MEXICO CITY – Just to give an idea of how relaxed Brandon Moreno is heading into UFC on ESPN 64, the former flyweight champion was seen enjoying a slice of cheesecake Wednesday, two days before cutting weight.
That’s a welcomed change from the last time Moreno fought in Mexico City, when he lost a split decision to Brandon Royval in February 2024.
“I’m just enjoying the moment much better than the last time,” Moreno told reporters, including MMA Junkie, during UFC on ESPN 64 media day. “The last time I was just exhausted. I was tired to be in the gym, to be making the weight cut, whatever. So this time I’m just enjoying it a little bit more.”
After the loss to Royval, Moreno (23-8-2 MMA, 11-4-2 UFC) decided he would take a much-needed leave of absence, which lasted almost nine months, after being one of the UFC’s most active fighters – and champions – of the post-pandemic era. A return to Mexico City, where he’s 0-2-1, could be cause for the Mexican standout to be concerned ahead of Saturday’s main event (ESPN, ESPN+) against former title challenger Steve Erceg (12-4 MMA, 3-3 UFC) at Arena CDMX.
Moreno insists nothing could be further from the truth.
“I’m not even thinking about my past. That is something I had to avoid for this one,” Moreno said. “You guys always ask me, ‘What is the pressure of your next fight?’ And I always answer the same: There’s a lot of pressure on us always. But I can’t put more of that weight on my shoulders. I just stopped thinking about my past. I don’t know nothing about my past. I grabbed all the lessons from that, but right now I’m very focused on my present, very focused on Steve Erceg, and I’m ready for the challenge.”
Moreno, who’s coming off a nice win over Amir Albazi last November, acknowledged that Erceg currently is “not in his best moment” coming off a title-fight loss to Alexandre Pantoja and most recently a first-round TKO loss to Kai Kara-France.
“But he’s dangerous,” Moreno added. “He’s very talented, very good boxing, very good martial arts in general. I’m ready for him and all things he’s bringing to the fight. It’s a fight that makes me very excited.”
Moreno, a two-time champion at 125 pounds, most recently held the title in 2023 and is looking to get it back. While Moreno acknowledged Manel Kape and Kara-France as both very deserving, he’s looking to remind everyone that he also belongs in the mix.
“Winning this Saturday, I believe I can raise my hand and say, ‘Hey, man, I deserve the opportunity, as well,’” Moreno said. “Let’s see what happens.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 64.
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