Full Breakdown
Asu Almabayev Withdraws from UFC Fight Night Main Event Against Brandon Moreno
2/4/2026, 8:05:26 AM
Injury Forces Withdrawal from High-Stakes Matchup
Asu Almabayev has officially withdrawn from his scheduled main event fight against former two-time UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno at UFC Fight Night 268, set for February 28 in Mexico City. Almabayev, who suffered a hand injury just days before the fight, announced the situation via Instagram, stating, “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.” This unexpected withdrawal has left the UFC in search of a suitable replacement to maintain the integrity of the event at Arena CDMX.
Background on Almabayev and Moreno
Almabayev, currently ranked No. 7 in the flyweight division, has a professional record of 23 wins and 3 losses, with six victories in his last seven UFC bouts. His only defeat came against top contender Manel Kape in his first main event appearance. A win against Moreno would have significantly boosted Almabayev's title aspirations. Moreno, ranked No. 5, is looking to rebound from a TKO loss to Tatsuro Taira in December and was aiming to reclaim his status among the flyweight elite in front of his home crowd.
Impact on UFC Mexico City Card
The withdrawal of Almabayev poses a significant challenge for the UFC, especially as the promotion has faced multiple setbacks in the early 2026 calendar due to injuries and last-minute changes. The event was highly anticipated as it marked the UFC's eighth visit to Mexico City, showcasing Moreno, a prominent figure in Mexican MMA. The UFC is now under pressure to quickly find a replacement fighter to ensure Moreno remains a focal point of the card.
Remaining Fights on the Card
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the main event, the February 28 card still features several notable matchups. The co-main event will see Macy Chiasson face Ailin Perez in a women's bantamweight bout. Other key fights include Marlon Vera against David Martinez, Daniel Zellhuber versus Bobby Green, and a flyweight clash between Edgar Chairez and Felipe Bunes. These matchups aim to maintain fan interest in the event, even with the main event's disruption.
Official Statements & Responses
While no official replacement for Almabayev has been announced, the UFC is actively exploring options to preserve the main event. The promotion's efforts reflect the importance of Moreno's presence on the card, given his status as a major draw in Mexico.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are currently no conflicting reports regarding Almabayev's injury or withdrawal; however, the UFC's plans for a replacement fighter remain unclear. The promotion's ability to secure a suitable opponent for Moreno in the coming weeks will be critical to the event's success.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don't want to talk about the injury… no matter how much you [try], I can't change it.” — Asu Almabayev, Fighter
- “The promotion is now scrambling to find a suitable replacement to keep the card's marquee attraction intact at Arena CDMX.” — MMA Orbit, News Source
As the UFC navigates this setback, the focus will remain on ensuring a compelling event for fans in Mexico City.
