Brandon Moreno, a two-time former UFC flyweight champion, recently announced that he’s taking a hiatus from MMA. His decision comes after a split decision loss to Brandon Royval at UFC Mexico City in February. In an Instagram post lasting eight minutes, Moreno, 30, clarified that he’s not retiring but rather needs time off after experiencing his first two-fight losing streak since 2018 and reaching a mental block.
In his message, delivered in Spanish with translation provided by MMA Junkie’s Danny Segura, Moreno expressed, “I just think I’ve reached a limit in my mind, and I’m tired.”
He emphasized that this break isn’t a farewell but a request for patience as he allows his body and, more importantly, his mind to recuperate. Moreno drew parallels to his past, recalling how after his last rough patch, he bounced back to become a world champion. He expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, “I still think I’m an incredible fighter, and I have all the qualities and abilities to be a champion again.”
Moreno’s journey in the UFC’s flyweight division has been nothing short of remarkable since re-signing with the promotion in 2019. He emerged as a pivotal figure in the title scene, securing the belt twice in a thrilling series against Deiveson Figueiredo from 2020 to 2023. However, he relinquished the title in July following a split decision loss to Alexandre Pantoja. Despite being poised for a rematch with Pantoja, Moreno lost that opportunity after his setback against Royval.
Confirming Moreno’s announcement, MMA Fighting reached out to the fighter’s management, who clarified that this break signifies only a temporary pause from MMA and not a retirement.
Moreno’s heartfelt message in Spanish underscores the mental and physical toll that MMA takes on its athletes. It serves as a reminder of the importance of self-care and taking necessary breaks to recharge and regroup. While Moreno’s absence may leave a void in the flyweight division, his fans eagerly await his return, hoping to witness his triumphant comeback to the octagon.
As we await Moreno’s return, let’s extend our support and understanding to him during this period of rest and reflection. MMA is a grueling sport, and every fighter deserves the opportunity to step back and prioritize their well-being. We wish Brandon Moreno all the best on his journey, and we eagerly anticipate his return to the cage when the time is right.
Full translation of the video below: (Translation courtesy of Danny Segura and José Youngs – Give them a follow on social media!)
“What can I say? Even a month after the fight, I’m still digesting it a bit. I’m thankful for the beautiful moment because that walk to the octagon in Arena CDMX was super cool. It was something special and very beautiful because the last time I was there was in 2019, and people already knew who I was, and I was getting cheered, but you can’t compare it to this time. Everyone was supporting me and singing my song, and it was beautiful.
“At the same time, it also frustrates me a bit because I tried so hard to win. The camp was very good. I managed to stay away from injuries, and I was able to work very well. I put all my heart to get the win, and it didn’t happen. I now have two consecutive losses, but they’re two weird losses. Those are losses where you can make an argument that I won. Obviously, at the end of the day, a loss is a loss. Even though one guy left to the hospital and the other had to be taken out on a wheelchair out of the arena, I still didn’t get the win. So based on that, there’s work to do.
“I feel like I’m at a point in my life where I’m putting in the work, I’m dedicated, but the results just aren’t there, and it’s very frustrating. This is something that makes me very sad, but something that makes me who I am is that I always find a way to come back.
“I think with all the technical aspect things aside, I think I’m just tired. I’m tired of the media, the same questions, the vibe, the constant pressure. I don’t even think it’s a single moment anymore. I think it’s everything I’ve piled on my shoulders in the last few years. I’ve reached a point where my mind is stressed, and I just want to rest a bit. I’m not saying I’m 100 percent stepping away from MMA, but I do want to take a break to rest, be with my family and just be a normal person, be with my daughters, and just do new things.
“There are many things I haven’t done because I’m 100 percent focused on my training. I just want to rest a bit. This is by no means a goodbye. Just wait for me, have patience, let my body and my mind recover, and we’ll come back to do things well.
“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. The last time that 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.
“I just think I’ve reached a limit in my mind, and I’m tired. But outside of that, everything is excellent. I’m happy. I leave with the event on Feb. 24 with all the Mexicans that did get wins: ‘El Loco’ Torres, Daniel Zellhuber, Edgar Chairez, Yazmin [Jauregui], Jesus Aguilar, all of them had the flag up high, and we have to keep supporting them. I know that more Mexican talent is coming, and we’ll see them in big UFC events. So I leave with that and the support. Everyone that supports me is fully on board, and there’s no way I can ever repay that. At this point, all I promise is that I’ll continue fighting, moving forward, and I will find the right path to move forward. I’m going to do everything to pick myself up again. I want to do it, I know I can do it, and I’m going to do it. I’m going to be champion. I just need to rest my body and mind.”