UFC Proceeds Despite Mexico Unrest
The UFC will proceed with its February 28 Mexico City card headlined by Brandon Moreno vs Kavanaugh despite ongoing cartel violence and national instability, according to the Going Rounds podcast. Hosts noted "the show goes on" takes on heavier meaning this week, contrasting with the UFC's only modern-era cancellation (UFC 151 with Jon Jones) and highlighting the organization's willingness to take operational risks to maintain its international footprint.
The UFC has dispatched additional security and is coordinating with local and federal law enforcement, as well as the U.S. Embassy, to ensure the safety of its athletes and staff in Mexico City. This comes as the U.S. Embassy has advised a "business as usual" approach, despite issuing a "shelter in place" recommendation for U.S. citizens in nine other Mexican states following the killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader "El Mencho." The recent violence, which saw cartel members blockading roads and setting vehicles on fire, has led to the mobilization of nearly 10,000 troops across the country. While the most intense clashes have occurred outside the capital, the situation has cast a shadow over the event, which is seen as a test for Mexico's ability to host large international gatherings like the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. This isn't the first time the UFC has proceeded with an event in a region experiencing significant social or political unrest. The promotion has a history of holding events in Brazil amidst favela violence and police raids that have resulted in numerous casualties. This demonstrates a consistent strategy of global expansion, even into markets with inherent security challenges. The organization has also faced criticism for holding an event in Baku, Azerbaijan, shortly after the country's military offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh, with human rights groups accusing the UFC of enabling "sportswashing." These instances highlight the company's priority in maintaining its global event schedule and footprint. The main event itself has seen last-minute changes, with former two-time flyweight champion Brandon Moreno now facing Lone'er Kavanagh, who stepped in after Moreno's original opponent, Asu Almabayev, withdrew due to injury. Moreno, a native of Mexico, has a professional record of 23 wins, 9 losses, and 2 draws. Kavanagh, from England, holds a record of 9 wins and 1 loss. The UFC's only modern cancellation, UFC 151 in 2012, was not due to external security threats but rather an internal decision. The event was scrapped after headliner Jon Jones refused to fight a replacement opponent, Chael Sonnen, on short notice after his original opponent, Dan Henderson, was injured.
