The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is kicking off its international fight series this weekend with UFC Mexico City. The event featuring the mixed martial arts (MMA) battle between “Moreno vs. Roybal 2” is set to take place at Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico on February 24, 2024. Catch the exclusive broadcast on UFC Mexico City ESPN+. The highlight of the event will be a flyweight clash between former division champion Brandon Moreno and his long-time 125-pound rival Brandon Roybal, who holds the third rank in his weight class, just two spots behind “Assassin Baby.”
Before diving into the main and co-main events, including a featherweight rematch between former title challengers Yair Rodriguez and Brian Ortega, let’s take a look at the detailed preview of the preliminary card by Patrick Sternberg for UFC Mexico City. Check it out here and here. Also, the upcoming talent Andrew Richardson has provided insights into the rest of UFC Mexico City’s main card matches. Check it out here.
For the latest odds and betting lines for Moreno vs. Roybal 2, see the details provided by DraftKings here.
125 pounds: Brandon Moreno vs. Brandon Roybal
Brandon “Assassin Baby” Moreno
record: 21-7-2 | Age: 30 | betting line:-270
win: 5 KO/TKO, 11 SUB, 5 DEC | loss: 0 KO/TKO, 0 SUB, 7 DEC
height: 5’7” | reach: 70 inches | stance: orthodox
Significant strikes landed per minute: 3.80 | Striking accuracy: 43%
Significant strikes absorbed per minute: 3.40 | Striking defense: 56%
takedown average: 1.73 (45% accuracy) | Takedown defense: 64%
Current rank: No.1 | Last fight: Defeat to Alexandre Pantoja by split decision
Brandon “Raw Dog” Royval
record: 15-7 | Age: 31 | betting line:+220
win: 4 KO/TKO, 9 SUB, 2 DEC | loss: 1 KO/TKO, 1 SUB, 5 DEC
height: 5’9” | reach: 68 inches | stance: southpaw
Significant strikes landed per minute: 3.80 | Striking accuracy: 43%
Significant strikes absorbed per minute: 3.05 | Striking defense: 45%
takedown average: 0.43 (66% accuracy) | Takedown defense: 40%
Current rank: 3rd | Last fight: Defeat by unanimous decision to Alexandre Pantoja
Recently dethroned UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno heads into this rematch with Brandon Royval with a sense of urgency after losing his 125-pound title to Alexandre Pantoja. Moreno, known as “Assassin Baby,” is determined to secure his first victory in Mexico in front of his hometown crowd, who have honored him with murals on two occasions previously.
Expressing his sentiments, Moreno stated, “I want to leave a mark, to raise my hand in front of the Mexican flag. That’s what drives me. I’ve had setbacks, but I’m focusing on the present and getting back in the title contention. Roybal is my current focus, and I’m fully prepared for this challenge.”
Moreno, a sizable flyweight at 5’7” with a long 70-inch reach, faces Roybal, who stands 2 inches taller but lacks the same reach at 68 inches. Roybal is seeking redemption after his previous loss to Moreno at UFC 255. This sets the stage for an intense rematch in Mexico City.
Roybal is also eager to rebound from his defeat to Pantoja and prove his capabilities in the octagon.
Roybal shared his thoughts, “I want to showcase my skills and prove my worth. I see this as an opportunity to shine. Moreno’s win could lead to a title shot, even if it’s against the same opponent he lost to. For me, a victory could open new doors, and I’m determined to make a statement.”
Both fighters have evolved since their last encounter, displaying remarkable performances despite setbacks. Roybal needs to demonstrate growth to upset Moreno, who remains a formidable force. Moreno emerged victorious in their previous match at UFC 255 and is poised to continue his dominance in Mexico City.
Stay tuned for an action-packed showdown.
Prediction: Moreno defeats Royval by decision
145 pounds: Yair Rodriguez vs. Brian Ortega
Yair “El Pantera” Rodriguez
record: 19-4, 1 NC | Age: 31 | betting line:-180
win: 8 KO/TKO, 5 SUB, 6 DEC | loss: 3 KO/TKO, 0 SUB, 1 DEC
height: 5’11” | reach: 71 inches | stance: orthodox
Significant strikes landed per minute: 4.63 | Striking accuracy: 46%
Significant strikes absorbed per minute: 4.07 | Striking defense: 51%
takedown average: 0.73 (28% accuracy) | Takedown defense: 59%
Current rank: No. 2 | Last fight: TKO loss to Alexander Volkanovski
Brian “T-City” Ortega
record: 15-3, 1 NC | Age: 32 | betting line:+150
win: 3 KO/TKO, 7 SUB, 5 DEC | loss: 2 KO/TKO, 0 SUB, 1 DEC
height: 5’8” | reach: 69 inches | stance: switch
Significant strikes landed per minute: 4.19 | Striking accuracy: 38%
Significant strikes absorbed per minute: 6.66 | Striking defense: 49%
takedown average: 0.95 (23% accuracy) | Takedown defense: 56%
Current rank: 4th | Last fight: TKO loss to Yair Rodriguez
Yair Rodriguez’s victory over Brian Ortega at UFC Long Island in 2022 ended abruptly due to Ortega sustaining an injury. Since then, Ortega has had limited activity, while Rodriguez secured wins over Josh Emmett and Alex Volkanov in subsequent fights. Ortega is eager for redemption in their upcoming rematch.
Rodriguez expressed reluctance towards the rematch stating, “It’s always strange to fight someone you like. Despite the circumstances, I have to focus on the task at hand. It’s a job, and I need to approach it professionally.”
Ortega’s high ranking in the division raises questions considering his sparse fights in recent years. Despite his reputation for come-from-behind victories, his vulnerabilities, like absorbing nearly seven significant strikes per minute, are concerning.
Ortega shared his perspective, “This fight is a continuation of our first encounter. We are just getting started, understanding each other’s strengths and tactics. The rematch will reveal our true capabilities.”
Ortega’s lack of recent strong performances makes an upset unlikely. Rodriguez’s track record and skill set position him as the favorite for the rematch. Expect an intense battle at UFC Mexico City as Rodriguez aims for victory.
Prediction: Rodriguez wins over Ortega by technical knockout
Stay tuned for the remaining main card predictions for UFC Mexico City: Here it is.
