Tag: Brandon Moreno

‘It exploded my mind’: Brandon Moreno opens up about layoff before UFC Edmonton return

Brandon Moreno has taken the time he needs to recharge before UFC Edmonton and plans to remind the world he’s the best flyweight.

EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada – [autotag]Brandon Moreno[/autotag] didn’t understand how much he needed to get out of the spotlight until he actually stepped away.

A former two-time UFC flyweight champion, Moreno (21-8-2 MMA, 9-4-2 UFC) returns to competition Saturday for the first time in more than eight months when he takes on Amir Albazi (17-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC) in the UFC Fight Night 246 main event at Rogers Place (ESPN+).

After he lost the belt to Alexandre Pantoja by split decision in July 2023 then dropped another split decision to Brandon Royval in February on home soil in Mexico, Moreno knew something wasn’t right.

He’s competed in seven consecutive championship or main event fights dating back to December 2020. During that time, Moreno became a figurehead of fight sport in his country.

The weight of all that caught up to Moreno in more ways than one, he said, and it was the primary driving force behind the hiatus.

“I am the first Mexican world champion,” Moreno told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday’s UFC Fight Night 246 media day. “The guy from a huge country with a lot of support on a person. That person is me. It’s not just the training camp. It’s not just the fight. Now it’s about the media, about the responsibilities, the travels, the media tours. I don’t know. Maybe I’m a pussy. Maybe I’m a weak person. Maybe other fighters can say, ‘Hey, that’s nothing. Shut the f*ck up and keep going.’ Maybe that’s true, but talking about myself: That’s something huge.

“I’ve been on the grind like two, three years in a row. Fighting in an amazing spot, being around the world, doing a lot of work, a lot of media days. I’m a human being, man. And at some point, it exploded my mind. And that’s why I decided to take a break.”

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Moreno, 30, admits the temptation to come back sooner was strong. He was offered a fight at UFC 306 in September, which is the promotion’s celebration of Mexican Independence Day, and he nearly jumped at it.

Ultimately, though, Moreno’s inner circle reminded him of the bigger picture, and he came to senses.

“When I decided to take a little break of competition, it was fine in that moment,” Moreno said. “But after that, like three weeks after, I started being like, ‘Damn, I want to fight. I want to fight.’ But then my wife, my family and my coaches were like, ‘Hey, you have to take a break. You have to take it serious. You have to rest. Be with your family. Be with your daughters. Make more nice moments with them first.’ I had to tell myself. I had this fight with myself and my mind to take this break serious.”

Now that he’s back, Moreno said all his mental challenges are behind him. He displayed his trademark smile and positive demeanor throughout a nearly 20-minute media day session, and admitted to rediscovering a joy for the process.

“My energy right now feels amazing,” Moreno said. “I feel so hype. It’s crazy how my last two training camps I didn’t feel like this. I feel all the stress, all the responsibilities. At some point that exploded my mind and I wasn’t really enjoying these kind of moments. Now I feel like before when you start your career with the UFC.

“I tried to recover my body, recovery my mind, heal some injuries that were bothering me in my last training camps. Now I feel perfect.”

Moreno said he holds Albazi, who has yet to be beaten inside the octagon, in high regard. He is confident in his ability to fight, and said his recent situation was one that never had much to do with a question about his abilities.

The split decision defeats to Pantoja and Royval could’ve swung in his favor, so Moreno returns with a full understanding what he’s capable of.

“I feel very frustrated because even when I lost my last two fights, I feel in my prime,” Moreno said. “I feel very strong. I feel stronger. I feel with better technique. I feel with more knowledge about the fight game. Just the result isn’t what I’ve been having in my last couple of fights. Now my goal is to show that to the world. To show all my hard work at the gym, and that’s it.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 246.

Video: UFC Edmonton fighters react positively, indifferently to rule changes

Two new rules will debut at UFC Edmonton. Check out what the fighters have to say about these tweaks.

EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada – Two new rules will make their UFC debut Saturday at Rogers Place as the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports (ABC) voted this past July to implement them beginning Nov. 1.

For the first time in the history of the Unified Rules of MMA, 12-6 elbows will be allowed at UFC Fight Night 246. Additionally, a “grounded fighter” is redefined as an athlete who has any part of their body besides their hands or feet on the ground.

Wednesday, MMA Junkie asked many of the event’s top participants for their thoughts on the changes from the perspective of a fighter.

Check out what they had to say about the new rules in the compilation video above.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 246.

