The lightweight division delivers an exciting prospect showcase as undefeated rising star Abel Mejia faces tough veteran Jaybrio Pe Benito on February 15, 2026. This bout appears on the Zuffa Boxing Paramount+ card, serving as a featured attraction beneath the Ajagba-Martin main event.
Mejia enters with an unblemished 10-0 record, looking to continue his impressive professional trajectory. Pe Benito brings a 6-0 record, seeking to derail the California prospect’s momentum in what promises to be a competitive lightweight clash. The betting lines heavily favor Mejia at -1200, with Pe Benito at +650, indicating bookmakers expect the younger, more active fighter to dominate.
Here’s our complete breakdown of Mejia vs Pe Benito, including boxing predictions, moneyline analysis, and viewing information.
Event: Zuffa Boxing
Weight class: Lightweight
Fight length: 8 rounds
Date & time: Sunday, February 15, 2026 – 9:05 p.m. ET / 6:05 p.m. PT
Broadcast: Paramount+
Here are the latest moneyline odds from major sportsbooks:
| Market | BetMGM | FanDuel |
| Moneyline | Mejia -1200 / Pe Benito +600 | Mejia -1300 / Pe Benito +590 |
Odds updated: February 13, 2026 – 05:00 AM ET. Lines may move before fight night, especially after weigh-ins or late injury news.
| Tale Of The Tape | Abel Mejia | Jaybrio Pe Benito |
| Record | 10-0 | 6-0 |
| Age | 22 | 29 |
| Height | 5’8″ | 5’6″ |
| Reach | 67″ | 68″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Southpaw |
| KO/TKO Wins | 7 | 4 |
| KO Percentage | 70% | 67% |
| Rounds Boxed | ~33 | ~17 |
Mejia holds advantages in youth, height, activity level, and professional experience despite both fighters being undefeated. Pe Benito counters with a southpaw stance, slight reach advantage, and the hunger of a fighter looking to prove himself against superior opposition.
The 22 year old from California has rapidly established himself as a legitimate lightweight prospect since turning professional. With 10 fights in just over two years, Mejia has shown impressive activity and consistent improvement, compiling a perfect 10-0 record with 7 knockouts.
Strengths: Perfect professional record demonstrates winning mentality and consistency. Strong knockout percentage (70%). Youth at 22 means he’s still developing and improving with each fight. Height advantage (2 inches). High activity level (10 fights since 2023) keeps him sharp and battle-tested. More professional rounds boxed (33 vs 17) despite similar undefeated records.
Weaknesses: Relatively inexperienced with only 10 professional fights. Limited rounds boxed (33 total) raises questions about deep-water fighting ability. Hasn’t faced elite-level opposition yet. Slight reach disadvantage (1 inch). Young career means untested chin and recovery ability. May be overconfident given heavy favorite status. Hasn’t experienced adversity in professional career.
The 29 year old from California brings a perfect 6-0 record with 4 knockouts to this significant step-up opportunity. Born in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, Pe Benito has shown patience in his career progression since turning professional in December 2019.
Strengths: Perfect professional record maintains winning mentality. Solid knockout percentage (67%). Southpaw stance creates awkward angles against orthodox opponents. Slight reach advantage (1 inch). Age at 29 brings physical maturity. Nothing to lose as significant underdog, can fight freely without pressure.
Weaknesses: Low activity level with only 6 fights since 2019, averaging just over one fight annually. Limited rounds boxed (17 total) raises serious conditioning questions. Height disadvantage (2 inches). Less professional experience despite being older. Hasn’t faced opposition of Mejia’s caliber. Inactivity could affect timing, sharpness, and ring rust.
Official Pick: Abel Mejia by KO/TKO
We’re backing Mejia to secure a stoppage victory in the later rounds, continuing his impressive rise through the lightweight ranks. The California prospect’s youth, activity level, and superior experience create significant advantages over the less active Pe Benito.
Pe Benito’s southpaw stance and reach advantage will create early challenges for Mejia, potentially allowing ‘The Hitman’ to win the opening 1-2 rounds with his awkward angles and left hand. The Hawaiian-born fighter should land his best shots early before Mejia adjusts to the southpaw look.
However, as the fight progresses into the middle rounds, Mejia’s superior conditioning, activity level, and youth overwhelm Pe Benito’s diminishing output. The 22-year-old’s height advantage allows him to establish his jab, control distance, and land his right hand with increasing frequency.
We see the finish coming in round 6-8 when Mejia lands a combination that hurts Pe Benito, forcing the referee to step in and wave off the contest. While Pe Benito’s toughness may allow him to survive longer, his inactivity and limited championship-distance experience ultimately prove decisive.
Main Card (Paramount+)
Efe Ajagba vs. Charles Martin – Heavyweight, 10 rounds
Umar Dzambekov vs. Ahmed Elbiali – Light Heavyweight, 10 rounds
Abel Mejia vs. Jaybrio Pe Benito – Lightweight, 8 rounds
Undercard
Leonardo Ruiz vs. Casey Streeter – Middleweight
Antonio Woods vs. Mark Beuke – Middleweight
Emiliano Alvarado vs. Devin Gantt – Featherweight
Oswaldo Molina vs. Joshua Clark – Lightweight
Darial Kuchmenov vs. Jorge Valencia – Lightweight
All odds current as of February 13, 2026.
(All odds from BetMGM and Fanduel)
(Image Credit: Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer – Imagn Images)
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