The necessity for Brandon Moreno to step back from the limelight wasn’t evident to him until he did just that. As an ex-UFC flyweight champion twice over, Moreno is making his comeback this Saturday in the UFC Fight Night 246 main event at Rogers Place. He’s stepping back into the ring for the first time since an eight-month sabbatical following a couple of split decision losses. He first lost his title to Alexandre Pantoja in July 2023 and then again faced defeat against Brandon Royval in the ensuing February.
While reflecting on his journey, Moreno acknowledged feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of his responsibilities both inside and outside the ring. Over the course of seven consecutive championship or main event matches, starting from December 2020, Moreno had not only become a prominent figure in his country’s fight sport but also the first-ever Mexican world champion.
Bearing such a significant title and the expectations that inevitably come with it had left him physically and mentally drained. The weight of being the first Mexican world champion was nothing to be trifled with, and the intense scrutiny and arduous training camps had taken a toll on him. He summed up his situation, ‘Being a champion isn’t just about the fights or the training camps. The responsibilities and the travel prove to be just as draining.’
Moreno went on to explain that dealing with such mounting pressure had pushed him to the edge. He remembered moments when he felt like his mental capacity was blown to smithereens. Yet, in an age when mental health isn’t taken lightly, he chose self-care over ongoing struggles. He decided to step away from the spotlight to recalibrate and reassess.
Despite flaunting his engaging personality and jovial demeanor, Moreno confessed to giving in to the lure of returning from his hiatus prematurely. However, wise counsel from his trusted confidants jogged his memory of the overarching priorities. He finally took a deep breath, kept his impulsive urges in check, and decided to wait for the appropriate time to return.
Now that he’s back in the game, Moreno seemed to radiate a sense of serenity. He was notably cheerful, distinctly reminiscent of his early UFC days, and confessed to having rekindled his love for the sport. Currently, Moreno felt an exhilarating wave of positive energy, a stark contrast to his last two strenuous training camps.
His current state of mind was such that he felt rejuvenated and pristine, almost like he was at the start of his UFC journey. Speaking about his energy level, Moreno stated, ‘It’s amazing how differently I feel now compared to my last two training camps. I feel as charged up as when I initially commenced my UFC career.’
In the ring, Moreno’s confidence never wavered, making it clear that his hiatus had more to do with personal issues than actual ring performance. Despite his recent losses, he respected his upcoming opponent, Amir Albazi, who has not yet experienced defeat within the octagon.
Moreno held Albazi in high esteem but was confident in his abilities nevertheless. He expressed that his time away from the game had no bearing on his inherent skills and, irrespective of his return, he felt that his split decision losses against Pantoja and Royval could have tipped in his favor.
‘Despite my recent defeats, I believe I am currently in the best condition ever,’ Moreno exclaimed. ‘I’ve never felt stronger or more technically proficient than I am now. I possess a deeper understanding of the fight game.’
Yet, he was aware that his recent track record did not reflect these sentiments. Moreno admitted feeling frustrated since his last two fights’ outcomes did not match his perceived skill level and strength. He was eager to not just redeem himself but also showcase his skills, the result did not reflect his abilities, and he was eager to show the world the fighter that he really is.
Despite the setbacks, Moreno remained undeterred and primed for his forthcoming bout. He remained confident about his abilities and readiness to take on the challenges the ring presented. His aspiration to prove himself and his abilities to the world was undiminished.
‘I am still in my prime, and I feel stronger than ever. I am more technically adept. I possess a more profound understanding about the fight game,’ he reaffirmed.
Moreno’s primary objective now was to demonstrate to world that he’s indeed at the pinnacle of his skills despite what his recent record suggested. He wanted to set the record straight and come out victorious, proving that he is a world-class MMA champion.