Moreno defeats Erceg in Mexico City as title ambitions resurface

Brandon Moreno’s homecoming ended in triumph, as the former flyweight champion scored a convincing unanimous decision win over Australia’s Steve Erceg in the main event of UFC Fight Night in Mexico City.

Moreno (23-9-2) outclassed Erceg (12-4) across five rounds, with all three judges scoring the bout 49-46 in his favour, with the top UFC bookmakers pricing him as the $1.42 favourite.

The win was Moreno’s first in Mexico and a critical step in his push to reclaim UFC gold.

“I’ve gone through so much to be here, so much dedication and so much effort,” Moreno said post-fight.

“I know how hard it is for so many of you to get a ticket to be here — thank you so much. This is all for you.”

The 31-year-old was sharp and composed throughout, picking Erceg apart with clean striking, particularly his lead overhand right and darting left hook.

According to UFC Stats, Moreno outlanded Erceg 82-67 in total strikes and sealed the fifth round with the fight’s only takedown in the final minute.

Erceg, who pushed champion Alexandre Pantoja to the limit last May, showed glimpses of the poise that’s made him a rising contender but struggled with volume and output, especially in the later rounds.

His most productive frame came in the third, which all judges awarded him, but he failed to sustain momentum.

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“Nothing surprised me,” Erceg said after the loss.

“I thought I landed pretty well, but obviously it wasn’t enough. He had more volume. We went five rounds — I’ll keep getting better and I’ll be back.”

The defeat was Erceg’s third straight, following losses to Pantoja and Kai Kara-France, and puts his top-10 flyweight ranking in jeopardy.

Moreno, meanwhile, looks to have rediscovered his form after a brief 2024 hiatus.

Saturday’s performance followed a strong return win over Amir Albazi and reaffirmed his elite status in the division.

Now unofficially 0-3 against reigning champion Pantoja — including a loss in The Ultimate Fighter back in 2016 — Moreno is eyeing a rematch, potentially at the just-announced UFC Noche event in Guadalajara this September.

“Who really knows what I deserve?” Moreno said, addressing UFC executive Hunter Campbell cageside.

“But I really believe I can move the needle and bring that pay-per-view to Guadalajara. Let’s do it.”

The UFC will now set their sights back in Vegas for UFC Fight Night, where heavy hitter Josh Emmett will look to defend his ranking against up-and-coming star Lerone Murphy, where top online bookmakers have Murphy as the $1.32 favourite.

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