“There are great legends and great fighters in the history of Mexico, and there will be more to come,” remarked Canelo Alvarez, the multiple title-holder boxer and perhaps the face of the sport. His words highlight not only the rich combat sports legacy of Mexico but also the nation’s rising prominence in the global fight scene. While Brazil and the USA have long been celebrated for producing world-class fighters, Mexico’s growing impact on combat sports, particularly in UFC and boxing, positions it as a fierce rival.
Mexican athletes are now on the verge of dominating the global combat sports stage, whether it’s through the boxing ring or the Octagon. This week, all eyes are on MMA as the UFC makes its highly anticipated return to the nation on March 29 for a thunderous Fight Night event. The Arena CDMX will host this extravaganza where Dana White & Co. will showcase regional talent. Will the fighters rise to the occasion? Only time will tell, but let’s take a closer look at the top 5 Mexican fighters in the UFC. And will Brandon Moreno make the cut who is scheduled to headline this card? Let’s find out.
1. Cain Velasquez (Heavyweight)
Cain Velasquez was once a dominant force in the UFC heavyweight division, where he made history as a two-time heavyweight champion. What many may not know is that Velasquez has deep Mexican roots on his father’s side. His father, Efrain, hails from Sonora, Mexico, and met an American woman, which ultimately led to Cain’s birth in the United States. Throughout his remarkable decade-long career, Cain Velasquez solidified his reputation as one of the sport’s most relentless fighters.
With a career record of 14-3-0, Velasquez, renowned for his exceptional cardio, triumphed over some of the biggest names in combat sports, including Brock Lesnar, and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, and won 2 out of 3 times in an iconic trilogy with former champion Junior dos Santos. Moreover, he etched his name in history as the first American of Mexican descent to capture the UFC heavyweight title twice, solidifying his legacy as one of the division’s all-time greats.
2. Brandon Moreno (Flyweight)
At 31 years old, Brandon Moreno has established himself as one of the most prominent figures in the UFC’s flyweight division and a true role model for aspiring Mexican fighters. His journey inside the Octagon has not only elevated his career but also put a well-deserved spotlight on Mexico’s growing influence in MMA. ‘The Assassin Baby’s championship aspirations first took shape in 2021 when his initial title bout against Deiveson Figueiredo ended in a draw. However, just months later, Dana White and company granted him another shot at history.
At UFC 263, Brandon Moreno capitalized on the opportunity, defeating Figueiredo in their rematch to become the first Mexican-born UFC champion. Their rivalry intensified when they met for a third time, with ‘God of War’ reclaiming the belt. But the saga didn’t end there—at UFC 283, Moreno and Figueiredo clashed for an unprecedented fourth time, where The Assassin Baby once again emerged victorious, reclaiming the flyweight title for a second time. It was at UFC 290 when he lost his belt to the now champ Alexandre Pantoja.
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Main Card:
B. Moreno (1.42)
M. Torres (1.96)
J. Pyfer (1.35)
R. Rosas Jr. (1.19)
D. Martinez (1.20)
R. Rodriguez (1.68)
Prelims:
C. Vergara (3.17)
A. Gautier (1.21)
C. Rodriguez (1.63)
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— Korean John (@KoreanJohn_) March 29, 2025
Although he is no longer the champion, Moreno’s remarkable journey and his fierce rivalry with Brazil—one of Latin America’s other dominant MMA nations—have secured his legacy in the sport. As the first Mexican-born UFC champion, he remains a beloved figure, earning unwavering admiration from his country and fans worldwide.
3. Henry Cejudo (Flyweight & Bantamweight)
What can one man achieve in a lifetime? Just ask former UFC two-division champion Henry Cejudo. With an Olympic gold medal, a Pan American Games gold, three consecutive golds at the Pan American Championships, and two national championships, his list of accolades is unmatched. Born to Mexican immigrants and the second youngest of seven siblings, Cejudo has made his mark in the UFC since 2014, defeating top fighters like Dominick Cruz, Marlon Vera, Sergio Pettis, and Demetrious Johnson across multiple weight classes.
LAS VEGAS, NV – March 3: Henry Cejudo receives his 50x USADA jacket and his 75X pin following the official weigh-ins at UFC Apex for UFC 285 -Jones vs Gane: Official Weigh-ins on March 3, 2023, in Las Vegas, NV, United States. Photo by Louis Grasse/PxImages Louis Grasse / SPP PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBRAxMEX Copyright: xLouisxGrassex/xSPPx SPP_156393
Now, as a permanent bantamweight, ‘Triple C’, standing at just 5’4″, remains one of the most formidable forces in the promotion. Despite a brief retirement, he returned in 2023 with a four-fight contract with the UFC. Though in the twilight of his career, Henry Cejudo continues to be recognized as one of the most accomplished athletes in combat sports history.
4. Alexa Grasso (Women’s Flyweight)
As we enter the third decade of the 21st century, women have firmly established themselves as equals to men in various fields, so it’s hard to see why they would be left behind in combat sports. In Mexico, Alexa Grasso’s rise has been nothing short of inspiring for women and girls across the country. The former women’s flyweight champion has become a trailblazer in Mexican athletics, with her elite boxing and grappling skills.
At UFC 285 in 2023, Alexa Grasso made history by dethroning long-time dominant 125lbs queen Valentina Shevchenko with an incredible submission. However, their next encounter ended in a draw, and in their trilogy fight at UFC 306, Shevchenko regained her gold with a unanimous decision, reclaiming her spot at the top of the division. Despite her brief reign as champion, Alexa Grasso remains a trailblazer, becoming the first Mexican woman to hold the flyweight title and leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
5. Yair Rodríguez (Featherweight)
Former interim featherweight champion Yair Rodríguez has cemented his legacy as one of the top Mexican fighters in UFC history. Ranked #5, ‘El Pantera’, who has been a staple of the UFC since 2014, quickly gained fame for his incredible striking and dynamic fighting style. His 2018 knockout of Chan Sung Jung, aka the Korean Zombie, with a stunning elbow just before the final bell, remains one of the most iconic moments of his career.
In 2023, at UFC 284, Yair Rodríguez further solidified his place in MMA history by submitting Josh Emmett with a triangle choke to claim the interim featherweight title, marking another proud achievement for Mexican fighters. He is now set to return to the Octagon next month at UFC 314, where he will face bonafide legend Patricio Pitbull. Will Rodríguez continue to add to Mexico’s UFC legacy?
Meanwhile, a new generation of Mexican fighters is emerging, with rising stars like bantamweight contender Raul Rosas Jr., born to Mexican immigrant parents, made a splash on Dana White’s Contender Series, winning a decision and becoming the youngest fighter ever to sign a UFC contract. As more talent emerges, Mexico’s influence in the UFC continues to grow, making it an exciting time for MMA fans. Stay tuned for what’s coming.
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