Kavanagh Upsets Former Champ Moreno

The victory for Lone'er Kavanagh came via a unanimous decision, with the judges scoring the bout 49-46, 48-47, and 48-47. This was a significant upset as Kavanagh stepped in as a late replacement for Asu Almabayev, who had to withdraw due to a hand injury. The fight took place in Mexico City, Moreno's home country, adding to the weight of Kavanagh's achievement. Throughout the fight, Kavanagh utilized a kickboxing-heavy strategy, effectively using savage leg kicks that visibly hampered Moreno. He scored a flash knockdown in the second round and repeatedly rocked the former champion with punches. Moreno attempted to shift the momentum in the later rounds by initiating clinches against the fence, but Kavanagh's takedown defense proved to be impenetrable. This win marks a dramatic turnaround for the 26-year-old Kavanagh, who was coming off the first loss of his professional career, a knockout defeat to Charles Johnson in August. The English fighter, who trains at Great Britain Top Team, now holds a professional record of 10 wins and 1 loss. For Brandon Moreno, this loss marks a difficult period in his career. It was his second consecutive defeat and his fourth loss in his last six fights. The 32-year-old former two-time flyweight champion was looking to rebound from a TKO loss to Tatsuro Taira in his previous outing. The UFC's flyweight division is currently reigned by champion Joshua Van. With this victory over a former champion, Kavanagh is expected to enter the top 10 of the division, putting him in the conversation for major fights against other top contenders. Post-fight, Kavanagh acknowledged the stature of his opponent, calling Moreno a "legend" and a "former two-time world champion." He expressed his desire for legendary moments, and this victory certainly qualifies as one, significantly altering the landscape of the UFC's flyweight division.