UFC events in Mexico City are always electric, and every one of the six times the Octagon has touched down in the country has been unforgettable. The first-ever UFC event in Mexico, UFC 180, set the stage for what has since become a legendary fight destination. Now, on March 29, 2025, the action returns to Arena CDMX, with a thrilling co-main event featuring a must-watch lightweight clash between Manuel Torres and Drew Dober.
This matchup promises fireworks. Both fighters are known for their aggressive styles, heavy hands, and willingness to engage in all-out wars. Given their histories of highlight-reel finishes, this showdown has Fight of the Night potential and could very well earn a post-fight bonus. So, who will emerge victorious? Let’s jump in with some predictions and stats!
UFC Mexico: Manuel Torres vs. Drew Dober statistics
Manuel Torres holds a record of 15-3-0 and first made his mark in Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS) in 2021. He stormed into the UFC with three straight wins before suffering his first promotional loss—a TKO defeat against Ignacio Bahamondes at UFC 306 on September 14, 2024. On the other hand, veteran Drew Dober boasts a 27-14-0 MMA record but finds himself on a rough skid, having lost back-to-back fights—first to Renato Moicano at UFC Fight Night 235, then via TKO against Jean Silva at UFC on ESPN 59.
While both fighters are coming off losses, Torres has only one recent setback compared to Dober’s two, which could give ‘El Loco’ a slight mental edge heading into this clash. Statistically, Torres holds a reach advantage at 73” compared to Dober’s 70”, and his aggressive, finish-oriented style has resulted in a high percentage of knockout and submission victories. But Dober is no stranger to slugfests—his explosive power and durability have made him one of the most entertaining brawlers in the lightweight division.
What about Torres? Well, he has a “kill or be killed” attitude, and this makes him a delight to the fans. The Mexican has racked up wins via KO/TKO and has a strike accuracy of 55%. Meanwhile, Dober has a lesser striking accuracy of 40%, which might give him a disadvantage over the 30-year-old. However, their striking defense is almost similar to Torres standing at 52% and Dober’s at 51%. So, who might win this time?
Torres vs. Dober fight breakdown and prediction
“As of right now, I’m aging better than I thought,” said 36-year-old Drew Dober in a recent interview with the UFC. Despite being the older fighter, he remains confident that his best days are far from over. “I’m fighting better in my thirties than I did in my twenties, so I have zero predictions. I don’t think I’m even close to retirement yet. I just have so many miles left on these tires. Let’s get 100 fights in there—who knows?”
Dober has been a staple of the UFC since making his debut in 2013, squaring off against some of the toughest competition the lightweight division has to offer. He holds wins over King Green (TKO) and Terrance McKinney (TKO), but he has also endured setbacks against elite names like Islam Makhachev (submission) and Renato Moicano (decision). Regardless of the results, Dober embraces the ups and downs of his career. “Each fight has its conflict, its own story,” he said.
Dober is a well-rounded fighter, and his record backs it up. He rebounded from a loss to Matt Frevola at UFC 288 with a knockout win over Ricky Glenn but then dropped back-to-back fights against Moicano and Jean Silva. Still, with 13 UFC victories, Dober is a veteran that no lightweight can afford to underestimate.
However, Manuel Torres isn’t just another contender looking for a breakout moment—he’s a legitimate threat. Despite having only three UFC wins (including his DWCS victory), the Mexican fighter has already made a statement by finishing rising lightweight prospects Chris Duncan and Nikolas Motta. At 30 years old, Torres is younger, fresher, and possesses a dangerous finishing instinct.
While Dober has experience on his side, Torres is explosive and fearless. He thrives in high-paced fights, never backing down from a brawl. That aggression, however, could be a double-edged sword. If Torres can trap Dober against the cage and impose his clinch game, he could wear him down. But if he gets reckless, Dober’s precision and composure could see him scoring a highlight-reel knockout. So, for this one, we are siding with the 36-year-old veteran!
With both fighters known for their striking prowess, expect fireworks when the cage door closes. Will Dober’s experience and durability carry him to another victory, or will Torres’ aggression lead him to another wild finish—perhaps even another John Cena “You Can’t See Me” taunt like he pulled off at UFC Vegas 75?
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