Brandon Moreno’s ideal scenario: Earn title shot at UFC Mexico, challenge Alexandre Pantoja at Noche UFC
February 6, 2024 1:00 pm ET
Brandon Moreno knows the world of MMA is an unpredictable one, but that doesnât mean he canât try to envision future plans.
The former UFC flyweight champion would like to reclaim his title in 2024, and he has a good idea on how he wants to get it done. First, Moreno (21-7-2 MMA, 9-4-2 UFC) will have to beat Brandon Royval in the main event of UFC Fight Night taking place Feb. 24 in Mexico City.
He hasnât been promised a title shot by the UFC, but he believes heâll get one if he gets his hand raised.
âThey insinuate it, but they donât tell you explicitly that youâll be fighting for the belt,â Moreno told MMA Junkie in Spanish when asked if UFC has promised him a title shot. âObviously, you start doing your own math, as well. If I get the victory, thereâs no one else in the division. You can maybe talk about Manel Kape and (Muhammad) Mokaev, who has a good streak, but I think every single one of them has an unknown.
âDespite defeating Tim Elliott in his last fight, he always leaves you with the doubt if heâs ready for the top five of the division. And regarding Manel Kape, we first need to see him fight. Itâs unfortunate for him that his career has been with so many roadblocks due to so many fights falling through for him. So for one reason or another, my name is still there, even though there are some that want to discard me, Iâm still there. So yeah, I want to win this fight.â
Moreno is 0-3 against Pantoja, most recently losing his title to the Brazilian back in July 2023. If given the title shot, Moreno would like to challenge for the belt on a special date â Sept. 16, Mexican Independecne Day.
âMy ideal scenario would be to win this fight on the 24th and then fight on Noche UFC in September later this year,â Moreno said. âAt the end of the day, Iâve made so many plans that havenât panned out perfectly, at least, but yeah, thatâs my roadmap for 2024.â
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