Brandon Moreno’s story is far from over. With his renewed mindset and lessons learned from fighters like Dustin Poirier, he is poised to make another run at the UFC flyweight title
His upcoming fight against Steve Erceg is more than just a comeback—it’s an opportunity to showcase his growth, both mentally and physically.
Win or lose, Moreno’s journey serves as a reminder that success is not solely defined by championships. It is about perseverance, adaptation, and the ability to enjoy the ride.
As he steps into the octagon once again, one thing is certain: the heart of “The Assassin Baby” remains as strong as ever.
The fight between Steve Erceg and Brandon Moreno is shaping up to be an electrifying showdown. With both fighters eager to prove themselves and reestablish their positions in the flyweight division, fans can expect an action-packed contest filled with high-level striking and technical exchanges.
Whether Erceg can silence the Mexican crowd and pull off an upset remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—this fight is a must-watch for UFC fans worldwide.
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Table of Contents
Brandon Moreno’s Mental Evolution
Learning from Dustin Poirier and Others
Brandon Moreno’s journey in the UFC has been one filled with perseverance, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of greatness.1
The former flyweight champion has cemented himself as one of the most exciting fighters in the division, known for his relentless pace, well-rounded skill set, and warrior spirit inside the octagon.
Moreno first captured the UFC flyweight championship in June 2021 when he submitted Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 263. His victory was a culmination of years of hard work and determination, as he had previously been cut from the UFC roster in 2018.
However, through sheer perseverance and continuous improvement, he clawed his way back into the promotion and reached the pinnacle of the sport.
The Ups and Downs of Championship Battles
The flyweight division has been one of the most competitive weight classes in the UFC, with Moreno at the heart of its most intense rivalries.
His quadrilogy with Deiveson Figueiredo showcased his ability to adapt, recover, and return stronger after every fight.
The two warriors went head-to-head four times between 2020 and 2023, with Moreno ultimately regaining the flyweight title in their fourth and final encounter at UFC 283.
However, his reign was short-lived. A few months later, Moreno lost his belt in a razor-thin split decision to Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 290.
The loss was a devastating blow, marking the end of a grueling stretch in which he had competed in six straight title fights.
Facing Setbacks: The Loss to Brandon Royval
Following his title loss to Pantoja, Moreno took on Brandon Royval in a high-stakes flyweight bout. Unfortunately, the fight didn’t go his way, and he suffered another close decision loss.
The consecutive defeats forced Moreno to take a step back and reevaluate his approach to the sport. He decided to take an eight-month hiatus to reflect, recalibrate, and work on his mental game.
The Power of Mental Resilience: Learning from Dustin Poirier
In his recent interview with Daniel Cormier, Moreno revealed that he has been actively working on developing a more positive mindset, drawing inspiration from fighters like Dustin Poirier.
Poirier, a former interim lightweight champion, is widely respected for his perseverance, humility, and ability to handle both victories and defeats with grace.
“I’m just trying to be focused after my last fight here in Mexico when I lost against Royval,” Moreno said. “I’ve tried to be more chill, spend time with my family, my wife, and my daughters, and say to myself, ‘Hey man, whatever happens in the future, you already won.’
I look at fighters like Dustin Poirier and others who say, ‘Man, I’m from the hood, I didn’t have anything. Now I’m living my dream.’ I try to get the same mentality as Poirier. Right now, I’m just enjoying it.”
Brandon Moreno: Balancing Personal and Professional Life
For Moreno, the key to longevity in the fight game is balance. Spending time with his wife and daughters has helped him gain perspective and rediscover his love for the sport.2
While he remains laser-focused on reclaiming the flyweight title, he is also learning to appreciate the journey rather than being consumed by the outcome.
Many fighters struggle with the mental toll of consecutive losses, but Moreno’s approach is a testament to his maturity and growth.
By focusing on gratitude and embracing the moment, he has positioned himself to return to the octagon with a refreshed mindset.
Morning training #RVCA #TheAssassinBabyTeam #UFCMEXICO #5DEAGOSTO #MorenoVSPettis 👊🔥 pic.twitter.com/BH3Mne7o64
— Brandon Moreno (@theassassinbaby) June 20, 2017
The Upcoming Challenge: Facing Steve Erceg at UFC Mexico City
On March 29, Moreno will step into the cage against rising contender Steve Erceg at UFC Mexico City. This fight marks his chance to prove that he is still among the elite flyweights in the world.
Erceg, while relatively new to the UFC, has been making waves with his impressive performances and well-rounded skill set.
For Moreno, this fight is not just about winning—it’s about reaffirming his status as a top contender and taking another step toward reclaiming the championship.
His ability to remain composed and focused, regardless of past setbacks, will be critical in securing victory.
The Evolution of Brandon Moreno’s Fighting Style
While Moreno has always been known for his high-paced striking, relentless pressure, and exceptional grappling, he has been working on refining his approach to avoid unnecessary risks.
His fights with Figueiredo and Pantoja highlighted his durability, but they also exposed areas where he could be more defensively sound.
