Brandon Moreno returns to the UFC after a longer-than-usual break following two split decision losses, reflecting on his mental struggles during fights and emphasizing his determination to prove his prime form against contender Albazi.
Brandon Moreno is stepping back into the cage sooner than anyone expected. But don’t think for a second he hasn’t taken time to ponder his recent hurdles.
The two-time flyweight champ has been on a pretty regular fight schedule, battling it out every six to seven months. His return at UFC Edmonton marks a slightly longer break since his last bout in February. In Mexico City, Moreno faced Brandon Royval and lost by split decision, which made him rethink his approach to competing.
“I think it was the break point,” Moreno shared during UFC Edmonton’s media day. “No excuses, though. Royval’s doing great right now—tough guy, amazing rhythm. That night, my mind just wasn’t there. Frustrating as hell.”
He emphasized, “No excuses.” Fighters often have those nights when their mind isn’t in the game. That night was one of those for him.
This loss to Royval put Moreno on a two-fight losing streak—the second time he’s experienced back-to-back losses in his career. Alexandre Pantoja also defeated him recently for the flyweight title at UFC 290. Both losses were razor-close split decisions.
Moreno planned some downtime after the Royval fight, but the urge to compete kept nagging at him. Thankfully, his team and family helped keep him away from the octagon longer than he might have stayed otherwise.
“I’m a competitor,” Moreno admitted when asked why he returned sooner than planned. “After deciding on a break, everything was fine… until three weeks later when I thought, ‘Damn, I want to fight again.’ My wife and family had to remind me to take it seriously.”
His wife and coaches insisted he needed rest and quality time with family. It was tough, but he knew he had to take this break seriously.
On Saturday, Moreno faces Albazi—a contender on a hot streak who hasn’t lost in five UFC fights. Despite seemingly heading in opposite directions, Moreno isn’t discouraged by his recent outings; if anything, they show his best is yet to come.
“It’s crazy,” Moreno reflected with his coaches. “Even after losing my last two fights, I feel like I’m in my prime—stronger and more skilled than ever. The results haven’t matched my growth yet, but I’m ready to prove it.”