Brandon Moreno Biography: UFC Champion’s Full Story from Childhood to 2025
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Brandon Moreno was born in Tijuana, Mexico, in December 1993. His parents ran a little shop that sold piñatas and toys. He wasn’t the kind of kid you'd expect to grow into a fighter. He had asthma, was on the skinny side, and spent most of his time helping around the store. When he was 12, his mom signed him up for jiu-jitsu to help him get stronger. She probably didn’t know it would change his whole life.
He didn’t just enjoy it — he was all in. No big promises, no fame, just hours of training and trying to get better one step at a time. That’s where it all started.
Kicked Out of the UFC but Kept Fighting
In 2016, Moreno got into The Ultimate Fighter. He didn’t win, but the UFC still gave him a shot. He had some solid fights, but after a couple of losses, they dropped him in 2018. Just like that, he was out.
But quitting wasn’t in his plans. He went back to smaller shows, kept winning, and grabbed the LFA flyweight title. UFC had to take another look, and in 2019, he got a second chance. This time, he wasn’t just happy to be back — he came back with a purpose.
He Shocked Everyone and Made History
In June 2021, Moreno faced Deiveson Figueiredo again. Figueiredo was scary good, and most people thought Brandon wouldn’t pull it off. But Moreno didn’t just win — he made Figueiredo tap out in round three.
That fight made him the first Mexican-born UFC champ ever. He cried. His coaches cried. It meant something real. Not just for him, but for every kid in Mexico who thought they didn’t have a shot at something big.
Still Pushing in 2025
He lost the title in 2023 in a tough fight against Alexandre Pantoja. It was close, but things didn’t go his way. Did he give up? Nope. He went right back to work.
Now he's set to fight Steve Erceg on March 29, 2025, in Mexico City. This isn't just another match. It’s a chance to show fans he’s still one of the best and that he’s not done yet.
Brandon Moreno’s story is more than just wins and losses. It’s about not giving up. From helping out in a small toy shop to becoming a world champion, he’s still that same guy — humble, hardworking, and still chasing the next big moment.
