8-2) returned to the Octagon in front of a roaring home crowd and delivered a smart, clinical performance against rising contender Steve Erceg. The Mexican icon used sharp boxing, calculated movement, and strong takedown defense to control the majority of the five-round bout. All three judges scored the contest 49–46 in favor of Moreno.
Coming off a bounce-back win over Sweden’s Amir Albazi in late 2024, this marks Moreno’s second consecutive victory and solidifies his position once again as a top contender in the 125-pound division. With current champion Alexandre Pantoja still holding the belt, a rematch could be looming. Alternatively, a number one contender bout against the undefeated Muhammad Mokaev might be the next logical step.
Moreno’s post-fight message was emotional. “Fighting in Mexico, in front of my people, means everything,” he said. “I’m not done yet. I’m coming for that belt again.”
Torres, Cháirez and Martínez deliver thrilling finishes
It wasn’t just Moreno who fired up the home crowd. Manuel Torres put the lightweight division on notice with a brutal first-round TKO over UFC veteran Drew Dober. Known for his heavy hands, Torres wasted no time, landing a clean combination that forced the referee to stop the fight at just 1:45 of the opening round. It was the kind of performance that earns not just a win but future matchmaking attention—and indeed, he walked away with a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus.
Flyweight Édgar Cháirez followed up with a spectacular first-round submission win over C.J. Vergara. After finding his opponent’s back early, Cháirez locked in a rear-naked choke that forced a tap at 2:30 of round one. A local fan favorite, Cháirez continues to build momentum with another dominant finish.
Another name to remember is David Martínez, who dismantled Saimon Oliveira with knees and punches late in the first round. Making his UFC debut, Martínez looked calm, dangerous, and well-rounded—a scary combination in a deep bantamweight division.
Full Fight Card Results – UFC on ESPN: Moreno vs. Erceg
Main Card:
- Flyweight: Brandon Moreno def. Steve Erceg via unanimous decision (49–46, 49–46, 49–46)
- Lightweight: Manuel Torres def. Drew Dober via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:45
- Flyweight: Édgar Cháirez def. C.J. Vergara via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:30
- Bantamweight: Raul Rosas Jr. def. Vince Morales via unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, 29–28)
- Bantamweight: David Martínez def. Saimon Oliveira via TKO (knee and punches) – Round 1, 4:38
- Flyweight: Kevin Borjas def. Ronaldo Rodríguez via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 29–28)
Preliminary Card:
- Middleweight: Ateba Abega Gautier def. José Daniel Medina via KO (knee and punches) – Round 1, 3:32
- Featherweight: Melquizael Costa def. Christian Rodriguez via unanimous decision (29–28 x3)
- Women’s Strawweight: Loopy Godínez def. Julia Polastri via unanimous decision (29–28 x3)
- Lightweight: Rafa García def. Vinc Pichel via unanimous decision (30–27 x2, 29–28)
- Featherweight: Jamall Emmers def. Gabriel Miranda via TKO (body knee and punches) – Round 1, 4:06
- Lightweight: MarQuel Mederos def. Austin Hubbard via split decision (28–29, 29–28, 29–28)
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Rosas Jr. remains a work in progress—but shows maturity
At just 18 years old, Raul Rosas Jr. continues to grow in front of the UFC audience. Against Vince Morales, he displayed smarter pacing and improved cage control, though his performance was far from dominant. Winning 29–28 on all three judges’ scorecards, Rosas Jr. walked away with a decision victory that helps him bounce back from a previous loss and regain some of the momentum that made him such a hyped prospect.
What comes next for Rosas Jr. will be key. While many expect him to rise fast, Saturday’s fight showed that time and development will be crucial to unlocking his full potential.
Bonus Awards – $50,000 Each
UFC awarded four Performance of the Night bonuses to the most impactful finishers of the evening:
- Manuel Torres – For his devastating KO of Drew Dober
- Édgar Cháirez – For his first-round rear-naked choke
- David Martínez – For his debut TKO against Oliveira
- Ateba Abega Gautier – For a brutal KO in the prelims
Notably, no Fight of the Night bonus was awarded—reflecting just how many first-round finishes stole the show.
Mexican MMA continues to rise
UFC Mexico City wasn’t just an event—it was a statement. Brandon Moreno’s dominance, coupled with breakout performances from Torres, Cháirez, and Martínez, reinforced what fans and analysts have known for a while: Mexico is fast becoming a global MMA powerhouse.
Fighters from Mexico are now contenders across multiple divisions, and the support they receive at home is unlike anything else in the sport. Arena CDMX once again proved to be one of the most passionate environments on the UFC calendar.
What’s next for the winners?
Brandon Moreno likely has one or two fights between him and a title shot. His performance showed he’s still among the elite, and depending on matchmaking in the flyweight division, we could see him fight again in late summer or early fall.
Manuel Torres may find himself facing a ranked lightweight in his next outing, especially given the depth and activity at 155 lbs. Cháirez is on a hot streak and may soon get a Top 15 test, while David Martínez couldn’t have asked for a better debut.
And for Raul Rosas Jr., it’s back to the drawing board—not in defeat, but in focus. If he continues to develop as he matures physically and technically, the future remains very bright.
Reader Question:
Who impressed you the most at UFC Mexico City? Is Brandon Moreno ready for another title run?
