In one of the night’s most talked-about matchups, Mexican rising star David Martinez pulled off a big win over former top contender Marlon “Chito” Vera in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanagh on February 28, 2026, at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City.
Martinez entered the Octagon riding high momentum, coming off several impressive wins. The rising prospect had dominated on the UFC stage, including a first-round TKO over Saimon Oliveira in June 2025 and a unanimous decision win over Rob Font in September 2025, showcasing his speed, striking accuracy, and movement. He is yet to taste defeat in the UFC and was widely regarded as a fighter on the rise.
In contrast, Marlon Vera came in with recent struggles. The longtime UFC veteran had endured four losses in his last five fights, including a unanimous decision defeat to Sean O’Malley in March 2024, a loss to Deiveson Figueiredo in August 2024, and a split decision defeat to Aiemann Zahabi in October 2025. His last win had been in August 2023, when he narrowly edged Pedro Munhoz. Heading into UFC Mexico City, Vera needed a win to stop his skid and regain his position in the bantamweight division.
David Martinez made his way into the octagon first followed by Marlon Vera. As soon as the fight began, David Martinez came out sharp and active. He used quick footwork to stay busy, landing a steady jab and leg kicks to keep Vera moving. Vera, the veteran wrestler-striker, pressed forward and tried to land his own combinations, but Martinez’s speed and volume made him hard to hit cleanly. Martinez also mixed in strikes to the body and head, making it difficult for Vera to find a rhythm. Midway through the round, Martinez connected with some clean punches that snapped Vera’s head back. Towards the end of the first round, Martinez got a late takedown. Martinez clearly edged the first round by staying busier and more precise.
In the second round, Vera was able to land his offense with a bit more power than he had in the first round, including a head kick that buzzed Martinez. But Martinez didn’t give in, he continued to answer back with heavy shots of his own and stayed consistent with his striking work. He also again assisted his striking output with a timely takedown and took him down again in the round.
The final round opened with Vera again pushing the action, trying to secure a big moment to win the fight. He threw heavier combinations and kept Martinez against the fence briefly, looking to land power shots. Martinez, however, stayed calm and continued his game plan by sticking his jab, throwing crisp counters, and mixing in low kicks to slow Vera’s pressure. Martinez’s pacing and accuracy began to show in the middle of the round, as he landed several clean shots when Vera came forward. Though Vera never stopped fighting and continued to press, Martinez’s consistency and striking volume kept him in control through the final minutes. By the time the bell rang, Martinez had done just enough to secure the victory on the judges’ scorecards.
“He’s a really hard fighter,” Martinez said about Vera after the win. “He hits really hard. I’m here to represent and I’m really happy. This is the biggest mixed martial arts organization in the world … whoever they give me, I’m going to be ready.”
Main Card
Lone’er Kavanagh def Brandon Moreno via unanimous decision
David Martinez def. Marlon Vera via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
King Green def. Daniel Zellhuber via second-round TKO (4:55)
Edgar Chairez def. Felipe Bunes via split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)
Imanol Rodriguez def. Kevin Borjas via second-round TKO (4:21)
Santiago Luna def. Angel Pacheco via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Preliminary Card
Ryan Gandra def. Jose Daniel Medina via first-round TKO (0:41)
Ailin Perez def. Macy Chiasson via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Cristian Quinonez def. Kris Moutinho via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Javier Reyes def. Douglas Silva de Andrade via first-round TKO (4:59)
Regina Tarin def. Ernesta Kareckaite via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)
Francis Marshall def. Erik Silva via submission (RNC) (R1, 2:29)
