Brandon “The Assassin Baby” Moreno (23-8-2) is one of the most popular and historically significant fighters in MMA, celebrated globally for his heart, durability, and infectious charisma. He is a former two-time UFC Flyweight Champion and holds the distinction of being the first Mexican-born champion in UFC history. Moreno’s career is a tale of perseverance, from being cut from the promotion after his time on The Ultimate Fighter to completing a record-breaking four-fight rivalry with Deiveson Figueiredo.
Fighting with a high-volume, pressure-striking style mixed with slick grappling, Moreno consistently delivers action. He has recently returned to the win column with back-to-back victories and is currently positioned at the top of the flyweight division, seeking a path back to the belt.
Whether you are looking for his current net worth, his fight record, family life details, or the latest betting analysis for his next bout, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Mexican superstar.
Quick Stats: Brandon Moreno
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 31 (Born Dec 7, 1993) |
| Nationality | Mexican |
| Represents | Mexico |
| Languages | Spanish, English |
| Religion | Christian |
| Nickname | The Assassin Baby (El Bebé Asesino) |
| Division | Flyweight (125 lbs) |
| Reach | 70 in (178 cm) |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Team | Entram Gym (Tijuana) / Fortis MMA (Dallas) |
| Net Worth (2025) | ~$2 – $3 Million (Est.) |
Brandon Moreno Net Worth 2025: How Much Does He Make?
As of late 2025, Brandon Moreno’s estimated net worth is between $2.0 Million and $3.0 Million USD.
Moreno is one of the biggest pay-per-view draws in the lighter weight classes, often co-headlining major cards and drawing huge support from the Latino market, which significantly boosts his total earnings compared to non-PPV headliners.
Average Pay: As a perennial top contender and PPV star, Moreno makes approximately $500,000 to $1.2 Million per fight (high-profile title fights) when factoring in his base salary, potential PPV bonuses, and sponsorship money. For non-title fights earlier in his career, payouts were much smaller (e.g., ~$20K-$80K). Exact figures vary because not all bonuses, sponsorships or PPV shares are publicly disclosed.
Fight Purse Breakdown and Career Earnings
Moreno’s earnings trajectory is marked by his historic four-fight series against Deiveson Figueiredo.
- PPV Earnings: His title fights and co-main event spots against Figueiredo and Pantoja have secured him major PPV cuts, which are the main contributors to his net worth. His payouts for the championship bouts were typically in the high six-figure range, plus a portion of the PPV sales.
- Bonuses: Moreno has earned multiple bonuses, including Fight of the Night awards for his bouts with Pantoja and Figueiredo, proving his worth as a high-action fighter.
- Sponsorships: As the face of Mexican MMA, Moreno commands strong sponsorship deals, notably with major sports and energy drink brands targeting the global Hispanic market.
Biography: The First Mexican Champion
Where is Brandon Moreno from?
Brandon Moreno was born and raised in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, a city with a rich combat sports tradition.
The Ultimate Fighter & UFC Cut
Moreno’s journey is one of the most inspiring in the sport:
- TUF Debut: He entered the UFC via The Ultimate Fighter 24 (TUF: Tournament of Champions) in 2016, though he didn’t win the tournament.
- The Cut: After going 3-2 in the promotion, he was shockingly cut by the UFC in 2018. This moment fueled his comeback.
- The Return: Moreno returned to the regional circuit (LFA) where he won the title, earned his way back to the UFC, and went on the remarkable run that led to him challenging for and winning the title.
Cultural Heritage
Moreno is known for representing Mexico with passion. His victory over Figueiredo in 2021 to claim the unified title was a monumental moment, making him the first Mexican-born UFC champion, a title previously sought by legends like Cain Velasquez (Mexican-American).
Religion and Language
Moreno is a Christian and is dedicated to his faith and family. He is fluent in Spanish and speaks excellent English, which makes him highly marketable to both American and Latin American audiences.
Where Does Brandon Moreno Live and Train?
Moreno has refined his skills by training in two distinct, high-level camps in Mexico and the US.
Home Base: Tijuana, Mexico
Moreno maintains strong ties to his roots, regularly training at Entram Gym in Tijuana, Mexico, where his career began.
International Training: Dallas, Texas
Moreno also frequently trains with Fortis MMA in Dallas, Texas, alongside head coach Sayif Saud. This move broadened his exposure to elite international training partners and further developed his striking volume and defensive grappling. The ability to cross-train between the two high-level camps is critical to his success.
Fight Record & Career Highlights
Professional Record: 23 Wins, 8 Losses, 2 No Contest.
Moreno’s career is primarily defined by two epic rivalries that cemented his place in the sport’s history and his recent resurgence to the top of the rankings.
