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The UFC’s long-awaited return to Mexico is less than two months away and the lineup is nearing it’s filling point.
For the first time since September 2019, the promotion hits Mexico City for a UFC Fight Night event Feb. 24 at Arena CDMX.
Headlined by Brandon Moreno vs. Amir Albazi, the card also features a second-five round co-main event between Brian Ortega and Yair Rodriguez.
With ticket presales beginning Friday, the UFC is putting it’s finishing touches on the lineup, including four recent additions:
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Jesus Aguilar vs. Mateus Mendonca
Jul 8, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Jesus Aguilar (blue gloves) reacts to defeating Shannon Ross (red gloves) during UFC 290 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Mexico’s own Jesus Aguilar (9-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC) returns vs. Mateus Mendonca (10-2 MMA, 0-2 UFC) in a three-round bout between two speedy flyweights.
Although known as largely a submission specialist (beware of the guillotine), Aguilar notched a scintillating knockout of Shannon Ross in July. It took just 17 seconds to get the job done.
On the other side of the equation, Mendonca looks to snap a two-fight skid that includes defeats to Javid Basharat and Nate Maness.
ESPN Deportes first reported the booking, which MMA Junkie later confirmed with two people with knowledge of the matchup.
Francisco Prado vs. Daniel Zellhuber
Sep 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Daniel Zellhuber (red gloves) prepares to fight Christos Giagos (not pictured) during UFC Fight Night at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Two of Latin America’s most highly-touted prospects collide in an Argentina vs. Mexico matchup.
Francisco Prado (12-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) faces Daniel Zellhuber (14-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) in a lightweight battle as bout fighters aim to build of wins in their most recent outings.
Prado, 21, recently bounced back from a unanimous decision loss to Jamie Mullarkey in his short-notice debut, when he defeated Ottman Azaitar by first-round knockout.
Zellhuber, , lost his UFC debut to Trey Ogden by unanimous decision, but has since bounced back with consecutive victories over seasoned veterans Lando Vannata and Christos Giagos.
MMA Fighting first reported the targeted booking, which MMA Junkie later confirmed with two people with knowledge of the matchup.
Chris Duncan vs. Manuel Torres
Jul 22, 2023; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Chris Duncan (red gloves) fights Yanal Ashmouz (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at O2 Arena. Mandatory Credit: Per Haljestam-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Duncan (11-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) was supposed to fight Terrance McKinney in October, but travel issues nixed the matchup. Now he travels into enemy territory to battle Mexico’s Manuel Torres (14-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC).
Scotland’s Duncan has won both of his UFC fights by decision. He first defeated Omar Morales by split decision, then beat Yanal Ashmouz by unanimous decision.
Torres, 28, has already solidified himself as a knockout artist through two UFC appearances. He first knocked out Frank Camacho in a little over three minutes, then finished Nikolas Motta with a brutal standing elbow in 110 seconds.
The UFC was first to announce this booking via social media.
Denys Bondar vs. Luis Rodriguez
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 17: (R-L) Denys Bondar of Ukraine punches Carlos Hernandez in a flyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on June 17, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Enter “Lazy Boy.”
After 18 professional fights and unsuccessful Dana White’s Contender Series bid, Luis Rodriguez (16-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) will debut in his home country vs. Denys Bondar (19-4 MMA, 0-2 UFC).
Rodriguez, 24, won five-straight fights after his DWCS defeat, a controversial decision loss to Jerome Rivera. He’s competed throughout his career largely under the Lux Fight League banner.
Bondar, 31, has had little luck thus far in his UFC tenure. Buried between all of the cancellations on his record are two losses – one due to a gruesome arm injury, and the other a bizarre technical decision when he was knocked out with a slam at the final buzzer.
The UFC was first to announce this booking via social media.
The current UFC Mexico City lineup includes:
Amir Albazi vs. Brandon Moreno
Brian Ortega vs. Yair Rodriguez
Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Ricky Turcios
Edgar Chairez vs. Daniel Lacerda
Victor Altamirano vs. Felipe Dos Santos
Yazmin Jauregui vs. Sam Hughes
Jesus Aguilar vs. Mateus Mendonca
Chris Duncan vs. Manuel Torres
Denys Bondar vs. Luis Rodriguez
Muhammad Naimov vs. Erik Silva
Francisco Prado vs. Daniel Zellhuber
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