Moreno wins by decision in UFC Mexico City main event

Brandon Moreno delivered a storybook finish in front of a roaring hometown crowd on Saturday night, scoring a dominant unanimous decision win over Australia’s Steve Erceg in the main event of UFC Fight Night in Mexico City.

Fighting for the first time in Mexico since becoming a UFC star, Moreno (23-9-2) put on a clinic, outstriking Erceg (12-4) and sealing the deal with a late takedown to lock in scores of 49-46 across all three judges’ cards.

He entered the bout as a $1.42 favorite with leading UFC sportsbooks and lived up to every bit of the hype.

“I’ve gone through so much to be here, so much dedication and so much effort,” Moreno told the crowd after the win.

“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 crisp from the opening bell, landing clean shots with his overhand right and sharp left hook while staying composed under pressure.

Per UFC Stats, Moreno outlanded Erceg 82-67 in total strikes and sealed the fifth round—and the fight—with the only takedown of the night in the final minute.

Erceg had moments, particularly in the third round, where he was more aggressive and edged out the scorecards, but his lack of volume over five rounds hurt his chances of stealing the upset.

Though he showed the poise that saw him nearly dethrone Alexandre Pantoja in 2024, the Aussie couldn’t match Moreno’s consistency.

“Nothing surprised me,” Erceg said post-fight.

“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.”

Now riding a three-fight skid after losses to Pantoja, Kai Kara-France, and Moreno, Erceg faces an uncertain future in the top 10 of the flyweight division.

Moreno, meanwhile, looks to have firmly reestablished himself as a top-tier contender. After a break from the sport earlier in 2024, he’s now rattled off back-to-back wins and made a strong case for a rematch with the reigning champ.

Unofficially 0-3 against Pantoja, including a loss during The Ultimate Fighter in 2016, Moreno used his post-fight mic time to call for another shot—this time in front of his home crowd in Guadalajara.

“Who really knows what I deserve?” Moreno said, speaking directly to UFC exec Hunter Campbell at cageside.

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

With the UFC now shifting its focus to Las Vegas for next weekend’s Fight Night, all eyes turn to the featherweight division, where knockout artist Josh Emmett faces rising contender Lerone Murphy.

Online sportsbooks currently have Murphy listed as the $1.32 favorite.

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