For the first time, Brandon Moreno will compete on a Noche UFC event, and he'll do so with an extremely positive attitude.
MMA
‘No one is here putting a gun to my head to do this’: Brandon Moreno on fresh career focus heading into first Noche UFC fight
Published
1 month agoon
The former two-time UFC flyweight champion is set to face Joseph Morales at Saturday's fight card in Glendale, Ariz., which just so happens to be in the same arena where he captured his first UFC world title in a submission win over Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 263 in June 2021.
“I got the first title there in Glendale, Ariz.,†Moreno told MMA Fighting. “They changed the name of the name of the arena, but in the same location and actually before [I fought there in] the UFC, I fought like four or five times in Arizona, in a local promotion, WFF.
“So I have really good memories from Arizona, and man, the No.1 [memory], like getting the title with all the crowd is screaming my name is all the people, all the Mexican flags around. Yeah man, it's a special place to me for sure.â€
“The Assassin Baby†often reflects on the incredible night in Arizona, where the crowd was absolutely on fire for his co-main event championship victory.
Not only that, but what came after his biggest victory where he mentally captured some moments with two fellow former UFC world champions
“I just remember different moments of the fight, different moments of that night,†Moreno explained. “Like, for example, once I finished the fight, I went to my locker room, I put on my suit, I was walking to the press conference, going with my wife, with my teammates, with my daughter. I don't remember why, but Francis Ngannou was there and he was taking care of my daughter. My youngest daughter, he was carrying my daughter. That was super cool.
“Then like eating pizza with Israel Adesanya in the post [press] conference. That was super nice. So man, all those kind of moments make this fight super special because, again, I have just good memories from there.â€
There have been numerous reasons over the years that Moreno has not been able to compete at a Noche UFC card. During the UFC Hall of Fame red carpet in July, Moreno told reporters that he was hoping to get the chance to compete at the annual event.
Moreno got his wish, and he couldn't be more thrilled.
“Man, finally, I'm going to fight at a Noche UFC,†Moreno said. “This is gonna be the fourth edition of Noche. I wasn't able to fight on the other ones for different reasons, like injuries or the schedules, but finally I, I made it and I'm super excited.
“It's something I wanted to do this year, fight at Noche, and fighting against Joseph Morales… but he's going to be super motivated and that made me feel excited to fight, more on that card.â€
It's not a normal setting for Moreno as he enters the bout against an unranked fighter on a two-fight losing skid — a stoppage loss to Tatsuro Taira at at UFC 323 this past December, followed by a decision loss to Lone'er Kavanagh in the main event of UFC Mexico City in February.
While Moreno sees a lot of Morales — who returned to the UFC after winning season 33 of The Ultimate Fighter and submitting both of his opponents in official octagon bouts — in himself back in the day, Moreno has a much fresher viewpoint on his career and the fight game; enjoy the moments for as long as it lasts.
“Man, 100 percent,†Moreno said. “I think more in this kind of sport, like man, tomorrow I can get injured and that's it, and that's crazy. â€So man, you have to try to enjoy it, because no one is here putting a gun in the head to do this. I'm doing this because I really love the sport and that's it.
“Because I feel able to keep doing it because I feel healthy and I'm still doing amazing things in the gym, in my practices and that's why I'm here, man. So yes, you have to remember what you started.â€
You may like
MMA
UFC 333 prop odds: Krylov-Yakhyaev favored for fastest finish
Published
2 hours agoon
October 22, 2026
At the UFC 333 press conference, the top four fighters in Saturday's event will answer questions from the media Thursday morning.
In the main event, UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski faces Movsar Evloev. UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan squares off against Merab Dvalishvili in the co-main event.
The UFC 333 press conference is expected to begin at 9 a.m. ET.
MMA
TJ Dillashaw predicts Petr Yan vs Merab Dvalishvili trilogy at UFC 333
Published
15 hours agoon
October 22, 2026
Zuffa LLCFormer UFC champion TJ Dillashaw has given his thoughts on the trilogy fight between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 333.
On Saturday night, Petr Yan will put his UFC bantamweight championship on the line when he goes up against Merab Dvalishvili, the same man he beat for the belt last year, in the third and potentially final fight in their series.
RELATED: Sean O'Malley sends Petr Yan a cold message ahead of UFC 333 trilogy fight
Dvalishvili won the first bout before Petr Yan came back and improved dramatically to win the rematch. At this point, it's hard to say which way it's going to swing given how talented both fighters are.
In a recent interview, however, TJ Dillashaw had some interesting views on Petr Yan vs Merab Dvalishvili 3.
TJ Dillashaw on Petr Yan vs Merab Dvalishvili 3
“I just think that Yan really had the answers. Yan looked fantastic. Takedown defense was amazing and a guy that fights like Merab, looking for those takedowns, that's his path to victory just relentlessly grinding and getting those takedowns. If he can't get you down and it's failed shot after failed shot, then his gas tank is never going to be as good as the guy defending shots, even if you are the more in-shape fighter. We'll see if four fights in one year had a factor, but I think Yan just has the game plan and looked really good.â€
“I am leaning towards Yan. Tough fight. It really is. I think he had all the answers, and that confidence builds. He's had some losses, but those losses were (weird). His losses are minuscule losses, and then that last fight, I think just builds so much confidence that he has what it takes. The answer for Merab, the cardio for Merab. I'm leaning towards Yan, but I think it's going to be a banger of a fight again. Merab is never going to stop and you have to beat the bricks off him to win.â€
Quotes via MMA Junkie
Who are you backing to leave UFC 333 with the title? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
UFC 333 prop odds: Krylov-Yakhyaev favored for fastest finish
Bob Arum Comments on Zuffa Boxings Current Position as Saudis Withdraw Support
Bob Arum Comments on Zuffa Boxings Position as Saudis Scale Back Involvement
Trending
-
Boxing2 days agoChris Algieri Questions If 80% Canelo Alvarez Can Defeat Christian Mbilli
-
MMA2 days agoMerab Dvalishvili calls himself a decision machine before Yan trilogy
-
Boxing2 days agoTyson Fury Responds to Ben Davisons Towel Decision in Dubois vs Wardley Rematch
-
Boxing2 days agoFloyd Mayweather Targets Another Former Opponent Post-Pacquiao Rematch
-
MMA2 days agoMorning Report: Eddie Hearn again denies Dana White’s involvement in Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua
-
MMA1 day agoUFC 333 Best Bets: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev goes long
-
Boxing1 day agoDan Rafael Critiques Paramount for Silence on Garcia-Benn Fight Numbers
-
Boxing1 day agoFormer World Champion with 90% KO Ratio Hopes to Face David Benavidez in Upcoming Fight


