Britain’s Lone’er Kavanagh claimed the biggest win of his career as he upset former UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno in Mexico City.
Kavanagh, who took the fight on just three weeks’ notice, delivered a mature display to win by unanimous decision 49-46, 48-47 and 48-47.
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Kavanagh, 26, was unranked heading into the contest, but victory over sixth-ranked Moreno – in front of the Mexican’s home fans – will see him him take a big leap towards the top end of the division.
“I said before this fight – I live for legendary moments,” said Kavanagh.
“This is a legendary moment. Brandon is a legend. Two-time world champ. I’m a big fan. I watched him when I was a kid. To get to fight him is amazing.”
Kavanagh took the fight against two-time flyweight champion Moreno when his original opponent Asu Almabayev withdrew because of injury.
The Briton came into the contest after the first defeat of his 11-fight career against Charles Johnson in August, but took control in the early stages against Moreno.
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Kavanagh kept Moreno at bay with a series of leg kicks, before hurting him with a flurry of punches midway through the second round.
Moreno had more success in the third round, but Kavanagh regained control with more thudding leg kicks, before seeing out victory by defending a number of takedowns.
The win was the 10th of Kavanagh’s 11-fight career, while Moreno suffered a fourth defeat in his past six fights.