MEXICO CITY – UFC Fight Night 237 took place Saturday, and you can see live play-by-play and official results from Mexico City Arena right here.
Former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno (21-7-2 MMA, 9-4-2 UFC) and recent title challenger Brandon Royval (15-7 MMA, 5-3 UFC) met in the main event rematch. And former interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez (18-4 MMA, 10-3 UFC) rematched two-time title challenger Brian Ortega (15-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC) in the co-feature.
Follow along with our round-by-round updates and official results. You also can get behind-the-scenes coverage and other event notes from on-site reporter Danny Segura (@dannyseguratv) on X.
Muhammad Naimov vs. Erik Silva
Round 1 – Naimov sits down Silva with one spinning wheel kick that drops him to his butt in the opening seconds. He gets back up, though, and they clinch. Naimov gets him down with a trip, and that’s it. Fight is over, looking like Silva suffered a leg injury at some point. Replay showing his left knee may have popped as he backpedaled on the kick. That was unfortunate.
Result: Muhammad Naimov def. Erik Silva via TKO (injury) – Round 1, 0:44
Recap: Opening UFC Fight Night 237 bout ends in seconds after Erik Silva injured
Records: Naimov (11-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC), Silva (9-3 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Fernando Salas
Victor Altamirano vs. Felipe dos Santos
Round 1 – Aggressive start from both men throwing high kicks and closing distance. Altamirano closes in and nearly gets a takedown and also nearly gets his neck caught in a guillotine, but he gets out and separates to standing with 3:30 remaining. Finally Altamirano gets a takedown as they both nearly clash heads. This has been a pretty fast pace so far. Oh boy, now Dos Santos has Altamirano’s neck, but he escapes. They’re back in the middle of the cage, and Altamirano looks like he’s feeling the elevation. Wild overhand right from Dos Santos opens the door for an Altamirano takedown again with 1 minute left. They’re up against the fence now with Dos Santos’ feet trapped. Dos Santos manages to stand up, but Altamirano wouldn’t let go. Round comes to an end after a pretty fast-paced 5 minutes. 10-9 Altamirano.
Round 2 – Nice side kick by Altamirano drops Dos Santos briefly to his butt in the opening moments, but he pops back up. Nice counter right hand by Dos Santos finds Altamirano’s chin on the tail end. Altamirano is staying at distance in the first half of this round, different game plan from the first. Dos Santos struggling to find his range. A couple high kicks and then Dos Santos closes distance, but Altamirano perfectly times the clinch and trips him for a takedown. Now he’s in top position and lands a hard elbow with about 1:40 remaining. Dos Santos does scramble back up to space with 1 minute remaining. Uh oh, Dos Santos counters a lazy kick with a hard pair of rights that stagger Altamirano briefly, but he can’t follow up with a serious threat. The round ends with another takedown and Altamirano in dominant position. Another round to him 10-9.
Round 3 – Frantic start to the round with Dos Santos landing a hard right hook, and oh boy, Altamirano is in trouble after Dos Santos takes him down and takes his back and is working a rear-naked choke that looks tight. Altamirano manages to break free and escapes, but Dos Santos had a moment to win it there. Still 3:30 left, and that sequence is gonna make both guys exhausted for the rest of this fight. A wild right hand from Dos Santos leads to another well timed takedown by Altamirano, and he’s in top position again. Altamirano now takes Dos Santos’ back, but they’re back to their feet near the fence. Even though he’s tired, Altamirano hasn’t stopped with the fast pace that has frustrated Dos Santos. Now Altamirano steps right into a stiff right hand. He might want to slow down a bit. Dos Santos is trying to walk down Altamirano in this final minute. Some of his punches are getting through, but they don’t have much on them. This ends up being kind of a close round, but it goes to Dos Santos 10-9 for me. Overall, 29-28 Altamirano wins it from me.
