“Edgar Chairez” The 125-pound flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a realm defined by absolute chaos, blinding speed, and cardiovascular endurance that borders on the superhuman. For years, the division was ruled by highly technical wrestlers and point-fighters. However, a new wave of Latin American talent has recently crashed onto the scene, bringing a visceral, fan-friendly style characterized by devastating knockout power and aggressive submission hunting. At the very forefront of this thrilling movement is the pride of Mexicali, Edgar Chairez.
Known as “Puro Chicali,” Chairez is not your average flyweight. He is a towering presence in the weight class, a lethal finisher, and a fighter who refuses to leave his destiny in the hands of the judges. His journey from the grueling regional circuits of Mexico to the absolute pinnacle of mixed martial arts is a testament to his grit, his terrifying offensive arsenal, and his unwavering self-belief.
In this massive, comprehensive deep-dive blog post, we are going completely behind the scenes of his career. We will break down his origins, analyze the jaw-dropping statistics behind the official Edgar Chairez record, and look at the brutal wars that defined his early Octagon tenure. We will also explore the controversial financials of the fight game, touching on the highly discussed Edgar Cháirez net worth and a viral scandal involving a massive bribe. Finally, we will preview the monumental Edgar Chairez next Fight—which, for fans reading this right now, is actually the Edgar chairez fight today happening live in Mexico City.
Whether you are studying his technique to improve your own martial arts journey or looking for the perfect, high-octane footage to analyze for a high-retention fight highlight reel, Edgar Chairez provides a masterclass in violence. Let us step into the Octagon and break down the career of one of Mexico’s most dangerous rising stars.
The Forging of “Puro Chicali”
To truly understand what makes a fighter tick, you have to look at the soil they were grown in. Edgar Chairez was born on January 27, 1996, in Mexicali, the vibrant capital city of the Mexican state of Baja California. The city is known for its extreme desert heat, its hardworking culture, and its deep, abiding love for combat sports. Chairez adopted the moniker “Puro Chicali” as a badge of honor, representing his hometown every single time he makes the walk to the cage.
Martial arts in Mexico is practically a religion, historically dominated by legendary boxers who fight with a distinct, forward-marching, iron-chinned style. However, the modern era has seen a massive shift toward mixed martial arts, spearheaded by the renowned Entram Gym in Tijuana. Training alongside some of the best Latin American fighters on the planet, Chairez developed a style that perfectly blends traditional Mexican boxing mechanics with elite, modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Before he ever set foot on the global stage, Chairez had to run the gauntlet of the Latin American regional scene. He turned professional in December 2016 and immediately made a statement by securing a flying knee knockout in just 45 seconds of the very first round. This blistering debut set the visual tone for his entire career. He bounced between promotions like Combate Americas (now Combate Global) and UWC, building a terrifying reputation as a man who simply does not know how to fight a boring fight. Watching his early footage is a visual feast; his striking exchanges unfold in short, punchy 4-6 word text bursts of action—a visual rhythm that perfectly suits modern, high-retention content creation.
Inside the Numbers of the Edgar Chairez Record
When analyzing the trajectory of a rising contender, the raw data often tells a story that the highlights miss. The current Edgar Chairez record stands at an impressive 12-6-0, with one No Contest. To the casual observer accustomed to the heavily padded, undefeated records of professional boxing, six losses might seem like a blemish. But in the ruthless shark tank of elite MMA, it simply proves that Chairez has never shied away from a dangerous stylistic matchup.
However, the most important statistic in his entire resume is his finish rate. Out of his 12 professional victories, zero have gone to the judges’ scorecards. He boasts an absolute, unquestionable 100% finish rate in his wins.
Key Statistical Breakdown
| Attribute / Stat | Measurement / Details |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Reach | 71 inches |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Knockout Wins | 4 (33.3% of victories) |
| Submission Wins | 8 (66.7% of victories) |
| First-Round Finishes | 9 |
Chairez is a physical anomaly for the 125-pound flyweight division. Standing 5-foot-7 with a massive 71-inch reach, he enjoys a distinct length advantage over nearly everyone he fights. He uses this length beautifully, managing distance with a stabbing jab and brutal calf kicks. If you are reviewing the footage, you will notice the crisp sharpness of his technique; he doesn’t throw looping, sloppy brawling hooks. Instead, his strikes are laser-focused, designed to end the fight upon impact.
Furthermore, while he is known for his striking, his grappling is incredibly opportunistic. Eight of his twelve wins have come by way of submission, including a diverse arsenal of armbars, triangle chokes, rear-naked chokes, and even a brutal face crank. When he hurts his opponents on the feet, he doesn’t hesitate to follow them to the canvas and wrap up their necks, taking advantage of the vivid, chaotic scrambles that make the flyweight division so beloved.
