March 25, 2025 5:10 pm ET
Brandon Moreno’s profession within the UFC couldn’t be described as something lower than an outrageous success. The 2-time former flyweight champion has reached the best of highs, been part of historical past and been one of many key figures behind MMA’s increase in Mexico.
In the case of competing on his house soil, nevertheless, that’s part of Moreno’s UFC profession he most likely needs to neglect about. He’s winless in three octagon appearances in Mexico, going 0-2-1, with the 2 defeats being in foremost occasions towards Sergio Pettis and Brandon Royval.
On Saturday, nevertheless, Moreno (22-8-2 MMA, 10-4-2 UFC) will get the possibility to show the narrative in his favor. He’s positioned in one other headlining spot at UFC on ESPN 64, this time towards Steve Erceg (12-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC) at Area CDMX in Mexico Metropolis (ESPN2, ESPN+).
The document at house has been a thorn within the facet of Moreno. High UFC analyst and coloration commentator Paul Felder understands why, however stated if Moreno needs to get again to the title once more, he’s going to wish to beat this hurdle.
“He’s being placed on the face of Mexican MMA they usually need him there a lot to attract consideration, and that brings plenty of strain to it,” Felder advised MMA Junkie. “The truth that it’s at altitude and he has to alter the way in which that he needs to coach. He likes to have his personal crew and camp round him. Then it’s the monetary burden. Bringing the entire crew to altitude, prepping in altitude – it’s simply a lot that goes into that. Then how many individuals are hitting up someone like Brandon Moreno when he’s in Mexico Metropolis and he’s preparing for a foremost occasion and he’s obtained to do all of the press that goes with it?
“A foremost occasion elsewhere, it’s not as huge a deal for him. He can sort of slip underneath the radar and simply do the media. However while you’re the man, you’re the Mexican fighter on the marquee there in your house nation, it’s rather a lot. That’s what actually will get to a man like that. Some individuals deal with that house benefit effectively and make it work, and I feel generally it breaks guys mentally.”
In line with the divisional standings and betting odds, Moreno, No. 3 within the newest USA TODAY Sports activities/MMA Junkie flyweight rankings, is positioned effectively to get his hand raised towards No. 9-ranked Erceg.
Felder notes to not depend out the underdog on this place, nevertheless, and explains the 2 125-pound contenders to placed on an entertaining present underneath the highlight.
“I do suppose it is going to be an thrilling battle,” Felder stated. “Any time Brandon Moreno is in there (it’s good), and Erceg when he’s on his sport, we’ve seen him at his greatest like in that championship battle he misplaced, a razor shut battle to Alexandre Pantoja. Then he had one other setback after that (to Kai Kara-France), however I feel this child, if he can actually dig in and have a enjoyable scrap with Moreno and get a win, he places himself proper again within the combine at flyweight. I like each of these guys a complete lot. That battle goes to be plenty of enjoyable.”
To listen to extra from Felder, take a look at his full look above on “The Bohnfire” podcast with MMA Junkie senior reporter Mike Bohn.
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC on ESPN 64.
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