The Philippines’ Mark Magsayo is set to unfurl the next chapter of his storied career as he takes on Ireland’s Feargal McCrory. This time, however, it will be at lightweight and under Dana White’s burgeoning Zuffa Boxing banner.
The Magsayo vs. McCrory lightweight clash is scheduled for April 5, 2026, at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas. It is a 10-round co-feature bout on the Zuffa Boxing 5 card and is the Filipino’s first move to reestablish his reputation as a legitimate threat in a new promotional home.
Who Is Feargal McCrory?
McCrory (17-1, 9 KOs) isn’t a name that casual fans might immediately recognize, but in the tight-knit boxing circles of Brooklyn and Ireland, he is known as a high-character, durable operator.
A southpaw with a classic “fighting Irish” mentality, McCrory brings a deceptive awkwardness to the ring. His only professional blemish came at the hands of WBA junior lightweight king Lamont Roach Jr. in 2024—a fight where he showed immense heart before being stopped in the eighth.
For Magsayo (28-2, 18 KOs), in particular, the danger lies in McCrory’s resilience and his ability to fight through adversity. Known as “Fearless,” the Irish fighter has a history of climbing off the canvas to secure wins, as seen in his thrilling comeback against Carlos Carlson. He relies on a stiff right hook and a relentless body attack to break down opponents.
Magsayo Takes a Risk at Lightweight
The move to lightweight (135 lbs) is the most significant takeaway here. Magsayo has been open about the physical toll of cutting weight, previously noting that his strength and “legs” often stayed in the sauna during his featherweight days. By jumping two weight classes from his championship peak, the Boholano native is betting that his natural explosive power will carry upward.
Crucially, this jump to lightweight signals a fresh start for Magnifico. After a period of inactivity and the end of his tenure with MP Promotions, Magsayo needs to prove to Dana White and the TKO Group that he is a “main event” asset capable of headlining future shows—and this is his first, and potentially best, chance at doing so.
If Magsayo can dispatch the rugged McCrory with the same clinical efficiency he showed in his recent victories over Eduardo Ramirez and Jorge Mata, the boxing world will have no choice but to take notice. The APEX may be smaller than the MGM Grand, but on April 5, the stakes for Mark Magsayo couldn’t be any larger.
