UFC Mexico City: Lone’er Kavanagh says Brandon Moreno fight is a ‘legendary moment’

Britain’s Lonier Kavanagh says facing former UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno in Mexico City on Saturday will be a “legendary moment” in his career.

Kavanagh stepped up three weeks later to face Moreno after the Mexican’s original opponent, Aso Almabaev, withdrew due to injury.

Fighting Moreno in the main event in front of the famously frenetic local support at Arena CDMX represents a huge opportunity for Kavanagh.

The 26-year-old, who is unranked, has won his first two fights in the UFC, but enters the competition after being knocked out by Charles Johnson in August.

Meanwhile, Moreno is a former two-time champion and sits at No. 6 at flyweight – presenting one of the toughest challenges in the division.

“I want to look back on my life and (say) I’ve done some great things and this is one of them,” Kavanagh told UFC on Paramount.

“Victory for me is a legacy, a legendary moment. I am excited about the atmosphere.”

Moreno is considered one of the best flyweights of all time, but he entered the competition with three losses in his last five fights.

The 32-year-old was last suspended by Tatsuro Taira in December.

Former Cage Warriors star Kavanagh joined the UFC in 2024 after knocking out An Tuan Ho in Dana White’s Contender Series.

He has been booked to fight at UFC London on March 20 but said there was “absolutely no hesitation” in taking the fight with Moreno.

“This brings me one step closer to the title and that’s what I want. I’m here to do everything I can and do whatever it takes to get there,” Kavanagh added.

“I have an interesting fighting style, and I’m always looking for the finish. I just do ninja stuff.”