UFC Mexico Preview
Following a memorable pay-per-view in Anaheim, the stakes this weekend got a whole lot higher. Ilia Topuria finished the long-reigning Featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski in the second round to become the new champion, and will certainly have his eyes on this weekend's co-main event. Top to bottom, this card features a lot of high profile fights, and the best to fight out of Mexico. These fighters bring forth a different level of fighting spirit, and fans know they will perform each time out. This weekend's card is headlined by a pair of rematches that ended due to injury, so we finally will get fights we've needed to see for a long time. In the main event, Brandon Moreno and Brandon Royval will meet again and look to insert themselves back into the title conversation after losing to Alexandre Pantoja back to back. In the co-main event, we haven't seen Brian Ortega in the octagon since he suffered a shoulder injury against Yair Rodriguez back in 2022. The two will meet again, with the winner likely near the top of the list to fight Ilia Topuria next.
Let's take a look at the card as it shows on Verdict.
Brandon Moreno vs Brandon Royval
Alexandre Pantoja is looking for an opponent, and he should have his eyes on this weekend's main event, as the winner could get another shot at the title. Both Moreno and Royval both lost close decisions to the Flyweight champion last year and are looking to start 2024 on the right track. Despite Royval stepping in on short notice to replace Amir Albazi, this fight should be pure fireworks.
Brian Ortega vs Yair Rodriguez
Yair Rodriguez has been much more active than Brian Ortega since their last encounter a year and a half ago. Since earning a first round TKO win due to a shoulder injury, Rodriguez has gone on to win the interim Featherweight title with a submission win over Josh Emmett, and then lose an undisputed title bout with former champion Alexander Volkanovski. Ortega has been on the sidelines for the last nineteen months, and has really done a lot of self reflecting during his time away. He seems to be in a great place mentally and is eager to get back into the octagon after some time away.
Daniel Zellhuber vs Francisco Prado
Two up and coming Lightweights will faceoff on the featured bout on the main card, featuring Daniel Zellhuber and Fransisco Prado. Zellhuber is a very entertaining prospect at 155, standing 6'1 with a enormous 77 inch reach. He's very long and tall for the division, and has used that to get ten finishes in the UFC. The Argentinian Prado is only 21 years old, and is fresh off of a knockout win over Ottman Azaitar. This one should be fireworks.
Raul Rosas Jr. vs Ricky Turcios
Raul Rosas is back inside the octagon this weekend, looking to continue his winning ways. Rosas is coming off of a 1-1 2023 in which he suffered his first professional loss. Now three fights into his UFC career, he is still only 19 years old and in the development phase in his UFC career. Alas, he still remains a very entertaining fighter and has finished seven of his eight wins. On the other hand, Ricky Turcios is a TUF winner who has not fought since late 2022.
Yazmin Jauregui vs Sam Hughes
Yazmin Jauregui is a special prospect at 115, and she is being perfectly placed as the main card opener at a high stakes event. A lot of eyes will be on her, which is the perfect opportunity to let the world know how talented she is. She came up short in her last time out as a big favorite, but is coming back with a vengeance in front of her home country. She'll want to deliver against seven fight UFC veteran Sam Hughes.