Overreaction Time: Ilia Topuria era upon us, Khamzat Chimaev the boogeyman, Dana White goes too far, more!

Check out the latest episode of “Overreaction Time” as host Simon Samano and Nolan King cover the fallout from UFC 308 and much more.

The time for overreacting is here!

Check out the latest episode of “Overreaction Time” at noon ET/9 a.m. PT as host Simon Samano and MMA Junkie reporter Nolan King debate these “overreactions” on the following topics in mixed martial arts:

  • [autotag]Ilia Topuria[/autotag] will STILL be UFC featherweight champion at the end of 2025.
  • [autotag]Khamzat Chimaev[/autotag] is unstoppable and therefore his UFC title reign is inevitable.
  • Forget about [autotag]Max Holloway[/autotag] and [autotag]Robert Whittaker[/autotag] ever reclaiming UFC titles.
  • [autotag]Dana White[/autotag] is COMPLETELY out of bounds and full of sh*t when it comes to [autotag]Francis Ngannou[/autotag].
  • The antitrust settlement approval feels like a bigger win for the UFC than the fighters.
  • Monday’s headline will read: ‘[autotag]Brandon Moreno[/autotag], [autotag]Rose Namajunas[/autotag] primed for UFC title shots’

Watch the full episode in the video above.

Brandon Moreno dismisses Henry Cejudo, ‘not going to stress over someone who’s not on the map’

Former UFC champion Brandon Moreno is not paying any attention to Henry Cejudo.

MIAMI – [autotag]Brandon Moreno[/autotag] has issued his response to [autotag]Henry Cejudo[/autotag] showing interest in a move back to flyweight and a fight with him.

Cejudo (16-4 MMA, 10-4), a former UFC flyweight and bantamweight champion, told MMA Junkie last month that he was considering a return to 125 pounds as he sees it tough to earn a bantamweight title shot once again. He also mentioned Moreno (21-8-2 MMA, 9-5-2 UFC) as a fight he’d specifically want.

Moreno made it clear that he’s not fond of Cejudo, but he doesn’t see it as something worth discussing for the time being.

“It’s no secret we don’t like each other,” Moreno told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “It’s no secret I’d like to get my hands on him, but I’m not going to stress over someone who’s not on the map right now. He talks a lot and wants to call for attention and poor him, he has a hard time getting it. I’m just going to let him do his thing, and I’ll do mine.”

Moreno returns to the octagon Nov. 2 against top contender Amir Albazi in the main event of a UFC Fight Night in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It will be Moreno’s return fight since announcing earlier this year that he was going to take a break from the sport, citing mental fatigue.

The Mexican star is solely focused on his return, reclaiming the UFC flyweight title, and nothing else.

“One hundred percent, that’s still the goal,” Moreno said when asked about wanting to win back the UFC title. “I think a Brandon Moreno that feels happy and eager to be in the gym every day can go and do big things. I know it’s difficult. I know Pantoja has beaten me a few times, and I know I had a stumble against (Brandon) Royval, but deep inside I know I can beat them. I know I can beat them, and it’s just a matter of a few details that I’ve fixed in this time off, and that’s the goal.”

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Brandon Moreno reacts to ‘legend’ Demetrious Johnson’s retirement: ‘Bare minimum top five of the greatest of all time’

Former UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno reacts to Demetrious Johnson’s retirement from MMA.

MIAMI – [autotag]Demetrious Johnson[/autotag] is officially done with MMA. And like many, [autotag]Brandon Moreno[/autotag] can’t say enough good things about his fighting career.

Johnson, who’s considered by many the greatest flyweight in MMA history and an all-time great, announced his retirement from MMA on Friday in an emotional message at during the ONE 168 broadcast. The big news left many with plenty to say, including Moreno.

“Incredible,” Moreno told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “I actually had the opportunity to meet with him a few weeks ago. I trained with him. He’s an incredible person and very cool, chill guy.

“He’s a legend of the sport, and he’s at a bare minimum top five greatest of all time. So yeah, all the best to him. He’s now doing a career as a jiu-jitsu fighter. He competed in the world masters a few weeks ago in Las Vegas. He was very close to getting gold. He’s got tons of energy left, maybe not in professional MMA, because he’s already done a lot for the sport, but we’ll continue to see him.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-5wh9eSwg-/

Moreno (21-8-2 MMA, 9-5-2 UFC), a former UFC flyweight champion and the second man to hold the 125-pound UFC belt after Johnson’s departure from the promotion, returns to the cage on Nov. 2 after taking a break from the sport.

