Brandon Moreno at a Glance
What is Brandon Moreno’s Net Worth? A Deep Dive into the UFC Flyweight Champion’s Wealth
Brandon Moreno, the celebrated Mexican mixed martial artist, has carved a significant name for himself in the world of professional fighting. Known for his exceptional skills in the Octagon, many fans are curious about his financial standing. This article provides an in-depth look at Brandon Moreno’s net worth, career highlights, and personal life, offering a comprehensive overview of the UFC Flyweight Champion.
Early Life and Introduction to MMA
Born on December 7, 1993, in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, Brandon Moreno’s upbringing was rooted in a lower-middle-class family. Growing up, he was introduced to mixed martial arts at the age of 12, a pivotal moment initiated by his mother. Initially, Moreno’s focus was on losing weight, but his trajectory shifted drastically when he began training at the local Entram Gym. Initially, he considered college and law school, but the passion for MMA quickly took hold. His dedication during his teenage years laid the groundwork for his future success, as he steadily began competing at the amateur level.
Professional Debut and Early Career
Moreno’s professional MMA journey commenced in April 2011 in Mexico. During the initial two years of his career, he accumulated a record of six wins and three losses. This phase of his career was critical, providing him with foundational experience and preparing him for higher levels of competition. In 2014, Moreno joined the World Fighting Federation, where he maintained an impressive undefeated record of 5-0. This achievement included winning the Flyweight division championship, which showcased his growing prowess and earned him recognition within the sport.
The Ultimate Fighter and UFC Debut
His success in the World Fighting Federation led to an opportunity to participate in the 25th season of “The Ultimate Fighter,” a significant milestone in Moreno’s career. In July 2016, his inclusion in “The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions” was revealed. He was chosen to be on Team Benavidez. Although he lost his opening fight against Alexandre Pantoja by decision, this experience provided valuable exposure. Shortly after, he made his UFC debut, a rare occurrence while still being on the show. His first fight was against Louis Smolka in October 2016, which he won by submission in the first round, earning his first Performance of the Night bonus.
In his second fight, Moreno defeated Ryan Benoit via split decision, showcasing his resilience. His subsequent fight in April 2017 against Dustin Ortiz resulted in another submission win, also earning him a Performance of the Night bonus. These early UFC victories quickly established him as a rising star in the Flyweight division.
In August 2017, Moreno faced Sergio Pettis, but lost via unanimous decision. Following the fight, he tested positive for clenbuterol, but USADA determined the presence was likely due to contaminated meat consumed in Mexico. No penalty was issued. This marked a temporary setback, but Moreno demonstrated his determination by continuing to fight.
(Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
In 2018, Moreno was initially scheduled to fight Ray Borg, but this was canceled due to Borg’s injury. The fight was then rescheduled, but Borg withdrew due to a family emergency, and Alexandre Pantoja replaced him. Moreno lost against Pantoja by unanimous decision, which led to him being cut from the UFC in late 2018. This was a significant hurdle, but he continued to strive.
Rise to the Top: Championship Challenges and Victories
After his release from the UFC, Moreno signed a multi-fight contract with the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA). He debuted against Maikel Perez, then Flyweight Champion, at LFA 69 in June 2019 and won by technical knockout in the fourth round. He subsequently returned to the UFC in September 2019 at UFC Fight Night 159, with the bout ending in a split draw. He later secured a unanimous decision victory against Kai Kara-France in December, followed by another win against Jussier Formiga in March 2020, showing his determination and versatility. In December 2020, Moreno fought Deiveson Figueiredo for the UFC Flyweight Championship, resulting in a majority draw. He ultimately became the first Mexican-born UFC champion in July 2021 when he defeated Figueiredo, also earning the Performance of the Night bonus.
Personal Life and Family
Outside the Octagon, Moreno is married to Shirley Moreno. The couple has been together for over ten years and has three daughters. His wife is a frequent presence at his fights and public appearances. The couple’s daughters, Maddie, Megan, and Morgan, are often featured on their social media accounts, showcasing a strong family bond. Moreno also actively contributes to the Spanish-speaking MMA community through podcasts, showing his commitment to his roots while being fluent in English. His hobbies include collecting Legos and Funko Pops, offering insights into his personality beyond his athletic achievements.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Brandon Moreno’s journey from a young boy in Tijuana to a UFC champion is an inspirational narrative. His resilience, skill, and dedication have cemented his legacy. The future for Moreno looks promising, and fans eagerly anticipate his next fights, expecting continued success and further contributions to the world of mixed martial arts.