Breaking Through to the Edgar Chairez UFC Roster
Earning a spot on the most exclusive roster in combat sports is a grueling, unforgiving process. For Chairez, the path to the Edgar Chairez UFC era was paved with both heartbreaking setbacks and glorious triumphs.
His first major opportunity to break onto the global scene came in August 2022, when he was invited to compete on Season 6 of Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS). The Contender Series is famously high-pressure; it is not enough to simply win a fight; you have to entertain the UFC CEO and prove you possess the “killer instinct.” Chairez was matched up against the highly touted, undefeated prospect Clayton Carpenter.
The fight was an absolute war. Over the course of 15 minutes, Chairez and Carpenter traded heavy leather and engaged in complex grappling scrambles. Despite landing significantly heavier, more damaging shots that visibly battered Carpenter’s face, the judges awarded Carpenter a Unanimous Decision victory based on his wrestling control time. Chairez left Las Vegas without a contract, a bitter pill for the Mexican prospect to swallow.
But a true fighter’s character is forged in how they respond to defeat. Instead of letting the DWCS loss break his spirit, Chairez returned to the regional circuit with a vengeance. He secured two consecutive stoppage victories, including a brilliant fourth-round armbar over Gianni Vazquez under the Fury FC banner. His undeniable talent and fan-friendly style simply could not be ignored any longer. The UFC brass finally gave him the call, offering him a short-notice debut against the terrifying, undefeated Japanese phenom Tatsuro Taira at UFC 290 in July 2023. While Chairez lost a tough decision to Taira, he proved he belonged under the brightest lights in the sport, finally cementing his status as a permanent fixture on the roster.
The Controversy and the Triangle Choke
Every fighter eventually runs into a bizarre situation inside the cage that tests their mental fortitude. For Chairez, that moment arrived during a highly anticipated Edgar Chairez Fight against Brazilian wildman Daniel Lacerda at UFC Fight Night: Grasso vs. Shevchenko 2 in September 2023.
The fight was fireworks from the opening bell. Chairez, utilizing his massive reach, hurt Lacerda early on the feet. As Lacerda desperately dove for a takedown to survive, Chairez beautifully locked in a standing guillotine choke. The choke was deep, and the crowd roared in anticipation of a finish. Referee Chris Tognoni, believing Lacerda’s arm had gone limp, dramatically stepped in and waved off the fight at 3:47 of the first round.
However, chaos immediately ensued. Lacerda popped up instantly, furiously protesting the stoppage. Instant replays shown on the arena screens clearly indicated that Lacerda was fully conscious and giving a “thumbs up” gesture exactly when the referee stopped the bout. After a lengthy, tense review by the athletic commission, the fight was officially overturned and ruled a No Contest due to a premature referee stoppage. Chairez was robbed of a spectacular finish and his win bonus through no fault of his own.
The UFC quickly booked a rematch to settle the bad blood, placing them on the UFC Mexico City card in February 2024. Chairez walked into the arena carrying a massive chip on his shoulder. He was determined to leave no doubt, no room for referee error, and no escape for Lacerda. Just two minutes and seventeen seconds into the very first round, Chairez secured a flawless, incredibly tight triangle choke. He squeezed with absolute ferocity until Lacerda was forced to tap out, securing his first official UFC victory and earning a massive pop from the hometown Mexican crowd.
The War at the Sphere: Edgar Chairez vs Joshua Van
Following a spectacular submission victory over C.J. Vergara in early 2025, Chairez found himself matched up for the biggest, most high-profile event of his entire life. The UFC was hosting UFC 306: Riyadh Season Noche UFC at the revolutionary, multi-billion-dollar Las Vegas Sphere to celebrate Mexican Independence Day.
Originally scheduled to face Kevin Borjas, Chairez experienced a late-notice opponent change that drastically altered the landscape of the fight. He was now set to face the 22-year-old Burmese-American prodigy, Joshua Van. The Edgar Chairez vs Joshua Van matchup was widely considered a hardcore fan’s dream—a clash between two of the hardest-hitting, highest-volume strikers in the 125-pound division.
The atmosphere inside the Sphere was unprecedented. The vivid color grading of the immersive 16K LED screens wrapping around the arena provided a cinematic backdrop for the violence unfolding in the cage. As the bell rang, it became immediately apparent that this was going to be a grueling test of wills.
Van is statistically one of the highest-output strikers in the history of the flyweight division, and he brought that relentless pace to Chairez. Over the course of three rounds, the two warriors stood in the center of the Octagon and traded blistering combinations. Chairez landed several beautifully timed spinning attacks and heavy hooks that would have knocked out a lesser man. However, Van’s legendary durability and endless cardio allowed him to march through the fire.
