The former flyweight champion is once again a top contender, aiming for another shot at the title currently held by Alexandre Pantoja.
Brandon Moreno celebrated a victory over Steve Erceg in Mexico City, marking a positive turn after previous setbacks in the same arena.
Following consecutive wins and strong performances, Moreno, known as ‘The Assassin Baby’, has re-entered the title conversation after losing his championship at UFC 290.
However, he faces competition for the next title opportunity from other flyweight contenders such as Kai Kara-France and Manel Kape, all eager to challenge Alexandre Pantoja.
A significant point of discussion is Moreno`s history with Pantoja. They have fought multiple times, with Pantoja winning each encounter. While Moreno believes he could win a fourth fight, Pantoja`s past successes cannot be ignored.
Moreno Believes He Draws More Attention Than Fellow Contenders
Alexandre Pantoja has already defeated the leading contenders in the flyweight division. He holds multiple wins over Moreno, Royval, and has defeated Kape and Kara-France in the past.
Manel Kape might be considered a strong contender due to his recent winning streak. His previous loss to Pantoja was early in his UFC career, shortly after transitioning from RIZIN.
Despite this, Moreno’s recent performances have been impressive, earning him recognition, even though a further match against Pantoja might not be the most anticipated fight by some.
If Moreno continues his winning streak against other top flyweights, he will solidify his claim for a title rematch against Pantoja.
After his victory over Steve Erceg, Moreno discussed his future in an ESPN post-fight interview.
He suggested a key reason why he should be considered for the title shot over other deserving contenders in the division.
“I want to fight for the title. The flyweight division is interesting right now. Manel, Kai Kara-France, and Royval are all deserving. With this win, I think I`ve elevated myself. I believe I bring more attention to the division than the other guys.”
Moreno`s Popularity Could Be a Factor
Brandon Moreno is likely correct in his assessment that he generates more fan interest compared to other flyweight contenders.
The challenge remains the matchup with Pantoja. Despite Moreno`s popularity, a fourth fight against Pantoja might not generate huge excitement, even considering their previous bout at UFC 290 was highly acclaimed.
This context might favor Manel Kape, as a fight between him and Pantoja presents a fresh matchup, regardless of stylistic similarities to past fights.
Even with two strong wins since his return, Moreno may need another decisive victory to guarantee his chance to compete for the flyweight title once more.
