Brandon Moreno Carrillo Bio
Brandon Moreno Carrillo, born December 7, 1993, is a Mexican professional mixed martial artist competing in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is a former two-time UFC Flyweight Champion and the first Mexican to win a UFC championship. Moreno has been a professional fighter since 2011 and also held the Legacy Fighting Alliance Flyweight Championship. As of February 27, 2024, he is ranked #2 in the UFC flyweight rankings.
Early Life and Background
Brandon Moreno was born in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. Growing up, he was a fan of boxing but had limited exposure to other combat sports initially. His interest in martial arts expanded when he sought to learn capoeira but could not find a school nearby. This search led him to discover an MMA gym where he began training in kickboxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Path to MMA
Moreno began his professional MMA career in 2011 in Mexico, quickly gaining experience with a record of six wins and three losses over two years. He debuted in the World Fighting Federation in 2014, where he went undefeated and won the Flyweight championship. This success earned him a spot on the 25th season of The Ultimate Fighter in the Flyweight tournament.
Brandon Moreno Career
Early Career (2011–2014)
Moreno started his professional career competing in regional Mexican promotions. His early years were marked by steady improvement and notable victories that paved the way for his entry into larger organizations. His undefeated run in the World Fighting Federation and winning the Flyweight title were key milestones.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2016–Present)
Moreno made his UFC debut in 2016 while his season of The Ultimate Fighter was still airing. He won his first fight against Louis Smolka by submission, earning his first Performance of the Night bonus. He continued to build momentum with wins over Ryan Benoit and Dustin Ortiz, showcasing his submission skills and resilience.
Despite setbacks, including a loss to Sergio Pettis and a brief release from the UFC in 2018, Moreno returned stronger. He won the Legacy Fighting Alliance Flyweight Championship in 2019 before rejoining the UFC.
Moreno’s UFC career highlights include multiple bouts against Deiveson Figueiredo, culminating in him becoming the first Mexican UFC champion by winning the Flyweight title in June 2021. He has earned several Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses throughout his career.
Fortis MMA Era (2022–Present)
Currently training with Fortis MMA, Moreno continues to compete at the highest level. His recent fights include a victory over Kai Kara-France for the interim UFC Flyweight Championship in 2022 and reclaiming the undisputed Flyweight title in 2023. He remains a top contender in the division with a dynamic and well-rounded fighting style.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Moreno is known for his versatile skill set, combining effective striking with high-level Brazilian jiu-jitsu, holding a black belt in the discipline. His grappling and submission abilities are among his greatest strengths, complemented by strategic striking and endurance.
Notable Events and Milestones
Moreno made history as the first Mexican to win a UFC championship. His trilogy and subsequent fourth fight against Deiveson Figueiredo are historic, marking the first time two fighters met four times in UFC history. He has earned multiple Fight of the Night awards, highlighting his exciting and competitive bouts.
Brandon Moreno Career Wins
Brandon Moreno has accumulated 23 wins in professional MMA, with a balanced record of victories by submission, knockout, and decision. His submission skills stand out with 11 wins by submission, reflecting his Brazilian jiu-jitsu expertise.
UFC Highlights
In the UFC, Moreno has secured numerous significant wins, including his first UFC victory by submission against Louis Smolka and his championship-winning submission over Deiveson Figueiredo. His recent wins have solidified his status as a top flyweight contender and champion.
Other Wins and Performances
Outside the UFC, Moreno captured the Legacy Fighting Alliance Flyweight Championship with a technical knockout victory. He also competed in submission grappling tournaments, showcasing his ground game.
Brandon Moreno Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Moreno’s family background are limited, but he resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, where he trains and lives.
Personal Life
Moreno is married and has three daughters. He is a fan of Funko Pop collectibles and Lego. He also hosts a Spanish-language MMA podcast called Entre Asaltos.
2025 Season Performance
Looking ahead to 2025, Brandon Moreno is scheduled to continue competing in the UFC Flyweight division. He is set to face notable opponents, including a bout against Tatsuro Taira at UFC 323. Moreno’s experience and skill set position him as a strong contender for continued success in the upcoming season, with expectations for key victories and potential title contention.