MEXICO CITY – UFC on ESPN 64 took place on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Arena CDMX, featuring an exciting lineup of 13 bouts that captivated fight fans. The event was headlined by a pivotal flyweight showdown between former champion Brandon Moreno and title challenger Steve Erceg, while the co-main event showcased an all-action lightweight clash between Manuel Torres and Drew Dober.
Brandon Moreno (22-8-2), a two-time UFC flyweight champion and the first Mexico-born fighter to win a UFC championship, faced Steve Erceg (12-3) in a highly anticipated main event. Moreno, known as "The Assassin Baby," was looking to bounce back after a series of tough fights that included split decision losses to Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Royval. In his last outing, however, he secured a dominant victory over Amir Albazi, reigniting hopes for another title shot.
Erceg, on the other hand, was coming off a competitive decision loss to Pantoja and a first-round knockout defeat against Kai Kara-France. Despite these setbacks, the Australian fighter expressed excitement about facing Moreno in what he described as a "dream fight." The bout was scheduled for five rounds, and fans were eager to see if Moreno could reclaim his position at the top of the division.
The preliminary card kicked off at 4 p.m. ET, with fans tuning in to watch the action unfold live on ESPN2 and ESPN+. The main card began at 7 p.m. ET, with Moreno and Erceg set to clash in the night’s highlight bout.
In the co-main event, Manuel Torres (15-3) took on veteran Drew Dober (27-14, 1 NC). Torres, an up-and-coming fighter from Tijuana, Mexico, was looking to make a statement against Dober, who has faced some of the toughest competition in the lightweight division. The stakes were high for both fighters, as a win could propel them into title contention.
As the fights progressed, the night featured several thrilling moments, including a spectacular submission victory by Edgar Chairez over CJ Vergara in the first round. Chairez secured a face crank submission just 2:30 into the fight, showcasing his grappling prowess and earning a significant victory in front of the Mexican crowd.
Raul Rosas Jr. also continued to impress, defeating Vince Morales by unanimous decision (29-28 across the board). The 20-year-old fighter demonstrated his improved wrestling and striking skills, controlling the fight and earning his fourth consecutive victory inside the Octagon.
Another standout performance came from David Martinez, who made a memorable UFC debut by defeating Saimon Oliveira via TKO in the first round at 4:38. Martinez’s striking was on point, and he quickly endeared himself to the local fans with an explosive finish.
In a closely contested bout, Kevin Borjas earned his first UFC victory against popular Mexican fighter Ronaldo Rodriguez, winning by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28). Borjas utilized his speed and boxing skills to outmaneuver Rodriguez, who missed weight by one pound prior to the fight.
Ateba Gautier also made headlines by knocking out Jose Medina with a knee strike at 3:32 in the first round, while Melquizael Costa, Loopy Godinez, Rafa Garcia, and Jamall Emmers all secured unanimous decision victories over their opponents.
As the night progressed, fans witnessed a mix of striking, grappling, and high-paced action, all unfolding in the vibrant atmosphere of Arena CDMX. With the event drawing to a close, the fighters left everything in the cage, and the audience was treated to a night of unforgettable moments.
As the dust settled on UFC on ESPN 64, all eyes turned to the future for both Brandon Moreno and Steve Erceg. Moreno’s performance could potentially set him up for another title shot, while Erceg aimed to prove he belongs among the elite in the flyweight division. The outcome of this fight will undoubtedly have implications for the title picture moving forward.
UFC on ESPN 64 not only showcased the talent within the organization but also highlighted the growing popularity of MMA in Mexico. With a passionate fan base and fighters eager to represent their country, the UFC's return to Mexico City was a resounding success.
Fans can look forward to more exciting matchups and developments in the UFC as the organization continues to build momentum in the sport.
