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Asu Almabayev Exits UFC Mexico City Main Event With Hand Injury

The UFC is seeking a short-notice opponent to keep Brandon Moreno on the Feb. 28 Mexico City card.

Overview

  • Almabayev confirmed on Instagram that he injured his hand/arm two days before his planned flight, sharing a photo showing his arm in a cast.
  • Matchmakers are pursuing replacement options for Moreno, with no opponent finalized as of the latest reports.
  • If a new foe cannot be secured, outlets have reported that another bout could be elevated to headliner status, including Daniel Zellhuber vs. Bobby Green or Marlon Vera vs. David Martinez.
  • The loss of the main event extends an early-2026 pattern of UFC card shake-ups and late withdrawals across multiple events.
  • Moreno was targeting a rebound at home after a TKO loss at UFC 323, while Almabayev, 6-1 in the UFC, noted he recently extended his deal and still has five fights remaining.