Brandon Moreno

Brandon Moreno – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Learn about Brandon Moreno — the first Mexican-born UFC champion. From humble beginnings in Tijuana to two-time Flyweight title reigns, we explore his biography, fight journey, philosophy, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Brandon Moreno Carrillo (born December 7, 1993) is a Mexican mixed martial artist and one of the most compelling figures in the UFC’s flyweight division. Known as “The Assassin Baby,” he made history as the first Mexican-born fighter to win a UFC championship. His journey has been defined by perseverance, technical growth, and emotional storytelling through combat. More than just a fighter, Moreno has become a national icon, inspiring many in Mexico and beyond.

Early Life and Family

Brandon Moreno was born and raised in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. He came from a modest family background, where the family ran a piñata business. Moreno has often recounted how this business, though humble, helped transform his family’s circumstances. As a child, he struggled with weight, which led his mother to enroll him at Entram Gym at about age 12 for training in combat sports (initially as a way to get healthier). Moreno’s early life reflects many dualities — the balance between responsibility and dream, poverty and aspiration, the familial trade and a path in sport.

Youth and Training Foundations

Moreno’s path into MMA was gradual: he started with striking and jiu-jitsu training after joining Entram Gym. He has spoken about originally having other aspirations (e.g. considering law school) but eventually focusing full-time on fighting. Over time, he developed a well-rounded style—capable in grappling, submissions, and striking. Moreno also earned a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Raúl Arvizu.

Career and Achievements

Early Career & Entry into UFC

Moreno turned professional around 2011, fighting in regional Mexican circuits. He built a record that included winning the World Fighting Federation (WFF) flyweight title. His performance in smaller promotions eventually earned him a spot in larger organizations, and then entry into the UFC.

Moreno formally debuted in the UFC on October 1, 2016, against Louis Smolka, winning via submission in the first round. He earned several bonus awards early in his UFC career (e.g. Performance of the Night) for notable finishes.

Rise & Championship Breakthrough

One of the pivotal arcs in Moreno’s career was his rivalry with Deiveson Figueiredo, with whom he fought multiple times in title bouts.

• Their first title fight at UFC 256 ended in a majority draw (Figueiredo was penalized for a groin strike).

• In their rematch at UFC 263, Moreno submitted Figueiredo in the third round, making history as the first Mexican-born UFC champion.

• In a later rematch (UFC 270) he lost the belt by decision.

• He won the interim flyweight title by defeating Kai Kara-France via TKO in 2022.

• In a fourth fight against Figueiredo at UFC 283, Moreno won via TKO (doctor stoppage) and unified the flyweight title.

Beyond that, Moreno defended and challenged, including a fight with Alexandre Pantoja in 2023 (which he lost by split decision).

He has collected multiple Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses, marking him as an exciting fighter who pushes action.

Legacy & Historic Firsts

• Moreno remains the first Mexican-born UFC champion.

• He is a two-time UFC Flyweight Champion.

• He has fought one of the most extended rivalries in the UFC flyweight division (4 fights vs. Figueiredo).

• In the flyweight division, he ranks high in number of bonus awards, finishes, fight minutes, and total number of fights.

Personality, Philosophy & Approach

Moreno is known for his humility, intensity, and deep sense of responsibility — especially being a figure for Mexican fighters and fans. He frequently speaks about pressure: as the first Mexican champion, he acknowledges the weight of expectations. He also emphasizes growth and evolution — that fighters who dwell on the past lose momentum, and constant improvement is necessary. Famously, he has said:

“If our focus is something that happened before, man, you need to — you need to keep going forward. You need to evolve in this sport.”

Furthermore, he often expresses respect for opponents even amid rivalry (e.g. “I respect him” vs. Figueiredo)

Moreno also balances his fight identity with his personal side — he has shared interests outside the cage (for instance, Lego collecting) and hosts a Spanish-language MMA podcast called “Entre Asaltos.”

Famous Quotes of Brandon Moreno

Here are some of his most memorable quotes:

• “If our focus is something that happened before, man, you need to — you need to keep going forward. You need to evolve in this sport.”

• “My family’s piñata business in Tijuana … we were very poor, but that business changed our lives.”

• “I want to be the best. I’m working every day to be that, and that mentality makes me work even harder.”

• “I’m the first Mexican-born champion in the UFC so I have a lot of pressure on me every single day.”

• “Deiveson says he hates me, but I don’t hate him. I respect him.”

These reflect his mix of ambition, groundedness, respect, and awareness of legacy.

Lessons from Brandon Moreno

1. Persistence matters — His path was not instant success. He built up from regional fights, fought rematches, and embraced setbacks.

2. Evolve vs. stagnate — Moreno’s emphasis on evolving shows that growth mindset is vital in high-level performance.

3. Representation carries weight — Being first in his nation’s history gave him opportunity, but also responsibility.

4. Respect and rivalry can coexist — He shows how one can be fierce in competition without disrespect.

5. Balance is important — He maintains personal interests and a voice beyond fighting.

6. Fight the narrative — Moreno turned obstacles (poverty, expectations, rematches) into layers of his story, not impediments.

Conclusion

Brandon Moreno’s journey is a compelling mix of struggle, breaking barriers, redemption, and identity. From his roots in Tijuana’s piñata business to standing atop the UFC flyweight division, he has reshaped what’s possible for fighters from Mexico and for the flyweight class globally. His technical abilities, resilience, humility, and outspoken vision have made him more than just a champion — he is a symbol, a bridge, a voice for possibility.