Result: Felipe dos Santos def. Victor Altamirano via split decision 27-30, 29-28, 29-28
Photos: UFC Fight Night 237: Best photos from Mexico City
Records: Altamirano (12-4 MMA, 2-3 UFC), dos Santos (8-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Bladimir Puga
Judging: UFC Fight Night 237: Official scorecards from Mexico City
Denys Bondar vs. Luis Rodriguez
Round 1 – Bondar spends the first 30 seconds active before Rodriguez finally gets going. Bondar scores a takedown after he whiffs on a big overhand right, nice transition from him. Rodriguez, though, reverses the position and Bondar is offensive from the guard, which gets Rodriguez off of him. They stand, and Bondar takes him down again in the same way. Bondar is in Rodriguez’s guard, postures up as Rodriguez tries for a triangle. They come to a standstill and then separate back to the feet with 2 minutes left. Bondar gets his jab going nicely and that gets a response from Rodriguez, who lands a hard uppercut, but Bondar responds with a spinning back elbow. Just as Rodriguez gets into a rhythm standing, Bondar takes him down, but Rodriguez does a nice job reversing and unloading a few punches to end. Pretty active and close round. 10-9 Bondar, because his early success outweighed Rodriguez’s late success.
Round 2 – Haymakers being thrown to start this round, and it looks like Rodriguez’s momentum is carrying over. Bondar lands a well-timed spinning elbow as Rodriguez closes distance, but Rodriguez eats it. That leads to a Bondar takedown, and he’s working an armbar that eventually fails to materialize. Now they’re back on the feet in the clinch near the fence, with Bondar pushing his weight on him. They separate with 3 minutes left. Rodriguez has landed a few low kicks to Bondar’s thigh. Bondar with another takedown, but a weird scramble ensues with Rodriguez on his back. He’s got the body triangle locked with 2 minutes remaining. Rodriguez is throwing punches from behind, hasn’t been able to work a submission because of wrist control by Bondar. But he’s loading up. Bondar then reverses as Rodriguez gets a little sloppy, and he’s working a heel hook. Now Rodriguez is back on top and is throwing his left hand repeatedly before taking the back. A rear-naked choke is in as he flattens Bondar on his belly. This is trouble! Bondar taps with 2 seconds remaining, wow.
Result: Luis Rodriguez def. Denys Bondar via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 4:59
Photos: UFC Fight Night 237: Best photos from Mexico City
Recap: UFC Fight Night 237 video: Ronaldo Rodriguez taps Denys Bondar in debut
Records: (19-5 MMA, 0-3 UFC), Rodriguez (17-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mike Beltran
Claudio Puelles vs. Fares Ziam
Round 1 – Smooth single leg takedown from Puelles within 20 seconds. This is not where Ziam wants to be, with Puelles on top of him. Credit to Ziam for scooting his back to the cage, though. Now they’re on their feet, but Puelles stays clinched and gets him back down to the mat. Puelles is working within half guard, now side control, but Ziam doing a good job staying out of serious danger. Now in a 50-50 clinch, and they separate with 2 minutes left. Puelles throws a high kick just as Ziam throws a stiff jab that drops Puelles. Ziam follows up with a barrage of hammerfists but doesn’t get a finish, so he backs off to stand up. GREAT double-leg takedown into a slam with 1 minute left from Puelles, who is in dominant position again. Puelles looking for a Kimura but no-go. As good as Puelles was getting the takedowns this round, he didn’t do enough to win. Ziam’s big knockdown secures it 10-9 from me.
Round 2 – Puelles misses on his first takedown attempt, goes for another, but ends up on his back with Ziam on top. Puelles has Ziam in full guard, and he separates immediately back to standing. They’re being cautious now until Ziam lands a knee but nothing serious. Puelles follows up with another takedown and is now in full mount with 2:40 left. Ziam fends off the attack, though, and now it’s half guard. Puelles has the back, but Ziam is standing. It’s a backpack situation with Puelles working the neck. Ziam goes to the ground and shucks him enough to break free. Guard is closed for Puelles with 50 seconds left. Ziam is being active from within the guard as the bell rings. Tough round to score, but I’m leaning slightly Puelles 10-9.
Round 3 – Nothing in the first minute until they clinch, which ends with Puelles getting a takedown, but Ziam reverses to top position with a brief guillotine that doesn’t stick. Back standing, Puelles gets another takedown, but he needs to work for damage or threaten a finish with a submission at least. The whistles and boos are coming now with 2 minutes left. Been an uneventful round to this point. Puelles has control, but he’s not throwing, and there are 90 seconds left. Ziam scrambles with Puelles and ends up on top with 1 minute remaining. Ziam isn’t doing much either. Now with 20 seconds left he starts throwing some ground strikes. I mean, that was a terrible way to end the fight. Guess we’ll go 10-9 Ziam, but I don’t feel good about it. … 29-28 Ziam?
