MEXICO CITY (Azat TV) – Mexican mixed martial artist Edgar Chairez secured a hard-fought split decision victory over Brazil’s Felipe Bunes at UFC Mexico City on Saturday, February 28, 2026, inside Arena CDMX. The win, decided by scores of 29-28, 28-29, and 29-28, marks a significant moment for Chairez, propelling him forward in the competitive flyweight division and providing crucial momentum in his quest to climb the ranks.
The highly anticipated flyweight bout, part of the main card for UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanagh, saw Chairez navigate a challenging contest against the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt. The victory is particularly notable as Chairez aimed to notch back-to-back wins for the first time since 2023, following his impressive first-round submission triumph over CJ Vergara last March, which earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.
The Intense Flyweight Showdown
The fight between Edgar Chairez and Felipe Bunes unfolded with early challenges for the Mexican contender. In the first round, Chairez, known for his aggressive striking, found himself tied up against the fence by Bunes, who skillfully secured a body triangle from Chairez’s back. Bunes maintained control for much of the round, effectively neutralizing Chairez’s offense and taking the round on the scorecards, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
The second round saw a lull in action, with both fighters appearing hesitant. Chairez struggled to find his rhythm for a significant portion of the round. However, a late surge from Chairez in the final moments allowed him to likely steal the round, evening the unofficial scorecards. The tension escalated in the third and final round, with Chairez showing desperation to inflict damage. Despite walking into some of Bunes’ jabs and sustaining some facial cuts, Chairez landed effective combinations, particularly in the closing seconds, making the final round a close call for the judges.
Pre-Fight Expectations and Official Outcome
Leading up to the event, analysts from MMA Junkie had predicted a Chairez victory, with expert Dan Tom forecasting a stoppage via strikes late in Round 2, anticipating Chairez would overcome early grappling challenges. The betting odds also heavily favored Chairez, listing him at -310 against Bunes’ +240 via FanDuel, reflecting confidence in the Mexican fighter’s capabilities and home-crowd advantage.
However, the fight proved to be a tougher test than some predictions suggested, going the full three rounds and resulting in a split decision. The official scorecards, confirmed by UFC.com, showed two judges scoring the bout 29-28 for Chairez, while one judge saw it 29-28 for Bunes, underscoring the closely contested nature of the fight.
Implications for Edgar Chairez’s Career
This victory over Felipe Bunes is a crucial addition to Edgar Chairez’s professional record (13-6 MMA, 3-2 UFC). It not only helps him secure back-to-back wins but also solidifies his position within the UFC’s competitive flyweight division. Bunes, a veteran with a 14-8 MMA record, presented a formidable challenge, and overcoming such an opponent, even by a narrow margin, demonstrates Chairez’s resilience and determination to advance. As he continues his journey, Chairez will look to build on this momentum, aiming for higher-ranked opponents and a potential run towards title contention in the coming years.
The split decision victory for Edgar Chairez, while not as dominant as some pre-fight predictions, underscores his ability to perform under pressure and secure wins in tightly contested bouts, which is vital for any fighter aspiring to move up the demanding UFC flyweight ladder.