Fighting Moreno a ‘legendary moment’ – Britain’s Kavanagh

Britain’s Lone’er 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 on three weeks’ notice to face Moreno after the Mexican’s original opponent Asu Almabayev withdrew because of injury.

Fighting Moreno in the main event in front of famously feverish home support at the Arena CDMX marks a significant opportunity for Kavanagh.

The 26-year-old, who is unranked, won his first two fights in the UFC but comes into the contest having suffered defeat by Charles Johnson in August.

Moreno, meanwhile, is a two-time former champion and the sixth-ranked flyweight – representing one of the toughest challenges in the division.

“I want to look back on my life and (say) I have done some cool stuff and this is one of them,” Kavanagh told the UFC on Paramount.

“Victory for me is legacy, and it’s a legendary moment. I’m excited for the atmosphere.”

Moreno is regarded as one of he best flyweights of all times but comes into the contest with three defeats in his last five fights.

The 32-year-old’s last appearance saw him stopped by Tatsuro Taira in December.

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

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

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