Result: Fares Ziam def. Claudio Puelles via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
Photos: UFC Fight Night 237: Best photos from Mexico City
Records: Puelles (12-4 MMA, 5-3 UFC), Ziam (15-4 MMA, 5-2 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: UFC Fight Night 237: Official scorecards from Mexico City
Edgar Chairez vs. Daniel Lacerda
Round 1 – Chairez throws a spinning low kick, which is interesting. Chairez is the aggressor early, but Lacerda turns the tide by timing a takedown as Chairez closes distance. Lacerda is in guard, and Chairez makes him pay for staying there. Triangle choke ends it. That was a quick tap from Lacerda once it was locked in.
Result: Edgar Chairez def. Daniel Lacerda via submission (triangle choke) – Round 1, 2:17
Recap: UFC Fight Night 237 video: Edgar Chairez ends Daniel Lacerda saga with slick off-back triangle
Photos: UFC Fight Night 237: Best photos from Mexico City
Records: Chairez (10-6 MMA, 1-1 UFC), Lacerda (11-6 MMA, 0-5 UFC)
Division: 131-pound catchweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard
Jesus Aguilar vs. Mateus Mendonca
Round 1 – Kicks are the name of the game in the first 15 seconds before Mendonca takes down Aguilar with a double. Aguilar back to his feet quickly, though, and they clinch near the cage. This is a long clinch in a 50-50 position until Mendonca gets the takedown with 2:50 left. He’s in side control against the cage. Not a lot happening with this top position, though. But now Mendonca gets his back, but Aguilar quickly pushes his hips up and shucks him off. Now Aguilar is in the guard with 1:20 left. Mendonca was looking for a triangle that wasn’t there. Aguilar in a dangerous nearly armbar position to end the round before a couple of shots landed. Close round goes to Aguilar 10-9.
Round 2 – Mendonca wastes no time as he takes down Aguilar after eating a calf kick. Aguilar was kind of wild there. Mendonca in side control, let’s see if anything happens. Nope. Aguilar wiggles out and back to his feet and now HE gets a takedow, but Mendonca reverses to get his back. Aguilar manages to turn his back to the mat and now Mendonca is in half guard, but he mounts hi. Big punches now from Mendonca, but Aguilar rolls away and is back in half guard. That could’ve been worse. Mendonca trying to set yep a D’Arce allowed Aguilar to escape. Then he lands a big right hand on the separation and takes down Mendonca. Scrappy fight! Aguilar has Mendonca mounted with 1 minute left. He’s being calculated with his attack here. With 20 seconds left, they stand and trade until Mendonca goes for a lazy takedown that is stuffed to end the round. This one goes to Aguilar 10-9.
Round 3 – Aguilar sits down Mendonca with a calf kick and then closes in for an immediate guillotine choke, almost mounted, but Mendonca manages to escape and end in top position. Crazy sequence there. Close scrap, this third round is huge. Aguilar is flat on his back still with 3:15 left, and Mendonca is comfortably in half guard, hasn’t done much. Referee stands them up with 2:30 left. Wild Aguilar miss leads to a clinch and takedown from Mendonca near the fence. Mendonca has the mount, but Aguilar will not lay still. He is trying to break free by exploding his hips. Mendonca has the body lock now from the back and is alternating between punches and choke attempts. Strong finish to this fight for Mendonca, who wins this round 10-9. … I end up with 29-28 Aguilar, but Mendonca winning wouldn’t be a surprise.
Result: Jesus Aguilar def. Mateus Mendonca via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: UFC Fight Night 237: Best photos from Mexico City
Records: Aguilar (10-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC), Mendonca (10-3 MMA, 0-3 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Fernando Salas
Judging: UFC Fight Night 237: Official scorecards from Mexico City
Raoni Barcelos vs. Cristian Quinonez
Round 1 – Barcelos doing a good job countering with Quinonez closing distance with his hands down. Quinonez has been the aggressor, though. Quinonez with good control as he takes the back standing and lands some clean punches from behind. Barcelos gets away with an egregious fence grab and then a second time, which irks the crowd. Quinonez still with the pressure from behind, another fence grab from Barcelos too. He almost escapes by spinning out but Quinonez has been displaying great grappling to keep him controlled. This ends up being a strong finish for Quinonez, who takes it 10-9.
