Full Breakdown
Asu Almabayev Withdraws from UFC Fight Night Main Event Against Brandon Moreno
2/4/2026, 8:03:25 AM
Injury Forces Withdrawal from Scheduled Fight
Asu Almabayev has officially withdrawn from his main event fight against Brandon Moreno at UFC Fight Night 268, scheduled for February 28, 2026, in Mexico City. Almabayev, ranked No. 7 in the UFC flyweight division, suffered a hand injury just days before the event, as confirmed by his Instagram post, which featured a photo of his right arm in a cast. Almabayev stated, “The situation is like this, I got an arm injury two days before our flight. I don’t want to talk about the injury… no matter how much you [try], I can’t change it.”
Background on Almabayev and Moreno
Almabayev, with a professional record of 23 wins and 3 losses (6-1 in the UFC), was looking to capitalize on his recent momentum after securing back-to-back victories against Jose Ochoa and former title challenger Alex Perez. His only UFC defeat occurred in March 2025 against Manel Kape, where an unnoticed eye poke led to a TKO loss. A win against Moreno would have significantly boosted Almabayev's standing in the division and potentially positioned him for a title shot.
Brandon Moreno, a former two-time UFC flyweight champion with a record of 23 wins, 9 losses, and 2 draws (11-6-2 in the UFC), is also seeking to rebound from a TKO loss to Tatsuro Taira in December 2025. Moreno, currently ranked No. 5 in the division, has had a mixed performance since losing the title to Alexandre Pantoja by split decision.
Implications of Almabayev's Withdrawal
With Almabayev's withdrawal, the UFC is now faced with the challenge of finding a replacement fighter for Moreno to maintain the event's appeal, given Moreno's status as a prominent figure in Mexican MMA. The UFC Fight Night 268 card will continue with other scheduled bouts, including Marlon Vera vs. David Martinez and Daniel Zellhuber vs. King Green.
Official Statements & Responses
As of now, the UFC has not released an official statement regarding the next steps for Moreno or the main event. The organization is likely assessing potential opponents to ensure that Moreno remains a key attraction for the event.
Criticism & Opposition
Some fans and analysts have expressed disappointment over Almabayev's injury, as it deprives the event of a highly anticipated matchup. The situation raises concerns about the physical demands placed on fighters and the potential for injuries to disrupt major events.
What's Next
The UFC is expected to announce a replacement for Almabayev shortly, as they aim to finalize the main event lineup for UFC Fight Night 268. Meanwhile, both fighters will continue to prepare for their respective futures in the competitive flyweight division.
