First UFC Mexican champion Brandon Moreno is back this weekend and faces familiar foe Brandon Royval at UFC Mexico City. Moreno was originally scheduled to face Amir Albazi, but the Iraqi fighter pulled out due to injury. Royval stepped in to take the rematch with Moreno to set up the main event in Mexico City.
In Moreno’s last fight back in July 2023, he lost the flyweight title to current champion Alexandre Pantoja. It was a brutal five-round war that the Mexican lost via split decision, but a big win over Royval will put ‘The Assassin Baby’ right back in contention for gold once again.
Will Brandon Moreno Make Statement at UFC Mexico City?
A former two-time UFC flyweight champion, Moreno is one of the most successful 125lb fighters in history. After his second loss to Pantoja in 2018 he was cut by the UFC, but on his return he made a historic ascent to the summit of the division.
In December 2020, Moreno fought for the title against Deiveson Figueiredo. Champion Figueiredo retained the belt after a thrilling draw, but Moreno won the rematch the following summer after submitting the Brazilian. The pair went on to fight twice more and set a UFC record in the process. No two fighters had fought each other four times in the promotion up until that point.
Figueiredo won in 2022, but Moreno would have the last laugh and reclaim the belt in January 2023. After losing to Pantoja again at UFC 290, the Mexican will need a big performance in his home country against Royval to get another shot at the king. If he is able to make that statement then it will be hard to deny him.
Moreno vs Royval: The Rematch
Moreno beat Royval via TKO back in 2020 in their first meeting. Unfortunately for Royval, he suffered a shoulder injury in the fight before Moreno put him away. It only went one round, but it was a fun back-and-forth fight and I can see this one being entertaining too.
Both fighters have come a long way since 2020. Royval is also coming off a title fight loss to Pantoja and will be looking to keep his name in the title picture. These two fighters have an exciting style that often leads to finishes, especially submissions. This style can sometimes put them in trouble, but they are always evolving.
Moreno may look to establish his jab early. He keeps his lead hand low and this makes it tough for his opponents to see where the jab is coming from. Royval could consider a kick-heavy approach, but if he begins to take a lot of shots, then that’s when we might see the grappling exchanges.
Prediction for UFC Mexico City: Moreno vs Royval
Royval is unpredictable and at times chaotic. It can be his strength, but can also leave him vulnerable. I give Moreno the edge here in the grappling department but it’s closer when it comes to striking. Moreno’s wrestling will also be useful in this fight.
I can see Royval having some success on the feet, but ultimately becoming reckless which will leave openings. If he can remain composed then he could cause problems for Moreno.
Despite this, I see Moreno outpointing Royval in this one and getting the decision win. Don’t be surprised if you see Moreno at the top of the flyweight division once again soon.
Will Brandon Moreno claim the flyweight belt back in the future? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
