Although Jalisco is hundreds of miles away, the UFC is actively monitoring the unrest there ahead of its event Saturday in Mexico City.
In a travel-related memo sent Monday and obtained from multiple sources by MMA Junkie, the promotion told UFC Fight Night 268 fighters, teams, and staff that they’ve been assured it’s safe to travel to Mexico City for the event. However, the promotion is increasing security with additional police presence and enhanced protocols.
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The memo said the UFC will continue to stay in contact with government officials and local law enforcement. The UFC said it’ll follow a “business as usual” approach recommended by the U.S. Embassy.
Fight teams typically travel on Tuesday of fight week, though some teams already have boots on the ground either to acclimate to the higher elevation, to prepare at the UFC Performance Institute that is located there, or because of their geographic nativity.
Smoke billows amid a wave of violence, with torched vehicles and gunmen blocking highways in more than half a dozen states, following a military operation in which a government source said Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho,” was killed, in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, February 22, 2026, in this screen grab obtained from a social media video.
What’s happening in Mexico?
Unrest began Sunday after drug cartel leader Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes was killed in Tapalpa, Jalisco, Mexico. Nicknamed “El Mencho,” Cervantes and six other cartel members were killed in a Mexican military operation that triggered unrest with gunmen blocking roadways and torching cars.
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You can read more about the situation through USA TODAY’s reporting here.
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When and where is the UFC event happening?
UFC Fight Night 268 is slated for Saturday at CDMX Arena in Mexico City, Mexico. It streams on Paramount+.
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What is the UFC Fight Night 268 lineup?
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Brandon Moreno vs. Lone’er Kavanagh
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David Martinez vs. Marlon Vera
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Daniel Zellhuber vs. King Green
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Felipe Bunes vs. Edgar Chairez
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Kevin Borjas vs. Imanol Rodriguez
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Santiago Luna vs. Angel Pacheco
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Ryan Gandra vs. Jose Medina
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Macy Chiasson vs. Ailin Perez
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Kris Moutinho vs. Cristian Quinonez
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Douglas Silva de Andrade vs. Javier Reyes
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Ernesta Kareckaite vs. Sofia Montenegro
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Francis Marshall vs. Erik Silva
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Damian Pinas vs. Wesley Schultz
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC monitoring Jalisco unrest ahead of Mexico City event
