Flyweight star Brandon Moreno leads UFC Mexico, eyeing reconciliation with Pantoja

Moreno backstage at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

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Last Saturday (21), Joshua Van , flyweight champion (up to 57 kg), had confirmation that he will face Tatsuro Taira , now it is Brandon Moreno who puts the category in the spotlight. This Saturday (28), another UFC Mexico takes place and, as expected, the veteran returns to action. One of the country's main representatives in MMA, the former weight champion will headline the event against the promising Lone'er Kavanagh. In the show, the athlete seeks recovery and, incidentally, to get closer to Alexandre Pantoja , his old acquaintance.

Currently, Moreno is ranked sixth in the flyweight division and is coming off a loss to Tatsuro Taira via knockout in the second round. Therefore, the veteran wants to erase the bad impression left in the octagon to get back into the race for the title and be seen as a force in the division. If he overcomes his opponent, 'The Assassin Baby', with the reputation he has, would be able to deliver great fights again and, more than that, would expand his legacy in the division, where the Brazilian is a major highlight.

While Pantoja holds a comfortable lead in the historical rivalry with three wins (one in TUF and two in the UFC), the Mexican fighter could reduce the deficit in the statistical record. In the history of the UFC flyweight division, the Brazilian has the most wins (14), submissions (six), and wins by knockout (eight). The Mexican, on the other hand, is the fourth most successful fighter in the division (11), with the most submissions (3) and wins by knockout or submission (six).

On the other hand, Moreno is the athlete who has fought the most in UFC flyweight history (19 times), alongside Joseph Benavidez and Tim Elliott. After Saturday's event, the Mexican will be the undisputed leader. The former champion of the category is also the professional who has spent the most time in the octagon, competing for 5h15min52s. Pantoja, former king of the division, is fourth with the most fights in it (18) and with the longest time in action, competing for 3h34min47s.

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Originally, Moreno was scheduled to face Asu Almabayev in the main event of UFC Mexico , but Almabayev suffered an injury and was replaced by Kavanagh. Therefore, with the Englishman taking the fight at the last minute, the former flyweight champion has become an even stronger favorite. To confirm this, the Mexican, who possesses good boxing skills, constant movement, and speed, should keep the fight striking and rely on high volume of strikes. The promising fighter, if she wants to surprise the veteran in the octagon, needs to take him to the ground.

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