Unranked flyweights collide on Saturday night, as Edgar Chairez takes on Felipe Bunes at UFC Mexico.
Chairez (12–6, 2–2 UFC [1 NC]) has won two of his last three bouts and will look to build off a first-round submission win over CJ Vergara last March. Conversely, Bunes (14–8, 1–2 UFC) has dropped two of his last three and will attempt to rebound from his unanimous decision loss to Rafael Estevam in August.
Chairez enters as a -325 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Bunes sits as a +260 underdog. The total is set at 1.5 rounds.
Chairez vs. Bunes Preview
Edgar Chairez
Edgar Chairez returns to the site of his latest win on Saturday night, which also happens to be his native country of Mexico. With the home crowd rallying behind him last March, “Puro Chicali” dismantled C.J. Vergara with pinpoint striking before locking up a vicious rear-naked choke for the first-round finish.
Chairez, 30, has gone 2–2 with one no contest inside the Octagon, his only losses coming against top contender Tatsuro Taira and current flyweight champ Joshua Van. His two UFC victories both came by first-round submission — and he boasts a 100% career finish rate since, scoring four knockouts and eight submissions since his pro debut in 2016.
Felipe Bunes
Felipe Bunes’ UFC career has gotten off to a rocky start. The longtime veteran, a pro since 2011, finally reached MMA’s flagship promotion in January 2024. The only problem? His first trip to the Octagon came against now flyweight champ Joshua Van, who scored a second-round knockout to continue his meteoric rise.
The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt rebounded one year later with a first-round submission over Jose Johnson, his ninth career win by tap-out and a testament to his truly formidable grappling pedigree.
But his momentum stalled yet again following a loss on the scorecards to Rafael Estevam last August. Now 36, “Felipinho” is just 1–2 inside the UFC and in need of a statement win before it’s too late.
Chairez vs. Bunes Pick, Best Bet
We all saw what happened the last time that Chairez fought in Mexico City — and he should replicate that result on Saturday night. “Puro Chicali” is the younger, stronger, and more dynamic competitor, one who’s never been interested in hearing what the judges have to say. Expect him to leave no doubt against Bunes.
