UFC
What’s next for UFC champion Brandon Moreno?
Brandon Moreno is the flyweight champion. Photo: USA Today Sports
Brandon Moreno is again the UFC flyweight champion as he defeated Deiveson Figueiredo on Saturday. The rivals has held up the division with their near three-year-long tetralogy, and now it’s time for the next generation flyweights to challenge for the title.
“I’m just ready to fight and I’ll be ready for the guy the UFC puts in front,” Moreno said at the UFC 283 post-fight press conference.
Let’s take a closer look who Moreno could face next!
Alexandre Pantoja
Alexandre Pantoja. Photo via Instagram (@pantoja_oficial)
No. 2 ranked Alexandre Pantoja, who defeated Moreno back in 2018, has long deserved his opportunity to fight for the UFC flyweight title, and the newly-crowned champion sees ”The Cannibal” as next in line.
“I think right now, he’s very excited and he’s a little bit desperate to get the fight for the title,” Moreno said at the press conference.
Matheus Nicolau
Matheus Nicolau. Photo via Instagram (@matheusnicolaumma)
No. 5 ranked Matheus Nicolau is another promising fighter with an unblemished UFC record. In his last fight in December, he knocked out the tough Matt Schnell.
”Nicolau is doing an amazing job right now,” Moreno said at the press conference.
Manel Kape
Manel Kape. Photo via Instagram (@manelkape)
Promising talent Manel Kape is also on a fighter that’s on the radar of Brandon Moreno
Currently ranked at No. 9, rides a three-fight winning streak after back-to-back losses against Matheus Nicolau and Alexandre Pantoja.
Amir Albazi
Amir Albazi. Photo via Twitter (AmirAlbazi)
Another red-hot flyweight prospect is Amir Albazi, who’s undefeated in the UFC. Former double champion Henry Cejudo recently praised on his YouTube channel.
“The flyweight guy that everybody needs to keep their eyes on, I’m talking about Amir Albazi,” Cejudo said. “He’s going to be a nightmare for anybody at 125 pounds. He has grit, he has the mentality, he was able to show, especially in his fight against Alessandro from Brazil, how he was able to knock him out.”
“I do believe in the future, this guy is a future title contender. He’s got anywhere between one to two fights before he fights for the title. I can see him fighting against Matheus Nicolau.”
Muhammad Mokaev
Muhammad Mokaev. Photo via Instagram (@mokaev_muhammad)
Undefeated No. 13 ranked Muhammad Mokaev is another possible future title contender.
He’s fighting an unranked opponent at UFC 286 next, but a few more wins against ranked opposition could give him a shot at the title.
This is Brandon Moreno
Brandon ”The Assassin Baby” Moreno. Photo: USA Today Sports
- Age: 29
- Record: 29-21-2
- UFC record: 9-3-2
- Weight: 125 lb (57 kg)
- Height: 5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
- Reach: 70 in (178 cm)
- Post-fight bonuses: 6
Read more: UFC 283 results and highlights: Hill dominates Teixeira, doctor stops Figueiredo-Moreno 4