Brandon Moreno returned to the octagon in style, securing a unanimous decision victory over Steve Erceg in the main event of UFC Mexico City on March 29, 2025. The fight, held at the CDMX Arena, was a pivotal moment for Moreno, who was eager to redeem his previous 0-2-1 record in Mexico City and reestablish himself in the flyweight division.
The atmosphere was electric as Moreno made his entrance, greeted by a raucous home crowd that was eager to support their local hero. Moreno, a two-time UFC flyweight champion, was determined to make a statement against Erceg, who was looking to bounce back from a title fight loss to current champion Alexandre Pantoja.
The opening exchanges were tentative, with both fighters feeling each other out. Moreno quickly found his rhythm, landing a powerful one-two combination that rocked Erceg and sent the crowd into a frenzy. As the first round progressed, Moreno continued to showcase his striking prowess, landing significant shots while Erceg struggled to find his footing.
In the second round, Erceg began to open up, landing a notable kick early on. However, Moreno's speed and precision were evident as he mixed in body shots and leg kicks, keeping Erceg on the defensive. The exchanges were fierce, but Moreno's ability to connect cleanly with uppercuts and jabs kept him in control.
As the fight moved into the third round, both fighters appeared to conserve energy, understanding the importance of pacing themselves for the championship rounds. Moreno's defensive skills shone through, as he effectively avoided Erceg's attempts to land significant strikes. Although Erceg improved defensively, Moreno's volume and accuracy remained superior.
Moreno surprised many when he shot for a takedown in the fourth round, showcasing his versatility and strategy. The round ended with Moreno on top, landing ground strikes that further solidified his lead. Erceg's corner urged him to take more risks, emphasizing that he needed a finish to secure the victory.
Heading into the final round, the fight was still competitive, but Moreno's speed advantage became increasingly apparent. He let his hands fly, mixing in kicks and doubling up on his jab. Erceg attempted to counter but struggled to find his rhythm against the relentless pace set by Moreno.
In the last minute of the fight, Moreno executed a head kick that sent Erceg to the canvas, and he quickly transitioned into side control, maintaining dominant position until the final horn sounded. The judges scored the bout unanimously in favor of Moreno, with all three cards reading 49-46.
After the fight, Moreno expressed his desire to compete at the upcoming UFC Noche event in Guadalajara, Mexico. "Who really knows what I deserve? But I really believe I can move the needle and bring that pay-per-view to Guadalajara. Let's do it," he stated, highlighting his ambitions to reclaim the championship.
Moreno's performance was impressive, as he outlanded Erceg 82-67 in total strikes and showcased an efficient striking game with clean combinations. Erceg, despite his efforts, landed only 27% of his total strikes and struggled to capitalize on the openings presented to him.
Earlier in the night, the UFC Mexico City card was filled with excitement, featuring four knockouts and a submission among the undercard bouts. Notably, Manuel Torres delivered a stunning knockout of Drew Dober in the co-main event, prompting discussions about Dober's future in the sport. Edgar Chairez also made headlines with a heartfelt submission victory dedicated to his late grandfather.
As the event concluded, the spotlight remained on Moreno, who is now looking to set the stage for a potential rematch with Alexandre Pantoja. With a renewed sense of purpose and determination, Moreno aims to elevate his career and secure another shot at the title.
UFC Mexico City not only showcased Moreno's skills but also highlighted the depth of talent in the flyweight division. As fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in Moreno's journey, the excitement surrounding the UFC continues to build.
