UFC Mexico: Moreno vs. Erceg how to watch, bout order, odds

The UFC closes out its March schedule with a 13-fight card from Mexico City, Mexico. The card's headliner is Brandon Moreno vs. Steve Erceg in a flyweight main event. Six Mexican-born fighters are scheduled to compete on the card, which features a vast majority of prospects and veterans..

Moreno (22-8 MMA, 10-5-2 UFC) has split his last four fights while relinquishing the UFC flyweight championship to the current titleholder, Alexandre Pantoja (29-5 MMA, 13-3 UFC), in July 2023 at UFC 290. A victory against Erceg (12-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC) remains priority No. 1 come Saturday night, too. In the title shot conversation for a potential rematch with the Brazilian later this year, Moreno told reporters Wednesday he'd be doing himself a disservice by looking past Erceg and not redefining himself as one of 125-pound's best.

“I’m not even thinking about my past," Moreno said. "That is something I had to avoid for this one,” Moreno said. “You guys always ask me, ‘What is the pressure of your next fight?’ And I always answer the same: There’s a lot of pressure on us always. But I can’t put more of that weight on my shoulders. I just stopped thinking about my past. I don’t know nothing about my past. I grabbed all the lessons from that, but right now I’m very focused on my present, very focused on Steve Erceg, and I’m ready for the challenge.”

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Moreno is fresh off a win at UFC Edmonto — Nov 2, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Brandon Moreno (red gloves) celebrates after defeating Amir Albazi (not pictured) in a flyweight bout during UFC Fight Night at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images | Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Being soley focused on Erceg, however, doesn't change the fact Moreno wants to eventually regain his belt again to become a three-time champion. It might take longer than anticipated, and the 31-year-old is content with the reality.

“Winning this Saturday, I believe I can raise my hand and say, ‘Hey, man, I deserve the opportunity, as well,'” Moreno said. “Let’s see what happens.”

Erceg lost to Alexandre Pantoja last May at UFC 30 — May 4, 2024; Rio de Janeiro, RJ, BRAZIL; Alexandre Pantoja (red gloves) fights against Steve Erceg (blue gloves) during UFC 301 at Rio Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Silva-Imagn Images | Jason Silva-Imagn Images

Erceg was blunt in his assessment of Moreno. He said he recognizes what's at stake regarding how few and far between these opportunities come about and wants to focus his attention regarding making a statement against Moreno to erase the sting of his Pantoja UFC 301 main event loss last spring.

“This would definitely be my biggest win,” Erceg said. “As far as where it puts me, it puts me in the mix. I think likely Kai Kara-France will probably fight [Alexandre Pantoja] for the title. Then I think [Brandon] Royval and Manel Kape have done enough to be No. 1 contenders, so they’ll probably fight each other. Then I’ll fight somebody highly ranked first, then the loser or winner of one of those fights.”

Check out the bout order and betting odds below as of Saturday morning, courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook. The prelims get underway at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT, followed by the main card at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The entire event will stream in its entirety on ESPN+, airing linearly on ESPN2 in the U.S.

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UFC Mexico Main Card (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, ESPN+, ESPN2)

Main Event: Brandon Moreno (-236) vs. Steve Erceg (+195), flyweight
Co-Main Event: Manuel Torres (-112) vs. Drew Dober (-108), lightweight
Kelvin Gastelum (+240) vs. Joe Pyfer (-298), middleweight* Fight canceled, Pyfer illness
Raul Rosas Jr. (-520) vs. Vince Morales (+390), bantamweight
David Martinez (-520) vs. Saimon Oliveira (+390), bantamweight
Ronaldo Rodriguez (-155) vs. Kevin Borjas (+130), flyweight

UFC Mexico Main Card (4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT, ESPN+, ESPN 2)

Featured Prelim: Edgar Chairez (-278) vs. CJ Vergara (+225), flyweight
Jose Medina (+350) vs. Ateba Abega Gautier (-455), middleweight
Christian Rodriguez (-166) vs. Melquizael Costa (+140), featherweight
Loopy Godinez (-238) vs. Julia Polastri (+195), strawweight
Rafa Garcia I-425) vs. Vinc Pichel (+330), lightweight
Jamall Emmers (-500) vs. Gabriel Miranda (+330), featherweight
MarQuel Mederos (-155) vs. Austin Hubbard (+130), lightweight

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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