Brandon Moreno Breaks the Mexico City Curse: What’s Next for The Assassin Baby?

The electric atmosphere of Mexico City erupted Saturday night as their hometown hero Brandon Moreno finally conquered his UFC Mexico curse. After three previous unsuccessful attempts to secure a victory on home soil, “The Assassin Baby” delivered a performance worth remembering against Amir Albazi at UFC Mexico City.

I’ve been following Moreno’s career since his Ultimate Fighter days, and let me tell you, watching him overcome this particular demon was something special. The emotion on his face said it all – this wasn’t just another win; this was exorcising years of disappointment.

The Mexico City Curse is Officially Broken

For those keeping score at home, Moreno entered UFC Mexico with an 0-3 record in his homeland. The curse was real, folks. From his 2017 loss to Sergio Pettis to his split decision defeat against Askar Askarov in 2019, and then the devastating knockout loss to Alexandre Pantoja last July, fighting in Mexico hadn’t been kind to the former flyweight champion.

But Saturday night changed everything. Moreno put on a technical masterclass against the dangerous Albazi, utilizing superior striking and wrestling to secure a convincing unanimous decision victory. The judges scored it 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27 – numbers that don’t fully capture how much Moreno dominated the final rounds after a competitive opening frame.

Insert image of Moreno celebrating with the Mexican crowd here

The Emotional Victory

“Fighting in Mexico has always been complicated for me,” an emotional Moreno said in his post-fight interview. “The pressure is different. Tonight I just wanted to perform for my people, and finally, I did it. I broke the curse!”

You could see what this meant to him. The weight lifted off his shoulders was visible as he collapsed to his knees after the decision was announced. The Arena CDMX crowd of 17,500+ fans roared in approval, finally getting to celebrate their champion on home soil.

What’s Next for Brandon Moreno?

Now that Moreno has vanquished his Mexico City demons, the big question becomes: where does he go from here? At 30 years old and with a career resurgence following this victory, the path forward offers several intriguing possibilities:

The Pantoja Question

Let’s be real – the fight that makes the most sense is a trilogy bout with current champion Alexandre Pantoja. Their history runs deep, with Pantoja holding two victories over Moreno (including last year’s Mexico City headliner). But styles make fights, and Moreno looks reinvigorated after working with James Krause and the Glory MMA team.

“I want my belt back,” Moreno declared in his post-fight press conference. “Pantoja, I respect you as a champion, but I’m coming for what’s mine. Third time’s a charm.”

UFC president Dana White didn’t commit to making this fight next but acknowledged it makes sense given the current landscape of the division.

The Evolution of Brandon Moreno

What struck me most watching Moreno on Saturday was his technical evolution. Gone was the wild brawler who sometimes got caught in firefights. Instead, we saw a disciplined striker who picked his shots, managed distance beautifully, and incorporated wrestling at the perfect moments.

His footwork has improved dramatically, allowing him to cut angles and avoid the power shots Albazi was looking to land. When the fight hit the ground, Moreno’s scrambling ability and positional awareness kept him out of danger.

You have to wonder if this version of Moreno – calm, collected, and technically sound – might be the one to finally solve the Pantoja puzzle.

The Flyweight Division’s New Landscape

With this victory, Moreno reasserts himself as a top contender in a division that’s become increasingly competitive. The flyweight landscape has evolved significantly since Moreno first claimed the title:

• Pantoja has established himself as a dominant champion
• Kai Kara-France remains a dangerous contender
• Amir Albazi, despite the loss, showed he belongs in the elite
• Rising stars like Muhammad Mokaev are making noise

Where Moreno fits in this new order will largely depend on his next performance. But one thing’s certain – breaking the Mexico City curse has breathed new life into his championship aspirations.

Will the “Home Field Advantage” Continue?

Now that Moreno has conquered his home country demons, could we see more performances in Mexico? The UFC clearly values the Mexican market, and having their most popular Mexican fighter finally successful on home soil opens interesting possibilities.

Imagine a title fight against Pantoja in Mexico City. The atmosphere would be absolutely electric, and the storyline writes itself – Moreno seeking to reclaim his throne in front of his people after Pantoja took it from him in the same country.

The business side makes sense too. UFC Mexico City was sold out, with passionate fans creating one of the most vibrant atmospheres of any UFC event this year. Moreno is a proven draw, and now that the curse is broken, the hesitation to book him in his homeland should be gone.

The Takeaway: Moreno’s Best Days May Still Be Ahead

At 30 years old with a 22-7-2 record, Brandon Moreno has already accomplished what most fighters only dream of – winning a UFC championship, becoming Mexico’s first UFC champion, and now conquering his home country curse.

But watching his performance Saturday night, I couldn’t help but think his best days might still be ahead. The technical improvements, the mental fortitude to overcome past disappointments, and the fire still burning for championship gold all point to a fighter hitting his prime rather than fading.

Whether it’s another championship run or simply cementing his legacy as one of the greatest flyweights ever, Brandon Moreno’s story is far from over. And now, with the Mexico City chapter closed on a high note, the next pages look more promising than ever.

What did you think of Moreno’s performance? Do you believe he deserves an immediate title shot against Pantoja? Let me know in the comments below!

Source: UFC Mexico City Official Results