Round 2 – Broadcast is talking about the left shoulder of Barcelos being popped back in between rounds, so let’s see if that affects anything. To begin, he’s throwing punches with both hands. Barcelos has been landing calf kicks 90 seconds in. Quinonez’s movement is solid, not being stationary at all. He lands a big right hand and then an uppercut, and here we go. Things are getting wild now after Barcelos responds with a right that drops Quinonez. There was a knee from Barcelos that landed hard near the shoulder/neck. Man, this is getting wild. Quinonez landing a pair of straight right hands on the chin. Barcelos showing toughness, but he’s getting tagged. What an action and close round, which I give 10-9 to Quinonez but BARELY.
Round 3 – Round is relatively quiet through 90 seconds, nothing significant landed. But then Barcelos catches a kick and trips Quinonez to the mat. Barcelos in side control, then gives up his back, and Barcelos quickly locks in a rear-naked choke that ends the fight! Wow, didn’t see that finish coming.
Result: Raoni Barcelos def. Cristian Quinonez via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 2:04
Recap: UFC Fight Night 237 video: Raoni Barcelos overcomes arm injury to submit Cristian Quinonez
Photos: UFC Fight Night 237: Best photos from Mexico City
Records: Barcelos (18-7 MMA, 7-4 UFC), Quinonez (18-5 MMA, 1-2 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Bladimir Puga
Chris Duncan vs. Manuel Torres
Round 1 – They trade right away, and Duncan has Torres backing up. Now we’ve got a brief takedown from Torres, Duncan is up quickly, hot start to this one. Torres does a great job working from clinch to a takedown, lands a nice elbow on the ground. But Duncan is back up with Torres stuck to him. Another takedown, and now we’re right into a rear-naked choke from Torres, and just like that it’s over. Wowzers. Impressive by Torres considering he was hurt early.
Result: Manuel Torres def. Chris Duncan via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 1:46
Recap:
Photos: UFC Fight Night 237: Best photos from Mexico City
Records: Duncan (11-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC), Torres (15-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mike Beltran
Sam Hughes vs. Yazmin Jauregui
Round 1 – Good pace to start from both women in the first minute, Yazmin looking sharper, though. No significant strikes yet. There’s a nice stiff right, which causes Sam to clinch, but nice defense from Yazmin. Nicely timed teep kick by Yazmin. Speed and timing looks good for her. Half of the round has taken place in the center. Sam eats a couple of punches as she tries to grab Yazmin. Nice body kick from Sam, her best shot. Another nice left, maybe her timing is getting better? Yazmin responds with a nice teep kick and an overhand right. Strong first for her as the horn sounds. 10-9 Yazmin.
Round 2 – Nice combinations for Yazmin to start. She throws a spinning wheel kick that looks good but misses. But, man, she is active with her striking after that. Hughes is getting pegged every time she tries to close in. Yazmin making it hard for Sam with her hand activity. Sam almost had a takedown but missed it to go up high, ends up with nothing. Mistake by Sam. Yazmin lands a high kick behind a right hand. Sam lands a couple decent shots in the final 30 seconds, but this was all Yazmin, who takes it 10-9.
Round 3 – Sam will have to throw caution to the wind in this round. Easier said than done, considering Yazmin’s speed is still there. Beautiful combo followed by a spinning kick that lands to the body. A hard leg kick drops Sam, but she pops back up. Yazmin has been in a rhythm all fight to this point, tough for Sam to disrupt. You can hear Sam’s corner yelling, “Make it ugly!” But it’s hard with 2 minutes left. She’s simply a step behind every time. Another halfway shot from Sam, and her takedown is stuffed. Final minute, and Yazmin continues to pelt her. The punch ratio is so lopsided. Great performance by Yazmin, who wins this round 10-9 and should sweep 30-27.
Result: Yazmin Jauregui def. Sam Hughes via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: UFC Fight Night 237: Best photos from Mexico City
Records: Hughes (8-6 MMA, 3-5 UFC), Jauregui (11-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: UFC Fight Night 237: Official scorecards from Mexico City
Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Ricky Turcios (CANCELED)
Fight was canceled after Rosas withdrew because of a last-minute illness.
Full story: Raul Rosas Jr. illness cancels UFC Fight Night 237 bout vs. Ricky Turcios moments before walkout
Raul Rosas Jr. has pulled out after falling ill before his fight against Ricky Turcios at #UFCMexico.
