After his submission victory over Deiveson Figueiredo for the Flyweight title at UFC 263, Brandon Moreno proved he’s the type of champion the organization needs.
In a highly anticipated rematch from UFC 256, Brandon Moreno did the unthinkable and silenced all doubt by submitting Deiveson Figueiredo (via RNC) in the 3rd round at UFC 263 to become the new UFC Flyweight champion. The fighter out of Tijuana, Mexico showcased his growth as a striker and grappler, thrusting himself into elite territory.
But it wasn’t sunshine and rainbows for Brandon Moreno in his journey to become champion. His ascension seemingly came from the shadows – but I guess that’s why they call him “The Assassin Baby”.
Early Career and TUF
Moreno started his pro MMA career at the age of 17, fighting for multiple organizations. While a rocky 3-3 record may have caused some doubt, he stayed determined. It was at Pandemonium 8 where Moreno started to find his groove. Opening the card, Moreno stopped Jason Carbajal in the 3rd round propelling himself to an eight fight win streak that led him to be invited to the Ultimate Fighter.
Coming into the Ultimate Fighter as the Flyweight champion of World Fighting Federation, Moreno was ranked as the 16th seed amongst his peers. That’s right, the current UFC Flyweight champion was dead last among his contemporaries on TUF Season 24. It also meant he had to eventually fight the No. 1 seed, Alexandre Pantoja. Moreno went on to loss that eventual fight, but TUF also put him in place for opportunity.
Prior to the TUF24 finale though, Moreno accepted a short-notice bout against Louis Smolka (who was 11-1 at the time) at UFC Fight Night 96 in Portland, Oregon. Moreno stepped in on eight days’ notice as a 6-1 dog and made Smolka tap to a guillotine choke in the opening round. No one could have predicted Moreno putting on that type of performance, but it showed what we’ve all come to know – Moreno is as game as they come.
From the Ashes, Rose a Phoenix
After his time on TUF, Moreno went on a small skid. He first lost to Sergio Pettis (who is now Bellator’s Bantamweight champion), and then to his TUF counterpart, Alexandre Pantoja (both via Decision). After his loss to Pantoja, Moreno was cut from the UFC roster; but it didn’t take long for him to come back.
In 2019, Moreno was picked up by LFA and slated to fight Maikel Pérez for the Flyweight title. Moreno won in impressive fashion, securing a TKO victory in the 4th round to become the LFA Flyweight champion.
Moreno hasn’t lost since.
That bout showed the UFC brass that Moreno was in fact a legit contender in the Flyweight division. In his first fight back he fought Askar Askarov to a draw. That may not seem impressive to some, but Askarov has still yet to be defeated, and Moreno the only person who hasn’t succumb to Askarov’s pressure and skill (don’t be surprised to see these two meet again soon).
Once he completed that challenge, it was nothing but W’s across the board – until the first matchup between he and Deiveson Figueiredo. That bout would turn out to be a legendary battle between warriors. That too, would end in a draw; and that draw is what would feed into Moreno’s mindset until their matchup in June 2021.
It was clear leading up to UFC 263 that Moreno was on a mission that couldn’t be deterred. He was excreting nothing but confidence, with the backing of an entire nation of people. That calm demeanor would prove to be that of tactful guidance, allowing him to will his dream into fruition.
The second matchup between Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno would be a much shorter story; as Moreno looked completely dominant and in control for the entirety of the fight. It was a much different battle than the first, though one Moreno had clearly prepared for. He submitted the Brazilian black belt with ease, and did it in a fashion that no one was able to do (to Figueiredo) prior.
The Heart of a Champion
Brandon Moreno is the definition of fortitude and perseverance. His shoddy start to his MMA career would have caused most people in his situation to give up. Instead, he continued to get better at his craft and was determined to find success. When most fighters get cut from the UFC, that is the end of their career. Moreno took that challenge and vowed to return; and he returned in grand gesture.
Brandon Moreno is a true story of an underdog tale; one that every fan, fighter, and person can gravitate towards. The first Mexican-born UFC champion, Moreno now has the entirety of a nation behind him. His presence in his country and with the UFC organization will bring in generations of new fans from all walks of life. Brandon Moreno is a star, and the type of champion the UFC needs.