The Figueiredo Tetralogy (Four Fights)
Moreno and Deiveson Figueiredo set a record by fighting four times in the UFC for the Flyweight Championship:
- UFC 256 (2020): Draw (Fight of the Night)
- UFC 263 (2021): Moreno wins via Submission (RNC) to claim the title.
- UFC 270 (2022): Figueiredo wins via Unanimous Decision (Moreno loses the title).
- UFC 283 (2023): Moreno wins via TKO (Doctor Stoppage) to unify and regain the title.
Notable Recent Fights Breakdown (2023-2025)
| Opponent | Result | Method | Event | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Erceg | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | UFC Fight Night (Mar 2025) | Dominant 5-round performance. |
| Amir Albazi | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | UFC Fight Night (Nov 2024) | Rebounded from back-to-back losses. |
| Brandon Royval | Loss | Decision (Split) | UFC Fight Night (Feb 2024) | Close contenders match. |
| Alexandre Pantoja | Loss | Decision (Split) | UFC 290 (Jul 2023) | Lost UFC Flyweight Title. |
When is Brandon Moreno’s Next Fight? (UFC 323)
Brandon Moreno is officially scheduled to face top prospect Tatsuro Taira in a critical Flyweight Title Eliminator bout at UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs. Yan 2 on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in Las Vegas. Taira is a highly-ranked, undefeated Japanese fighter, presenting a significant stylistic challenge for the former champion. This high-stakes matchup is expected to position the winner to challenge the reigning champion (Alexandre Pantoja, who defends the belt in the co-main event) in early 2026. This bout ensures the Flyweight division will crown a clear number one contender on the same night the title is contested.
Personal Life: Wife, Family & Drive
Moreno is known for his genuine, high-energy personality and deep devotion to his family.
Wife and Children
- Wife: Brandon Moreno is married to Shirley Moreno. They are high school sweethearts and have been together for nearly two decades.
- Children: The couple has two daughters, Maddie and Megan. Moreno frequently mentions his children in post-fight interviews, often saying his family is the reason for his incredible work ethic and perseverance in the cage.
The Nickname
His famous nickname, “El Bebé Asesino” (The Assassin Baby), was given to him early in his career due to his young age and baby-face appearance contrasting sharply with his aggressive, professional performance in the cage.
Analysis: Strengths & Weaknesses
Brandon Moreno often provides great betting value, particularly in high-round fights where his durability shines.
✅ Strengths (When to Bet ON Moreno)
- Volume and Pace: Moreno throws an incredibly high volume of strikes (3.96 significant strikes landed per minute) and never slows down. This pace tends to overwhelm opponents, securing him the later rounds.
- Durability: Moreno has never been knocked out in his UFC career (his TKO loss to Figueiredo was a doctor stoppage). His iron chin and high pain tolerance make him incredibly difficult to finish.
- Grappling Scrambles: Moreno excels in messy grappling exchanges, seamlessly flowing from defense to offense. His ability to hit takedowns (1.51 average per 15 mins) and find submissions in transitions is world-class.
❌ Weaknesses (When to Bet AGAINST Moreno)
- Striking Defense: While durable, Moreno is known for relying on his chin. He absorbs 3.62 significant strikes per minute, and while his defense is decent (60%), elite strikers can find a home for clean shots.
- Pressure Wrestling: Moreno struggles most against relentless, chain-wrestling pressure. While his takedown defense is solid at 64%, prolonged wrestling exchanges can stifle his high-volume offense.
Betting Tip: Moreno’s commercial value ensures the UFC will continue to put him in high-profile main events and co-main events, giving him guaranteed access to large purses. His popularity suggests he is a safe choice for fight packages with higher visibility.
FAQ: Common Questions About Brandon Moreno
Is Brandon Moreno the first Mexican UFC Champion?
Yes, Brandon Moreno became the first Mexican-born champion in UFC history when he defeated Deiveson Figueiredo for the unified Flyweight title in 2021.
How many times did Moreno fight Figueiredo?
They fought four times (a tetralogy) between 2020 and 2023, resulting in two wins for Moreno, one win for Figueiredo, and one draw.
Did the UFC cut Brandon Moreno?
Yes, he was cut from the UFC roster in 2018 after a loss to Alexandre Pantoja but immediately returned to a regional promotion (LFA) where he won the title and was quickly re-signed to the UFC.
What is Moreno’s fighting stance?
Brandon Moreno fights in an Orthodox stance.
What is the origin of the nickname “The Assassin Baby”?
The nickname originated from his striking contrast of being very young and having a baby-face appearance, while fighting with professional aggression and violence.