This is the Getty image of Roas Jr. attempting to warm up before his fight. pic.twitter.com/JwRh4FdNTm
— José Youngs (@JoseYoungs) February 25, 2024
Francisco Prado vs. Daniel Zellhuber
Round 1 – Prado the clearly shorter and smaller fighter, and he’s being aggressive so Zellhuber doesn’t get comfortable. He’s got Zellhuber going backward. Nice overhand right by Prado. Good left by Zellhuber to answer. Prado has landed and keeps pressuring. He’s not chasing, but he’s going forward with 2 minutes left. Prado definitely has Zellhuber a little hesitant. His attack has been nonstop with the hands. A good stiff jab from Zellhuber. Prado lands a couple calf kicks near the end. A solid round goes to Prado 10-9.
Round 2 – Prado picking up where he left off, but Zellhuber has landed two hard jabs, one of them has cut open Prado. Zellhuber is seizing momentum. He lands a knee up the middle, but Prado is still keeping the pace and showing toughness after 2 minutes. Zellhuber finds another knee up the middle. Prado is still throwing, but they’re not clean and opening him up to counters. Jab has been effective for Zellhuber. Prado’s face is a mess. Another hard right hand with 40 seconds left. What a turnaround for Zellhuber in this round thanks to the jab. He wins 10-9.
Round 3 – The doctor checks out Prado’s right eye to start the round because it’s swollen, but the fight continues. Zellhuber already looking good to open. Prado is throwing hard, but he can’t get close enough. Zellhuber continuing to keep Prado at bay with his reach advantage. Beautiful straight right. It’s just the range is now too much. Zellhuber keeps touching him up and evading the big punches by Prado. Credit to Prado, though. Tough as they come, but this round goes to Zellhuber no question. Fight is his 29-28 on my scorecard.
Result: Daniel Zellhuber def. Francisco Prado via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-26)
Photos: UFC Fight Night 237: Best photos from Mexico City
Records: Prado (12-2 MMA, 1-2 UFC), Zellhuber (15-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mike Beltran
Judging: UFC Fight Night 237: Official scorecards from Mexico City
Brian Ortega vs. Yair Rodriguez
Round 1 – Ortega might be injured from his ankle buckling during intros? A Dre Greenlaw moment? Damn, we shall see. Looks OK maybe. In the early going, Ortega getting pegged and now gets dropped with a left. He’s hurting. Rodriguez wants this finish. Ortega is still out of it, nose is busted. He’s trying to recover and clinch, but he’s a wreck already. Things have calmed down with 3 minutes left, but damn, what a start for Rodriguez. Ortega dropped as he closes in and gets chopped down with a leg kick. Rodirguez is on top and is reigning down punches. Now he’s more calculated with his attack and in Ortega’s guard. Rodriguez made a mistake going for a sub that allowed Ortega to take his back and stand up. Now Ortega drags him to the ground. He finishes the final seconds on top, but that was a huge round for Rodriguez. Could’ve finished it twice. We’re going 10-8.
Round 2 – Ortega has a mouse under his left eye, something to watch. He pushes forward to start the round and is the aggressor. Now he has Rodriguez against the cage with a double leg, but his neck is stuck in a weak guillotine attempt since Rodriguez can’t wrap his legs. Now it’s loose, and Ortega is in top control with 3 minutes left. Let’s see what he does with it. Immediately he lands some short punches while in half control. Rodriguez is calm and not trying to escape, so basically buying time. Ortega is in his guard and postures up but takes a couple hammerfists from bottom. There’s a cut near Rodriguez’s right eye from an elbow. This was a great comeback round for Ortega, who takes a clear 10-9.
Round 3 – Rodriguez has a cut under his right eye, also something to watch. Big round here. They come out swinging, but Ortega clinches and leans him up against the cage. Nice trip by Ortega, and he’s on top with 4:20 left. He’s mounted and works straight into an arm triangle choke, and WOW, that was a quick submission from Rodriguez! Ortega runs into the crowd to hug his sons. What a win for Ortega.
