Varela vs Escudero
Mexico City is bracing for high-octane combat sports action this month. On Friday, February 27, 2026, the Lux Fight League returns with a stacked card for LUX 059. Fans worldwide can catch every strike live on UFC Fight Pass. The spotlight lands squarely on a pivotal Pro-Flyweight clash that promises fireworks. Specifically, Zaid “Lil Nightmare” Varela steps into the cage against Cesar “El Lira” Escudero. Both fighters are hungry for victory, ensuring this matchup is unmissable.
The Rise of Lil Nightmare
Zaid Varela (2-1-0) enters this bout looking to bounce back and climb the rankings. Currently rated #80 among Pro-Flyweights in Mexico on Tapology, Varela brings a terrifying pedigree to the cage. Before turning pro, he dominated the amateur circuit with an amazing 24-3-0 record. Furthermore, he is a four-time National Champion and a Pan-American Champion Gold Medalist.
Holding a blue belt in Jiu-jitsu, “Lil Nightmare” is dangerous on the ground. His professional run started strong in early 2025 with back-to-back first-round submissions against Daniel Herrera and Kevin Vazquez. However, he faced a setback in August 2025, losing a split decision to Gerardo Sanchez. Now, Varela is determined to prove his elite status remains intact.
El Lira Seeks Redemption
Standing across the cage is Cesar “El Lira” Escudero (1-1-0). Listed at #108 in Mexico’s Pro-Flyweight rankings, Escudero is nipping at Varela’s heels. He secured a unanimous decision victory over Ricardo Antonio Reyes at LUX 51 in March 2025. Yet, his momentum stalled recently after a unanimous decision loss to Noe Maldonado in November. Consequently, this fight represents a critical turning point for his young career.
A Flyweight War to Remember
Both warriors possess the skill and drive to steal the show in Mexico City. Varela wants to leverage his championship grappling experience, while Escudero aims to upset the higher-ranked prospect. Ultimately, LUX 059 offers the perfect stage for one of these rising stars to shine. Tune in this Friday to witness who survives the night.
LUX Fight League 59: Official Fight Card
Main Event
- Bantamweight Bout
- (135 lbs) César Vázquez (11-2) vs. Nicolas Bojacá (5-0) 3 Rounds x 5 Minutes
Co-Main Event
- Featherweight Bout
- (145 lbs) Alejandro Flores (23-4) vs. Manuel Exposito (13-3) 3 Rounds x 5 Minutes
Main Card
- Flyweight Bout (125 lbs)
- Axel Osuna (9-2) vs. Roy Benavides (6-5) 3 Rounds x 5 Minutes
- Featherweight Bout
- (145 lbs) Alejandro Cerquera (5-3) vs. Aaron Cañarte (11-3) 3 Rounds x 5 Minutes
- Lightweight Bout
- (155 lbs) Brahyam Zurcher (10-1) vs. Stiven Valencia (9-5) 3 Rounds x 5 Minutes
- Women’s Strawweight Bout
- (115 lbs) Nadia Vera (6-4-1) vs. Karla Pastrana (6-4) 3 Rounds x 5 Minutes
Preliminary Card
- Women’s Flyweight Bout
- Julieta Martinez (9-0) vs. Jessica Solís (1-5) 3 Rounds x 5 Minutes
- Bantamweight Bout
- (135 lbs) Esteban Nocelo (3-3) vs. Juan Medina (0-0) 3 Rounds x 5 Minutes
- Flyweight Bout
- (125 lbs) Cesar Escudero (1-1) vs. Zaid Varela (2-1) 3 Rounds x 5 Minutes
- Women’s Strawweight Bout
- (115 lbs) Jade Moctezuma (1-0) vs. Miroslava Cauich (0-0) 3 Rounds x 5 Minutes
