UFC Mexico: Lonier Kavanagh upsets former champion Brandon Moreno

Britain’s Lonier Kavanagh achieved the biggest win of his career when he knocked out former UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno in Mexico City.

Kavanagh, who had fought on just three weeks’ notice, put on a mature display to win by unanimous decision 49-46, 48-47, 48-47.

The 26-year-old Kavanagh was unseeded before the competition, but a win over sixth-placed Moreno – in front of the Mexican’s fans – would see him make a huge leap towards the top of the division.

“I said before this fight that I am experiencing legendary moments,” Kavanagh said.

“This is a legendary moment. Brandon is a legend. Two-time world champion. I’m a huge fan of his. I watched him when I was a kid. Fighting with him is amazing.”

Kavanagh took the fight against two-time flyweight champion Moreno when his original opponent Aso Alambayev pulled out due to injury.

The Briton entered the contest on the back of the first defeat of his 11-fight career to Charles Johnson in August, but dominated the early stages against Moreno.

Kavanagh kept Moreno at bay with a series of leg kicks, before hurting him with a flurry of punches midway through the second round.

Moreno had more success in the third round, but Kavanagh regained control with more powerful leg kicks, before securing victory by defending a number of takedowns.

The win was the 10th of Kavanagh’s 11-match career, while Moreno suffered his fourth defeat in his past six matches.