Brandon Moreno, the Mexican flyweight star, is poised to make another significant mark on his UFC legacy as he prepares to fight at Arena Ciudad de Mexico this Saturday. At 32, Moreno seeks to secure a victory that could propel him back into title contention and solidify his place as one of the flyweight division’s top fighters.
Moreno’s UFC tenure, now nearing its tenth year, has been marked by rapid success and resilience. He made history as the first Mexican-born UFC champion in June 2021 after submitting Deiveson Figueiredo. Since then, Moreno has participated in six championship fights, including four against Figueiredo, establishing himself as a key figure in Mexican MMA. However, after a split decision loss to Alexandre Pantoja last July, Moreno’s recent record stands at 2-2, making Saturday’s bout against rising prospect Lone’er Kavanagh pivotal for his future rankings and career trajectory.
A swift introduction to UFC competition
Moreno’s entry into the UFC came through the reality series The Ultimate Fighter Season 24 in 2016, where he was seeded last and placed on Team Benavidez after Henry Cejudo selected top seed Alexandre Pantoja for his team. Although he was eliminated early by Pantoja, Moreno’s potential caught attention. Shortly afterward, Moreno stepped in on short notice to fight then-No. 9 flyweight Louis Smolka, winning by first-round submission and earning his first $50,000 performance bonus.
“It was me living in the moment,”
Moreno told ESPN.
“Everything was so fast, I didn’t have time to think. When they called me to fight Louis Smolka, I didn’t hesitate; it was what I wanted. I was just happy they gave me my uniform, did photos and a few interviews. I wasn’t focused on anything else. It was enjoyable hearing [announcer] Bruce Buffer say my name — it helped me enjoy the moment.”
This bonus was transformative for Moreno’s life and career.
“I was at a bar after the fights,”
he recalled.
[UFC matchmaker] Sean Shelby came and told me I got the first bonus. With that, I bought my first house and gave my family a better life.”
Moreno continued building momentum by securing wins on the TUF finale and in subsequent UFC bouts. These victories eventually earned him the honor of headlining his first UFC event in Mexico City against Sergio Pettis.
Challenges and setbacks in early career stages
Despite reaching a UFC main event early, Moreno’s ascent encountered obstacles. After a loss to Pettis, Moreno’s 3-1 UFC record was solid but fragile, especially as executives considered removing the flyweight division. A fight scheduled against Ray Borg was canceled due to injuries from a bus attack involving Conor McGregor, further complicating matters. Then, a rematch loss to Pantoja in Chile left Moreno vulnerable in a shrinking division.
“I lose in Chile in May, two losses, and was one of the easiest cuts when they wanted to get rid of the division,”
Moreno explained. During this period, his family also faced serious medical challenges, heightening the pressure as he lacked a steady income.
“There were many obstacles I had to overcome at the same time,”
he shared, emphasizing the difficulties during this phase of his life and career.
A determined return following release
Although Moreno and Henry Cejudo’s friendship had ended, Cejudo’s 2018 title win over Demetrious Johnson created new opportunities by shaking up the flyweight division. After a year-long hiatus, Moreno accepted a high-stakes fight for the flyweight title in the LFA promotion against Cuban Maikel Perez, who had previously dominated him.
“I knew Maikel, had trained with him, wrestled with him and he had destroyed me,”
Moreno admitted.
I was nervous but took the risk. I won, signed with my current management agency that has good company relations, and returned to UFC.”
The motivation extended beyond the sport itself.
“It was relief and internal fire. I couldn’t make my family go through those problems again because of me; it was a great motivation.”
Rapid rise to championship status
Moreno returned to the UFC in late 2019, quickly climbing the ranks with notable performances. After drawing with Askar Askarov in Mexico City, he defeated Kai Kara-France and Jussier Formiga within months. His win over Brandon Royval at UFC 255 set the stage for a landmark series of fights against Deiveson Figueiredo, which became one of the division’s most thrilling rivalries.
Their initial encounter at UFC 256 was a draw, followed by Moreno’s championship winning submission at UFC 263, making him the first Mexican UFC champion. Although Figueiredo reclaimed the title at UFC 270, Moreno took back the interim flyweight title at UFC 277 and ultimately won by TKO at UFC 283 in Rio de Janeiro before ultimately losing the belt again to Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 290.
“They were very productive years; I can’t complain,”
Moreno reflected.
I laid a path for my family’s future. I traveled a lot, worked a lot trying to build that future for my daughters and wife. I burned out a bit, but I won’t deny those years helped me a lot. Championship fights came, interim, main events, five-round camps, travels, and all that helped shape my career and legacy today.”
After losing the title, Moreno has remained competitive at the highest level, though a recent loss to Tatsuro Taira at UFC 323 underscored the division’s evolving talent and the challenges ahead.
Holding a lasting place among flyweight elites
The current flyweight division features young champion Joshua Van and contenders like Manel Kape, Kioji Horiguchi, and former titleholder Alexandre Pantoja. Despite not holding the belt, Moreno retains a strong connection with fans and is widely respected for his accomplishments.
“I like to think I’m in the division’s top 5 [all-time],”
Moreno said.
No one will move Demetrious Johnson [off the greatest flyweight ever spot], at least in the near future. Current champ Joshua Van has all the time to make history, but I think I’m in the top 5.”
Still, Moreno remains driven, acknowledging both his experience and hunger as fuels for competing at an elite level.
“I think my path is full of experience,”
he remarked.
I know I’m the experienced fighter in the division but still very hungry. At the end of the day, I want to be champion. But I think the essence of combat is what keeps me motivated — competition, waking up early, discipline, sweat and that primitive feeling of getting into a fight with another guy.”
Moreno envisions that winning again and pursuing a third flyweight title would not only cap his career but also elevate his standing in UFC history.
“That would put my name very high in this sport’s history,”
he affirmed.
“I’m doing everything in my control — keep working, waking up early, disciplined with training. I’m an example that if I want to achieve my goals, I can, and my goal is to be champion again.”
This fight at Arena Ciudad de Mexico represents a critical moment for Brandon Moreno’s UFC legacy and his ambitions to etch his name even deeper into flyweight history.