The Mexican star takes on top contender Amir Albazi (17-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC) in the main event of a UFC Fight Night in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Moreno looks to snap a two-fight losing skid and get himself back in title contention.

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Ex-UFC champ Brandon Moreno refreshed by break from MMA: ‘I feel very motivated to fight’

Brandon Moreno opens up about the mental pressure and exhaustion that comes from fighting.

MIAMI – [autotag]Brandon Moreno[/autotag] had to step away from the fight game.

He wasn’t injured. He wasn’t looking to do something else or retire. He had enough and needed to take a break from what he loves most.

Moreno, a former UFC flyweight champion, surprised many by announcing earlier this year that he was stepping away from MMA competition temporarily. Although on a two-fight skid, Moreno was just 30, highly ranked and considered arguably the biggest name in the division.

“At some point the obligations, responsibilities and all the stresses makes you not enjoy as much what you initially loved,” Moreno told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “I feel that way again and that makes me very happy because every time that I felt that way, I’ve always performed well.”

Moreno (21-8-2 MMA, 9-5-2 UFC) is officially back and scheduled to headline a UFC Fight Night in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on Nov. 2. He takes on top contender Amir Albazi (17-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC).

The Mexican fighter wasn’t gone for long; he most recently fought in February. In fact, he’s had bigger lulls in between fights before. Yet, the break was not so much the time, but about putting a pause on things.

“Right now, I find myself in a really good moment,” Moreno said. “The time I was away from MMA really helped me to clear my head and be with my family without thinking about fighting.

“Even though I was only doing one or two fights a year, I would fight, and immediately I would already be asked when my next fight would be and against who. When you have an opponent and date set, you could still be two, four months away, but you have that fighting chip inside you, and you’re not 100 percent relaxed. I took this time to breathe and just spend time with my daughter and wife and just enjoy life.”

Moreno used the time to rehab some injuries and attend his body. Although he says the break was much-needed, he can’t lie and say he didn’t miss fighting.

“As an athlete you’re also accustomed to train every day, the competition, so there is a point when you’re like, ‘Man, I want to return,’ but you have to fight yourself so you can relax and wind down,” Moreno said. “I feel very motivated to fight at this moment.”

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UFC books Brandon Moreno vs. Amir Albazi main event for Nov. 2 in Edmonton

An importan flyweight fight headlines the UFC event Nov. 9.

An important flyweight fight is back on the UFC schedule.

Former titleholder [autotag]Brandon Moreno[/autotag] will battle [autotag]Amir Albazi[/autotag] in the five-round main event of the UFC Fight Night event Nov. 2 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

UFC CEO Dana White announced the headliner Tuesday on social media.

Moreno (21-8-2 MMA, 9-5-2 UFC) and Albazi (17-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC) were initially scheduled to fight in Mexico City in February. However, Albazi withdrew due to injury and was replaced by Brandon Royval, who upset Moreno by split decision.

The defeat was Moreno’s second in a row and came after a split decision title challenge loss to Alexandre Pantoja. Mexico’s biggest MMA star, Moreno’s popularity remains high despite the recent skid.

Albazi enters his second UFC main event on a six-fight winning streak. He most recently competed in June 2023 when he defeated Kai Kara-France by split decision. Albazi has since began training at Fight Ready MMA in Scottsdale, Ariz.

With the addition, the UFC’s Edmonton Fight Night lineup now includes:

  • Brandon Moreno vs. Amir Albazi
  • Erin Blanchfield vs. Rose Namajunas
  • Jhonata Diniz vs. Derrick Lewis
  • Rodrigo Nascimento vs. Alexandr Romanov
  • Ariane da Silva vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius
  • Marc-Andre Barriault vs. Dustin Stoltzfus
  • Jamey-Lyn Horth vs. Ivana Petrovic
  • Chad Anheliger vs. Cody Gibson
  • Caio Machado vs. Brendson Ribeiro
  • Garrett Armfield vs. Serhiy Sidey
  • Trevin Giles vs. Mike Malott

Amir Albazi open to Brandon Moreno rebooking, confident he ‘matches up perfectly’ with Alexandre Pantoja

Amir Albazi is ready to jump back into the UFC title picture.

ABU DHABI – [autotag]Amir Albazi[/autotag] is ready to jump back into the UFC title picture.

Winner of six straight, Albazi (17-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC) was scheduled to face former champion [autotag]Brandon Moreno[/autotag] at UFC Fight Night 237 in February, but was forced out due to a neck injury which required surgery.