The statistics from the bout were staggering. Van landed a massive 118 significant strikes, while Chairez fired back with 79 brutal connections of his own. The fight was a high-speed blur of technical violence. While Van ultimately walked away with the Unanimous Decision victory on the scorecards, Chairez’s stock did not drop an inch. He proved he possessed an iron chin, limitless heart, and the ability to bite down on his mouthpiece and trade with the absolute best prospects the UFC has to offer.
The Business of Violence and the Million Peso Bribe
While the action inside the cage is what draws the fans, the business outside the cage is often just as dramatic. The financial realities of professional mixed martial arts are frequently debated, leading many fans to search for the true Edgar Cháirez net worth.
In the UFC, entry-level fighters typically earn a base pay ranging between $12,000 and $30,000 per fight, with a matching bonus if they win. Given that Chairez has been a professional since 2016, fought on DWCS, and logged multiple UFC appearances (including lucrative “Performance of the Night” bonuses), financial analysts estimate his current net worth to be somewhere between $150,000 and $300,000. While this is a comfortable living, it is not the exorbitant, multi-million dollar wealth enjoyed by the sport’s biggest pay-per-view stars.
This financial context is absolutely crucial to understanding a massive, viral scandal that Chairez revealed to the media. During an interview, Chairez made the shocking claim that he was contacted by an anonymous source and offered a staggering 1 million Mexican pesos (approximately $53,000 USD) to intentionally throw a fight.
In the high-stakes world of sports betting, illicit syndicates often try to manipulate odds by bribing athletes. For a fighter making standard UFC base pay, an immediate, untraceable $53,000 payout is a life-changing sum of money. The temptation to simply fake a knockout or tap out to a loose submission would be overwhelming for many people.
However, Chairez represents “Puro Chicali.” He fights for legacy, pride, and the honor of his country. He flatly refused the bribe, exposing the dark underbelly of MMA gambling while simultaneously proving his absolute integrity as a martial artist. This revelation made him a cult hero among hardcore fans on platforms like Reddit, cementing his reputation as a warrior who cannot be bought at any price.
The Homecoming: Edgar Chairez Fight Today
Which brings us to the present moment. The grueling training camps, the brutal weight cuts, and the media obligations are finally over. The anticipation for the Edgar Chairez next Fight has reached a fever pitch, because it is no longer in the future. It is happening right now.
For the fans tuning in, the Edgar chairez fight today (February 28, 2026) is taking place at the iconic Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico, as part of the highly anticipated UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Kavanagh card. Fighting in front of your home country is a double-edged sword; the roaring energy of over 20,000 passionate Mexican fans can make you feel invincible, but the suffocating pressure to deliver a victory can drain your energy faster than a body shot.
Tonight, Chairez is facing off against the seasoned Brazilian veteran, Felipe “Felipinho” Bunes.
The Stylistic Breakdown and the Stakes
Bunes, fighting out of the legendary Pitbull Brothers gym in Brazil, brings a vastly different puzzle to the Octagon. At 36 years old, Bunes holds a professional record of 14-8-0. Like Chairez, Bunes stands 5-foot-7, but he has a slightly shorter reach of 69 inches.
This matchup is a classic striker versus grappler narrative with a twist. While Bunes is highly capable on the feet, his clearest path to victory is dragging the fight to the canvas to avoid the devastating knockout power of the hometown hero. However, Chairez is heavily favored by the oddsmakers (opening as a massive -325 favorite) for several distinct reasons:
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The Elevation Factor: Arena CDMX sits at a staggering 7,349 feet above sea level. This extreme altitude is notorious for breaking the cardiovascular endurance of fighters who are not perfectly acclimated. Because Chairez has trained extensively at altitude in Mexico, he holds a massive, undeniable cardio advantage over the older Brazilian.
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The Striking Differential: Chairez absorbs strikes well and counters with lethal intent. His ability to manage distance with his 71-inch reach should allow him to systematically pick Bunes apart from the outside.
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The 100% Finish Rate: Bunes has suffered multiple knockout losses in his career. If Chairez hurts him, the statistics guarantee that he will empty his gas tank looking for the violent finish to send the Mexican crowd into a frenzy.
A victory tonight is absolutely mandatory for Chairez. Beating a respected veteran like Felipe Bunes will permanently eject him from the prospect conversation and cement him as a legitimate, top-15 threat in the flyweight division.
The Era of Edgar
Edgar Chairez is far more than just a name on a fight poster. He is a towering, heavy-handed representation of modern Mexican martial arts. He has survived the brutal regional circuits, overcome judging controversies and premature stoppages, gone to war in the most technologically advanced arena on earth, and turned down illicit bribes to maintain his honor.
As he makes the walk to the Octagon in Mexico City tonight, the eyes of the MMA world are firmly locked onto his every move. His fighting style guarantees that you cannot look away; blink, and you might miss the exact moment the referee waves the fight off. He is a visual artist painting with violence, leaving behind a trail of high-definition, highlight-reel finishes that will be replayed for years to come.