In his bout against Amir Albazi, Moreno demonstrated improved fight IQ and patience, securing a unanimous decision victory.
Against Erceg, he will likely look to employ a similar strategy—utilizing calculated aggression while maintaining a solid defensive base.
Brandon Moreno’s Legacy
More Than Just a Fighter
Regardless of what happens next, Moreno has already cemented his place as one of the greatest flyweights in UFC history.3
His journey from being cut by the UFC to becoming a world champion is an inspiration to many. Beyond his accomplishments in the cage, he is widely respected for his sportsmanship, humility, and love for the game.
As he prepares to face Erceg, Moreno understands that his legacy is about more than just wins and losses—it’s about the way he carries himself and the impact he leaves on the sport.
By embracing a mentality of gratitude and resilience, he is setting an example for future generations of fighters.
The Importance of Mental Strength in MMA
Mental toughness is often the deciding factor in high-level MMA fights. Fighters can possess all the physical attributes necessary for success, but without the right mindset, they struggle to reach their full potential.
Moreno’s ability to take inspiration from Poirier and others shows his willingness to evolve not just as a fighter, but as a person.
Throughout his career, Poirier has faced numerous setbacks, including multiple failed title bids. However, he has always bounced back stronger, proving that perseverance is key.
Moreno’s decision to adopt a similar mentality could be a game-changer for his career moving forward.
The Future of the UFC Flyweight Division
The UFC flyweight division is currently one of the most competitive in the sport. With Alexandre Pantoja as the reigning champion, contenders like Brandon Royval, Amir Albazi, and Steve Erceg are all vying for a shot at the title.
Moreno remains one of the biggest names in the division and a win against Erceg could put him right back into the championship conversation.
Beyond Moreno, new challengers continue to emerge, making the division more exciting than ever. The flyweight landscape is constantly shifting, and only those who can adapt and evolve will remain at the top.
Brandon Moreno: The Road to UFC Mexico City
A Crucial Fight for Steve Erceg
Steve Erceg is preparing for one of the biggest fights of his career as he faces former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno at UFC Mexico City.
After suffering two consecutive losses in 2024, the Australian flyweight is determined to make a statement and reestablish himself as a top contender in the division.
Erceg’s journey to this fight has been anything but smooth. He earned a title shot against Alexandre Pantoja earlier in 2024 but fell short in his bid for championship glory.
Following that, he faced Kai Kara-France, a top flyweight contender, and suffered a knockout loss. Despite these setbacks, Erceg remains undeterred and views his fight against Moreno as a chance to prove he belongs among the division’s elite.
Brandon Moreno is one of the most well-rounded fighters in the flyweight division, possessing high-level striking, strong grappling, and elite-level experience against top-tier opponents.
Erceg, on the other hand, brings a unique style of striking and impressive durability to the table.
Erceg’s Strategy: A Stand-Up Battle Expected
Speaking in a recent interview with James Lynch for Bodog Canada, Erceg shared his expectations for the fight, emphasizing that it will likely be contested primarily on the feet. He stated:
“I think it’s mostly going to be on the feet. I’m not saying that I’m not going to shoot [for takedowns]. I’m not. I think that’d be a mistake. And I’m not saying that he won’t shoot. I think we both scramble well enough… But for the most part, I think we are going to be punching each other.”
This insight gives fans a glimpse into Erceg’s strategy, suggesting a striking-heavy contest where both fighters will look to impose their game plans through precision and power.
Brandon Moreno: The Pressure of Fighting in his Home Country
Fighting in enemy territory is never easy, and Erceg is fully aware of the challenges that come with stepping into the octagon in Mexico City.
With thousands of passionate Mexican fans backing their hometown hero, the atmosphere will undoubtedly be intense. However, Erceg remains confident in his ability to block out the noise and stay focused on the task at hand.
For Brandon Moreno, this fight is also a crucial moment in his career. The former champion is looking to get back into title contention after losing the flyweight championship to Alexandre Pantoja.
A win over Erceg would solidify his status as one of the top contenders in the division, making this fight a high-stakes affair for both athletes.
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The Keys to Victory for Steve Erceg
To secure a win against Moreno, Erceg will need to execute his game plan flawlessly. Here are some key areas where he can gain an advantage:
- Striking Accuracy: Erceg must capitalize on his striking abilities, using his jab and movement to keep Moreno at bay.
- Defense Against Takedowns: While he expects the fight to stay on the feet, Erceg must be prepared for any takedown attempts from Moreno.
- Cardio and Endurance: Fighting at altitude in Mexico City can be exhausting, so conditioning will play a major role in his performance.
- Avoiding Moreno’s Power Shots: Moreno has knockout power, and Erceg will need to avoid getting caught in exchanges where he could be countered.
A win over Brandon Moreno would be a career-defining moment for Erceg. Not only would it put him back in the win column, but it would also reinsert him into the flyweight title picture.
With a victory, Erceg could find himself in line for another high-profile fight, possibly even a rematch with Pantoja or another top-five opponent.
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