Albazi is willing to rebook his fight with Moreno (21-8-2 MMA, 9-5-2 UFC), or take on anyone in the UFC’s flyweight rankings to cement himself as No. 1 contender.

“Right now, (Moreno) would make the most sense, but I don’t mind fighting even lower down in the rankings,” Albazi told MMA Junkie. “Anyone that wants to fight, I’m right here, I’m waiting. I’m going to show you why I’m No. 3 in the world.”

UFC flyweight champion [autotag]Alexandre Pantoja[/autotag] (28-5 MMA, 12-3 UFC) already holds wins over top 10-ranked flyweights Moreno, Manel Kape, Brandon Royval, Alex Perez, and Steve Erceg.

Albazi would present a fresh challenge, and the 30-year-old thinks he has the ability and skills to dethrone Pantoja.

“I’m different than anyone else he fought,” Albazi said. “He fought almost the whole division and beat the whole division, and I think that’s why I deserve the title shot – me and Tatsuro Taira, who’s also new in the mix. Kai Asakura, they signed him, but I think I match up perfectly with him.

“I don’t think his jiu-jitsu is better is mine. I think I’m a better striker than him. I think I carry more punching power than him. So stylistically for me, it’s a perfect matchup. If I get that shot, I would love to show people what I’m talking about.”

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Video: What Brandon Moreno’s MMA hiatus means for UFC flyweight division

What to make of Brandon Moreno’s surprise announcement? We discuss on “Spinning Back Clique.”

On the latest episode of “Spinning Back Clique,” the panel discusses [autotag]Brandon Moreno[/autotag] announcing that he’s stepping away from MMA following his decision loss to Brandon Royval in February.

Moreno (21-8-2 MMA, 9-5-2 UFC), arguably the most popular name in the UFC’s flyweight division, is stepping away from the sport as he needs both a mental and physical break from fighting in the octagon. The former champ gave no timeline on a return, but he did promise he’ll eventually come back to fighting.

MMA Junkie’s Brian “Goze” Garcia, Danny Segura, Nolan King, and host “Gorgeous” George Garcia discussed Moreno’s big news and how it impacts the UFC’s flyweight division.

Watch their discussion in the video above, and also don’t miss this week’s complete episode of “Spinning Back Clique” below on YouTube and in podcast form.

https://youtube.com/live/f9e84PpMjN0

Spinning Back Clique REPLAY: UFC on ESPN 54, Brandon Moreno’s hiatus from MMA, Whittaker-Chimaev, more

On this week’s episode of “Spinning Back Clique,” our panel discusses UFC on ESPN 54, Brandon Moreno’s hiatus from MMA, and more.

Check out this week’s “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly live show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts.

This week’s panel of Brian “Goze” Garcia, Danny Segura, and Nolan King will join host “Gorgeous” George Garcia live at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) to discuss and debate:

  • UFC on ESPN 54 is in the books, and it left plenty to talk about, including [autotag]Manon Fiorot[/autotag]’s win over Erin Blanchfield and where she fits into the title picture at women’s flyweight; [autotag]Joaquin Buckley[/autotag]’s 3-0 start in his return to welterweight; [autotag]Chris Weidman[/autotag]’s controversial win over Bruno Silva and his future in MMA. We recap the main results of Saturday’s event in Atlantic City.
  • Sad news for the men’s flyweight. Arguably the division’s most popular name has announced a hiatus from MMA. Former champion [autotag]Brandon Moreno[/autotag] revealed that he’s in need of a break from fighting and that he will be stepping away for some time, but he promises to come back eventually. We react to the news and its impact on the flyweight division.
  • The UFC’s debut event in Saudi Arabia is taking shape. UFC CEO Dana White announced several key matchups for the June 22 event, including a title eliminator bout between [autotag]Robert Whittaker[/autotag] and [autotag]Khamzhat Chimaev[/autotag] – which will serve as the main event of the card. We break down Whittaker vs. Chimaev, along with the rest of the fights announced.
  • Things got weird earlier this month when [autotag]Igor Severino[/autotag] got disqualified, and later cut from the UFC, after biting his opponent Andre Lima at UFC on ESPN 53. We heard almost immediately after the incident from Lima, UFC CEO Dana White, the Nevada Athletic Commission, but this Severino broke silence in an exclusive interview with MMA Junkie. We discuss the whole incident as well as Severino’s recent comments.

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