Brandon Moreno is set to face off against Steve Erceg in a highly anticipated main event at UFC Fight Night in the Arena Ciudad de México on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Moreno, the 31-year-old Tijuana native and former flyweight champion, is looking to secure his first victory on Mexican soil after enduring a challenging history in his home country.
This fight marks Moreno's return to Mexico, where he has previously struggled to find success, losing two fights and drawing one in his past three outings. His first fight in Mexico was in 2017 against Sergio Pettis, where he lost by unanimous decision. In September 2019, he faced Askar Askarov and walked away with a draw, while last year, he suffered a narrow defeat to Brandon Royval.
Moreno has reflected on his past experiences, acknowledging that he has often been distracted and unable to enjoy the support of his fans. "He dejado de pensar en el pasado, ahora solo me concentro en el presente. Ahora estoy disfrutando más mi tiempo en México," he stated, emphasizing his renewed focus and excitement for this fight.
After a setback in February 2024 against Royval, where he lost by split decision, Moreno took a break from fighting. He returned in November 2024 to defeat Amir Albazi, showcasing his striking and grappling skills that once made him a three-time champion. This victory has positioned him as the second-ranked contender in the UFC flyweight division, just behind Royval.
Moreno's upcoming opponent, Steve Erceg, comes into this fight ranked eighth in the division. With a record of 12 wins and 3 losses, Erceg aims to bounce back from two consecutive losses, including a technical knockout against New Zealand's Kai Kara-France. Moreno's record stands at 22 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws.
Both fighters successfully weighed in at 125 pounds during the ceremony held on March 28, 2025, where approximately 1,500 fans gathered to support their fighters. Moreno expressed his gratitude for the turnout, saying, "Estoy emocionado y contento con la respuesta de la gente." He understands the significance of this match and how a win could propel him back into title contention against the current champion, Alexandre Pantoja, who took the title from him in July 2023.
Another exciting matchup on the card features local fighter Ronaldo ‘Lazy Boy’ Rodríguez against Peru's Kevin Borjas. Rodríguez, a rising star in the Mexican MMA scene, is looking to secure a victory as he aims to climb the ranks in the flyweight division. Borjas, on the other hand, is seeking his first win in the UFC after two losses.
Moreno's journey in the UFC has not only made him a prominent figure in Mexican MMA but has also inspired a movement within the sport in Mexico. He remarked, "Yo no sé en realidad que tanto haya movido el aguja de esta compañía, pero sí sé que lo he hecho más que otros y puedo usar esa carta," indicating his belief in his impact on the sport.
As the event approaches, the excitement continues to build. Moreno's previous fight in Mexico City was a pivotal moment in his career, leading to a nine-month hiatus after a disappointing loss. However, he has returned with a renewed mindset and determination to capitalize on this opportunity.
In an interesting crossover, WWE star Stephanie Vaquer visited Moreno in Mexico City ahead of the fight, wishing him success and expressing her admiration for him. Vaquer, who has quickly become a face of NXT, shared her enthusiasm for the event and her support for Moreno through social media, stating, "Deseándole a Brandon Moreno todo el éxito para mañana."
With the UFC event set to kick off earlier than initially scheduled, fans can expect an electric atmosphere as Moreno steps into the octagon, fueled by the cheers of his supporters. The main event is projected to start at 20:00 hours, promising an evening filled with thrilling action.
Moreno's journey has been one of resilience and growth, and as he prepares to step into the octagon once again, he carries the hopes of his fans and the weight of his past experiences. The stakes are high, and the anticipation is palpable as he aims for victory in front of his home crowd.
As fight night approaches, all eyes will be on Moreno and Erceg as they prepare to battle for supremacy in the flyweight division. Will Moreno finally secure that elusive victory in Mexico? Fans are eager to find out as the action unfolds in the Arena Ciudad de México.
