SUMMARY
- Brandon Moreno took to Instagram to announce that he would be taking a hiatus from MMA.
- Moreno mentioned that this is not his retirement, he just wants to take a break.
Former UFC Flyweight Champion Brandon Moreno has announced a break from the sport of MMA. He took to his Instagram account to inform his followers about his decision.
The Mexican fighter explained the reasoning behind his decision in detail in the video he uploaded on Instagram. Moreno spoke in Spanish. According to a translated version of his speech reported by MMA Fighting, Moreno mentioned that this was not his retirement speech. He would make a comeback to the sport but, as of now, he needed a break.
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He said, “I just think I’ve reached a limit in my mind, and I’m tired… It’s not goodbye or anything like that, it’s just wait for me, be patient with me, let my body, but more than anything my mind, my head, compose itself and recover — recover and we’re going to get back to doing things right.”
Brandon Moreno, who faced a split decision loss in his last fight at UFC Mexico against Brandon Royval, was pleased about his fight in his home country. However, he mentioned that he is tired of his routine where he has to face questions from the media and face the pressure, overall. He wants to take a break and spend time with his family.
UFC fighters voiced their support for Mexican fighter Brandon Moreno
Brandon Moreno mentioned several fighters in his speech including Edgar Chairez and Jesus Aguilar. Many UFC fighters commented on Moreno’s post and stood in solidarity with him.
Lightweight fighter Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady wrote, “Let’s go !! The comeback will be even greater.” Brazilian fighter Diego Lopes wrote, “It just doesn’t end! Take the necessary time brother. Sending you a hug.” Spanish UFC fighter Joel Alvarez wrote, “You rock Brandon!”
Women’s bantamweight fighter Montserrat “Monster” Rendon wrote a message of appreciation for Moreno. “You are the best, thank you for these words, all the admiration today and always,” Rendon wrote.
Aguilar and Chairez, who were mentioned in Moreno’s speech as Mexican fighters who will take the sport ahead in the country, also showed their support. Aguilar wrote, “Thank you for what you do and continue to do for the Mexican MMA, you helped me take that step to the next level, that will never be forgotten my family and I send you our support.” Meanwhile, Chairez wrote, “You are a pistol apa.”
Moreno’s announcement has come as a surprise for many. He was in the running for a title fight against Alexandre Pantoja before facing defeat at UFC Mexico. He has promised a strong comeback.
Brandon Moreno hopes to win the title when he returns from his hiatus
Moreno faced a huge setback in his career when he was released by the UFC in 2018. However, when he made his comeback in 2019, he earned the UFC Flyweight Championship after defeating Deiveson Figueiredo. Moreno lost to Figueiredo in the rematch but defeated him again to claim the title.
In his speech, Moreno said, “The last time that [comeback] happened, I came back, and I became a world champion. I’d like to think I can do the same and when I return, I’m going to go on a tear. I still think I’m an incredible fighter, and I have all the qualities and abilities to be a champion again.”
ALEXANDRE PANTOJA BY SPLIT DECISION!!
We have a new flyweight world champion in @PantojaMMA! #UFC290 pic.twitter.com/ocbKi9JFAm
— UFC (@ufc) July 9, 2023
In his first defense against Pantoja, he lost the title via split decision at UFC 290. His latest loss against Royval was also a split-decision loss. Brandon Moreno mentioned being unlucky to face two back-to-back split-decision losses. However, he knows a loss is a loss and he believes a hiatus from the sport at this point is best for him.
