In the fiercely competitive world of mixed martial arts, few stories resonate as deeply as that of Brandon Moreno. From humble beginnings in Tijuana, Mexico, to becoming the first Mexican-born UFC champion, Moreno’s journey is a testament to perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering belief in himself. Known affectionately as “The Assassin Baby” for his youthful appearance contrasted with his aggressive fighting style, Moreno has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with his exciting fights and compelling narrative.
This article delves into the remarkable career of Brandon Moreno, exploring his early life, his unique path to the UFC, his fighting style, his historic rivalry, and what lies ahead for this perpetually entertaining flyweight contender.
From Piñatas to the Octagon: Early Life and MMA Beginnings
Born Brandon Moreno Carrillo on December 7, 1993, in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, his early life was far removed from the bright lights of the UFC. His family ran a piñata business, and young Brandon even learned to make them, a humble start that belies his future success. Growing up, he described himself as a boxing fan, but it was an unexpected twist of fate that led him to mixed martial arts.
At the age of 12, his mother enrolled him in a local gym to help him lose weight. Moreno initially sought a gym where he could learn Capoeira, inspired by the Tekken video game character Eddie Gordo. However, his mother found a gym nearby that offered Vale Tudo (a precursor to MMA), with classes in wrestling, kickboxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This serendipitous discovery ignited a passion for the sport, and Moreno quickly realized he could make a career out of fighting.
He began his professional MMA journey in his native Mexico in April 2011, fighting for promotions like Ultimate Warrior Challenge Mexico and World Fighting Federation. He amassed a solid record, eventually becoming the World Fighting Federation Flyweight Champion, which would serve as his springboard to the global stage.
The Ultimate Fighter and a Rollercoaster UFC Debut
Brandon Moreno’s first taste of the UFC came through The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions in July 2016. Despite being the lowest-ranked, 16th seed in the competition, Moreno’s spirit shone through. He was a member of Team Benavidez, and though he lost his opening-round fight on the show to Alexandre Pantoja via submission, his performances were enough to earn him a spot on the UFC roster.
His official UFC debut was a memorable one, as he stepped in on short notice to face Louis Smolka in October 2016. Moreno shocked many by submitting Smolka with a guillotine choke in the first round, earning a “Performance of the Night” bonus. He rattled off two more wins, building an impressive 3-0 start in the UFC.
However, the flyweight division at the time was volatile, and Moreno faced setbacks. After two consecutive decision losses, the UFC shockingly released him in 2018 as they contemplated dissolving the entire flyweight division. This was a pivotal moment in his career, a test of his resolve.
The Road Back: LFA Champion and UFC Return
Instead of being discouraged, Moreno used his release as fuel. He signed with Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA), a prominent regional promotion. In June 2019, he captured the vacant LFA Flyweight Championship with a TKO victory over Maikel Pérez. This victory, combined with his continued strong performances, proved his worth and set the stage for an unprecedented return to the UFC.
His comeback fight in the UFC in September 2019 saw him face Askar Askarov, resulting in a split draw. This was quickly followed by unanimous decision wins over Kai Kara-France and Jussier Formiga, signaling that Moreno was back and better than ever.
The Historic Rivalry: Moreno vs. Figueiredo
The defining chapter of Brandon Moreno’s career, and arguably one of the greatest rivalries in UFC history, is his saga with Deiveson Figueiredo. Their four fights for the UFC Flyweight Championship captured the imagination of fans worldwide.
First Encounter: A Draw for the Ages (UFC 256, December 2020)
Their first meeting was an instant classic. Figueiredo, the champion, and Moreno engaged in a back-and-forth war that many hailed as one of the best fights of 2020. After five rounds of relentless action, the fight was declared a majority draw, with Figueiredo being deducted a point for a groin strike. The result left fans clamoring for a rematch, and it set the stage for an epic rivalry.
Second Encounter: Making History (UFC 263, June 2021)
The highly anticipated rematch at UFC 263 saw Moreno realize his dream. With this victory, Brandon Moreno became the undisputed UFC Flyweight Champion, making history as the first Mexican-born fighter to win a UFC championship. The emotional scenes following his victory resonated deeply with fans, particularly in Mexico.
Third Encounter: Losing the Title (UFC 270, January 2022)
The third installment of their rivalry at UFC 270 was another closely contested battle. After five grueling rounds, Figueiredo reclaimed the title via unanimous decision, evening their series at 1-1-1. This loss showcased Moreno’s resilience, as he immediately vowed to work his way back.
