“Rest at the end, not in the middle. -Kobe Bryant #thelastdance #ufc283 #andnew #undisputed!!,” This quote was shared by former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno on his social media before he closed the chapter with a resounding victory over Dieveson Figueiredo at UFC 283.  The late Koby Bryant always has been a source of inspiration for ‘The Assassin Baby’ throughout his career and he always quoted him when the stakes were high. As he prepares for Steve Erceg at this weekend’s fight night event at UFC on ESPN 64 in Mexico, Moreno has evoked the late great basketball legend once again. 

Brandon Moreno is a fan favorite, and it’s easy to see why! His persistence, respectfulness, and inspiration truly set him apart. Honestly, you’d have to be one of the rare few who can hold any malice towards this gentle-natured champion. Deiveson Figueiredo has tried more than a few times to get under Moreno’s skin with trash talk, but Moreno just responded with that trademark smile of his. No need for cuss words—he lets his attitude speak for itself!

All things considered, The Assassin Baby’s career is currently experiencing a downturn after winning the UFC’s first championship quadrilogy saga. He suffered back-to-back losses against Alexander Pantoja and Brandon Royal. However, after recently handing Amir Albazi his first loss, he’s back on track. Now, as another threat approaches, he needs motivation from ‘The Black Mamba’ once again. 

Moreno checked in with Daniel Cormier and said, “I spend one month preparing myself for this fight, so I spend one month in the city and the people are so excited for this fight, and people don’t care if you win or loss, they support you. But, before, I felt that pressure like, its something real, something crazy. Now, at least I have a different mentality, my last fight against Amir Albazi, like I felt the same, you know I like winning or losing is the same. Like Kobe Bryant said, ‘I’m going Monday with my family, with my daughters, and I get some vacations—winning or losing’.”

Koby Bryant isn’t just a legend for being a 4-time All-Star MVP or a two-time NBA Finals MVP. His true legacy lies in the incredible way he impacted the sports world. He inspires countless athletes, like Brandon Moreno, and his influence will keep motivating many more who are working hard to excel in their own fields. It’s that drive and passion that really makes him unforgettable.

‘The Assassin Baby’ knows he’s just on the brink of another shot at the flyweight gold, but there’s a tough challenge ahead of him in Steve Erceg. This fight isn’t just about getting the win, it’s about making a statement in front of his home crowd. If he can impress the Mexican audience with a war, then Brandon Moreno should become undeniable for a title shot. But, he believes the competition is still stiff in the flyweight division. 

Brandon Moreno names potential contenders for the flyweight championship

The UFC flyweight championship scenario is definitely complex. Alexandre Pantoja has proved to be puzzle, yet to solve by the contenders, and also, he’s on the verge of cleaning out the division. 

You know, there are definitely some fresh challengers out there who might put up a tough fight against Pantoja. But honestly, it seems like the odds are stacked against the other contenders when it comes to dealing with an anomaly like him. Sure, there are mostly rematches on the table for the champ right now, but Brandon Moreno has mentioned a few fighters who could really deserve a shot at the title while including him in the mix. 

At the UFC Mexico Media Day, Moreno said, “Everything is kind of weird in the flyweight division right now. I think Manel deserves an opportunity, I think Kai Kara-France deserves an opportunity. Winning this Saturday, I believe I can raise my hand and say, ‘Hey man! I think I deserve the opportunity as well. I know the UFC wants to come back for the Noche UFC this year. It’s not a secret for a lot of people, and it’s hard to say because of the flyweight division right now. But I don’t know how much I move the needle for the company.”

As the flyweight scenario is progressively becoming intriguing, who do you think deserves the next title shot against the current champion Alexandre Pantoja? Comment down your thoughts!