Brandon Moreno’s Flyweight Comeback
On June 12, 2021, Brandon Moreno submitted Deiveson Figueiredo with a third-round rear-naked choke at UFC 263 to become the UFC’s first Mexican-born champion. The victory was a defining breakthrough in a flyweight rivalry that ultimately stretched across four championship bouts. Moreno’s run featured dramatic reversals, a second undisputed title win and intense fights with other leading contenders.
A champion shaped by persistence
Moreno began his professional career in Mexico and entered the UFC after competing on The Ultimate Fighter. Released in 2018, he returned to the promotion in September 2019 and worked back into title contention. His path from early setback to champion became a defining part of his public story.
The four-fight series with Figueiredo
Moreno and Deiveson Figueiredo fought for the flyweight title four times. Their first bout at UFC 256 ended in a draw. Moreno won the rematch by submission at UFC 263, Figueiredo reclaimed the belt in their third meeting, and Moreno regained it by doctor stoppage at UFC 283 in January 2023. Moreno later lost the title to Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 290.
Moreno blends boxing combinations with opportunistic grappling and a high work rate. His willingness to exchange and his ability to recover under pressure have made him a popular and durable contender in the division.
Interim gold and the final Figueiredo showdown
After losing a unanimous decision to Figueiredo at UFC 270 on January 22, 2022, Moreno rebounded against Kai Kara-France at UFC 277 on July 30. He finished Kara-France with strikes in the third round to claim the interim flyweight championship, setting up another opportunity to unify the belts. Their fourth fight took place on January 21, 2023, at UFC 283 in Rio de Janeiro. Moreno’s effective combinations and sustained offense damaged Figueiredo’s eye; the doctor stopped the contest after the third round, giving Moreno a TKO victory and the undisputed title.
Alexandre Pantoja and the flyweight picture
Moreno’s next title defense came against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 290 on July 8, 2023. After five competitive rounds, Pantoja won by split decision and took the championship. The result reinforced how narrow the margins can be at 125 pounds: Moreno’s boxing volume and resilience remained evident even in defeat, but Pantoja’s own offense and grappling threats made the difference on the judges’ cards.
Moreno’s appeal has always extended beyond his championship belts. His path included an early UFC release, a determined return and repeated tests against the division’s elite. His best performances combine movement, fast boxing exchanges and opportunistic submissions, while his rivalry with Figueiredo remains one of the sport’s most recognizable multi-fight title series.
Sources
- UFC: Brandon Moreno athlete profile and fight history
- UFC 263 official event results
- UFC 283 official event results
- UFC 290 official event results
Article Tags
Brandon Moreno, Deiveson Figueiredo, Alexandre Pantoja, Kai Kara-France, UFC Flyweight, UFC 263, UFC 283, MMA History