Fourth Encounter: Unifying the Belt (UFC 283, January 2023)
Before the fourth fight with Figueiredo, Moreno claimed an interim title by defeating Kai Kara-France via TKO at UFC 277 in July 2022. This set up the unprecedented fourth championship fight against Figueiredo at UFC 283. In a fight that further cemented their legendary rivalry, Moreno stopped Figueiredo via TKO due to a doctor stoppage at the end of the third round, winning and unifying the UFC Flyweight Championship for the second time. This marked a monumental achievement, not just for Moreno but for Mexican MMA.
Fighting Style: The “Assassin Baby’s” Balanced Attack
Brandon Moreno’s fighting style is a blend of relentless pressure, technical striking, and highly effective grappling. He is a well-rounded fighter who has continually evolved his game.
Striking: Moreno possesses sharp boxing, often utilizing his jab effectively. He has good footwork and head movement, allowing him to navigate exchanges and set up his attacks. He’s shown the ability to land significant strikes and has five knockout victories in his career.
Grappling: As a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Raúl Arvizu, Moreno’s ground game is elite. He is adept at securing takedowns, maintaining control, and, most notably, applying submissions. Eleven of his victories have come via submission, with the rear-naked choke being a particular favorite.
Pace and Pressure: Moreno is known for his high-volume output and constant pressure. He pushes a relentless pace that can overwhelm opponents, especially in championship rounds.
His commitment to growth has been evident throughout his career, as he continues to add layers to his skill set at Fortis MMA, his current training home.
Recent Fights and Current Status
After his historic victory over Figueiredo, Moreno entered another significant rivalry with Alexandre Pantoja. This was a matchup with history, as Pantoja had previously defeated Moreno twice before his UFC title reigns (once on The Ultimate Fighter and once in 2018).
At UFC 290 in July 2023, Moreno faced Pantoja for the undisputed flyweight title. In a thrilling, back-and-forth war that earned “Fight of the Night” honors, Moreno ultimately lost the belt via split decision. The fight was another testament to Moreno’s warrior spirit, but it marked the end of his second reign as champion.
Since then, Moreno has continued to compete in the flyweight division, maintaining his status as a top contender. His most recent fights include:
Loss to Brandon Royval (Split Decision, February 24, 2024, UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Royval 2): Another incredibly close and competitive fight that saw Moreno on the losing end of a split decision.
Win against Steve Erceg (Unanimous Decision, March 29, 2025, UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Erceg): Moreno returned to winning ways with a dominant performance against the highly-touted Erceg, showcasing his versatility and experience.
Win against Amir Albazi (Unanimous Decision, November 2, 2024, UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Albazi)
As of May 2025, Brandon Moreno holds a professional MMA record of 23 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws (23-8-2). He remains a top contender in the UFC flyweight rankings and is constantly campaigning for another shot at the title.
Legacy and Impact
Brandon Moreno’s impact extends beyond his impressive fight record. He has become a national hero in Mexico, inspiring a new generation of fighters and proving that with hard work and unwavering belief, anything is possible. His emotional journey, marked by both triumphs and setbacks, has made him one of the most relatable and beloved figures in the UFC.
“The Assassin Baby” continues to be a driving force in the flyweight division, promising exciting performances and a relentless pursuit of greatness. His story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the greatest comebacks are born from the biggest challenges, and that an unbreakable spirit can lead to unprecedented achievements.
FAQs
What is Brandon Moreno’s net worth?
As of 2025, Brandon Moreno’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. His primary source of income comes from his UFC career, including fight purses, performance bonuses, and endorsements. As a former two-time champion and a major draw in the flyweight division, his earnings have steadily increased throughout his career.
Has Brandon Moreno ever been cut from the UFC?
Yes, Brandon Moreno was indeed cut from the UFC in 2018 after suffering back-to-back losses. This period coincided with the UFC’s brief consideration of discontinuing the flyweight division. However, Moreno proved his detractors wrong by going to the LFA, winning a championship, and earning his way back to the UFC, showcasing his incredible determination and resilience.
What is “The Assassin Baby” nickname’s origin?
The nickname “The Assassin Baby” (El Bebé Asesino in Spanish) was given to Brandon Moreno early in his career due to his baby-faced appearance coupled with his aggressive and relentless fighting style. The contrast between his innocent looks and his ferocity in the cage quickly made the nickname stick.
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