Result: Brian Ortega def. Yair Rodriguez via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Round 3, 0:58
Recap: UFC Fight Night 237 results: Brian Ortega rolls ankle during introduction, rallies to tap Yair Rodriguez anyway
Photos: UFC Fight Night 237: Best photos from Mexico City
Records: Ortega (16-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC), Rodriguez (18-5 MMA, 10-4 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard
Brandon Moreno vs. Brandon Royval
Round 1 – Royval takes the center of the cage, with Moreno circling on the outside. Not a lot of action through 90 seconds, with Herb Dean calling for them to engage. Moreno times a nice counter left hook. It looks like Royval might’ve tweaked his left leg, trying to shake something off. Might’ve happened on a leg kick thrown by him. A couple of nice power punches by Moreno, but Royval responds nicely with a hard right of his own. Moreno’s counter-game is on point with a minute left. Royval closes in and takes a knee to the body with about 40 seconds left. Overall a smart first round by Moreno, who gets a 10-9 from me.
Round 2 – Royval tests out that left foot with a kick immediately and lands to the body. Again, it’s Royval in the center. Big overhand right by Moreno, best strike of the fight so far, with 4:10 left. Moments later he catches a kick and lands another overhand. Now both men are in the center, so maybe Moreno is changing things up. He’s missed with a couple of winging punches but lands a stiff left jab. Nice knee landed by Royval to the body, right up the middle. Nice combo from Moreno again, lands two strong punches. This has been a higher paced, action round with 90 seconds left. Royval is inding his jab and knee. The left kick worked for him, too. Moreno shoots for a takedown and gets it. Now they’re scrambling on the mat in the final 40 seconds. Wildly tense moments there before they stand back up. Close round but another one to Moreno 10-9.
Round 3 – We’re back to Royval controlling the center and Moreno on the outside. Not a lot of action, but Royval’s been more aggressive. Now they close distance and creates a crazy scramble that ends with Moreno on his back standing near the cage, but not for long. Separated again with 3 minutes left. Timeout at 2:49 mark after a low kick to the groin by Royval. … 40-second break, and they’re back. Royval throws a high ick that is answered by Moreno with a nice two-punch combo. Royval gaining momentum with his kicks right now. Left leg/foot seems fine. Moreno closes in and clubs him with an overhand left, which gets them down to the mat but again, it’s only a moment. Royval throws a left kick that is caught by Moreno, but nothing comes of it. Close round, but we’re leaning this one to Royval 10-9.
Round 4 – Here we go, “championship” rounds where Moreno has the experience edge. So let’s see. … It’s a frantic start from Royval, who is feeling himself. He is letting loose. Nice kick to the calf by Moreno, though. That slows things down a bit. Another one follows. Man, Moreno almost got a takedown and almost blew it, too. Lucky he didn’t end up with Royval on top. They’re standing in the middle, and Moreno just misses a right hand, but his leg kicks are coming through. Nice overhand right by Moreno, which is answered with a left hook by Royval, who follows up with a takedown from the clinch. But again, they’re not on the mat for long. Another leg kick from Moreno. With 90 seconds left, round is close. Nice body work from Royval now. Right hand to the body from Moreno, but Royval has looked like the more active fighter this round. He let his hands go more touching Moreno. I think Royval takes this round 10-9, got it tied up going into the fifth.
Round 5 – They meet in the middle to start this round. Nice overhand right, but he stops there. Royval lands a couple, which gets Moreno to clinch with him. They’re up against the fence, Moreno has underhooks. Dean is calling for them to work with 3:40 left. Nobody is trying to force anything , and Dean separates them with 3:30 left. Moreno lands another overhand right, but Royval eats it and his response is to throw volume. It definitely looks better. Royval remaining active, not sure how much is landing, but he is ACTIVE. Big shots from Moreno now with 2 minutes left. And ANOTHER overhand right from Moreno. Now a bodylock from the back for Moreno, standing. Immediately Herb warns for action. He separates them with 1:10 left. Big shots by Moreno land. Royval is throwing volume STILL. Moreno trying to take him down near the cage again. They finish with a flurry, each landing. That was a close round. While Royval threw more, it was Moreno who seemed to land the more damaging shots. He gets it from me 10-9 and ekes out a 48-47 win, but we’ll see what the judges say.
Result: Brandon Royval def. Brandon Moreno via split decision (48-47, 46-49, 48-47)
Recap: UFC Fight Night 237 results: Brandon Royval upsets Brandon Moreno in Mexico
Photos: UFC Fight Night 237: Best photos from Mexico City
Records: Moreno (21-8-2 MMA, 9-5-2 UFC), Royval (16-7 MMA, 6-3 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Herb Dean
Judging: UFC Fight Night 237: Official scorecards from Mexico City
