A potential number one contender fight for the UFC flyweight championship has been made. Top five contenders Brandon Moreno and Alex Perez will fight each other at UFC 255 on November 21st. It was first reported by Milenio’s Carlos Contreras Legaspi and also confirmed by MMA Junkie. UFC 250 will also feature UFC Flyweight champion, Deiveson Figueiredo, defending his title against former UFC bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt.
Moreno is looking to continue his success in his second chance in the UFC. Moreno was released by the UFC in 2018, during a time the UFC seemed to be moving away from the flyweight division. Moreno would make his return at UFC Fight Night 159 on September 21, 2019, against Askar Askarov. The fight went to a split decision, but it helped get Moreno to find his place in the division. He is currently on a two-fight win streak with unanimous decision wins over Kai Kara-France and Jussier Formiga. A win over Perez will put Moreno in line for a title opportunity.
Perez is having an impressive run in the UFC. The Dana White Contender Series alumn winner has won six out of his seven fights in UFC. His only loss in the UFC was against former flyweight title contender Joseph Benavidez by TKO at The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale on November 30, 2018. Perez’s last win was against Formiga by TKO via leg kicks at UFC 250 on June 6th. A win over Moreno can set up Perez with a title opportunity or a rematch against Benavidez.
Both Moreno and Perez can also serve as a backup for the flyweight championship fight. Garbrandt will be making his first attempt at flyweight when he faces Figueiredo, with many uncertain if he can make the 125 weight limit. Figueiredo has also missed weight at flyweight in the past. Moreno and Perez will have to be ready to face each other at UFC 255 but also be prepared to potentially step up to fight for the championship.
