Brandon Moreno

Brandon Moreno is a Mexican professional mixed martial artist who is a two-time UFC Flyweight Champion. He is celebrated for his technical grappling, relentless pressure, and the heart he displays in competition. Moreno's success has made him a prominent figure in mixed martial arts, resonating deeply with fans who see him as a symbol of Mexican pride in the sport. As of 2026, he is ranked #9 in the UFC flyweight division and continues to compete as a top contender.[edit]

Brandon Moreno Carrillo was born on December 7, 1993, in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. He grew up in a working-class family within Tijuana, a border city known for its tough reputation. His journey into combat sports began early, as he started amateur wrestling at the age of five. As he developed, he expanded his martial arts repertoire, later incorporating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai into his training.

Moreno transitioned to professional fighting in 2011, making his debut at just 17 years old. He honed his skills fighting in various local Mexican promotions, including the World Fighting Federation. To support his burgeoning career and training expenses, he took on a job as a security guard at a Tijuana nightclub. His dedication paid off in 2018 when he secured the Legacy Fighting Alliance Flyweight Championship, a victory that significantly elevated his profile and captured the attention of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). However, his initial foray into the UFC was short-lived; after suffering two losses, he was released from the promotion.

Undeterred, Moreno returned to the regional circuit, where he diligently rebuilt his momentum and refined his fighting approach. This period of perseverance ultimately earned him a second opportunity with the UFC in 2020, setting the stage for his future success.[edit]

Moreno's second UFC run began in 2020 with three straight wins, earning a title shot against Deiveson Figueiredo. At UFC 263 in June 2021, he submitted Figueiredo with a rear-naked choke to become the first Mexican-born UFC champion. The fight won Fight of the Night. He lost the title in a rematch at UFC 270 in January 2022, then regained it with a third-round TKO at UFC 283 in January 2023, becoming a two-time champion. After losing the belt to Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 290 in July 2023, he has remained in the top 10, defeating Steve Erceg in 2024 and Manel Kape in early 2025. As of 2026, he is preparing for his next fight, aiming for another title run.[edit]

Moreno is widely regarded as humble, hardworking, and patriotic. He is called 'the people's champion' in Mexico for his everyman background and fighting spirit. His social media posts mix training clips, personal moments, and motivational messages in both Spanish and English. Fans, unofficially known as 'Team Assassin Baby,' often chant 'Cielito Lindo' during his walkouts. He is praised for his sportsmanship and respect toward opponents, making him one of the most liked figures in the sport.[edit]

Brandon Moreno's supporters are less a formal club and more a cultural force, united by the nickname that defines their hero: The Assassin Baby. Fans, often called 'Team Assassin Baby,' have turned his walkouts into deafening spectacles, chanting 'Cielito Lindo' until the air shakes in arenas from Tijuana to Mexico City. This isn't just noise; it is a wall of sound that fans claim disrupts opponents and turns hostile venues into home games for the Mexican fighter. His connection to the people is raw and immediate, fueled by his humble origins as a nightclub security guard and his status as a national symbol who finally headlined 'Noche UFC' in his homeland. Even after a controversial loss to Lone'er Kavanagh in 2026, the fanbase remained fiercely loyal, framing the defeat as a chapter in an ongoing saga of resilience rather than an end to the road. There is no single registered name like 'Swifties' for this group; they are simply the legion of the Assassin Baby, bound by pride and a shared belief in his underdog story. As the world watches his career unfold, his standing among global celebrities reflects this massive, dedicated following. Brandon Moreno is currently the 82nd most famous person from Mexico, a position tracked by the iFANN Global Fame Rankings which monitors influence across media and consumption signals worldwide. He also holds the rank of the 93rd most famous person in MMA & Boxing, placing him firmly within the upper echelons of combat sports history.[edit]

Born with a calm demeanor that belied his finishing ability, Moreno earned the nickname 'The Assassin Baby' from a childhood friend early on. He carries a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Master Roberto 'Gordo' Correa and wears a chest tattoo of the Mexican eagle to honor his country. Before becoming a champion, he worked as a security guard at a nightclub and now co-owns Entram Gym in Tijuana. A story fans still retell involves his title win in Arizona, where he silenced a hostile American crowd with sheer grit, turning the venue into a sanctuary for his supporters. Another legendary moment occurred during the 'Noche UFC' event in Mexico City, where the roar of the crowd was so intense it reportedly shook the arena, marking a cultural milestone for Latin American MMA. Although he lost a recent bout to Lone'er Kavanagh, the narrative focuses on his return to the spotlight rather than the defeat. He appeared as a playable character in EA Sports UFC 4 and UFC 5, and his fluency in both Spanish and English helps him connect with a global audience.[edit]

Moreno keeps his family life private but has spoken about his mother's unwavering support. He has not publicly named his parents or siblings. He lives in Tijuana and trains at Entram Gym. He has no known children or pets. His family has been a constant presence at his fights, often seen in the crowd waving Mexican flags.[edit]

Moreno has fought Deiveson Figueiredo four times in a legendary rivalry. He also faced Alexandre Pantoja, Brandon Royval, Manel Kape, and Tatsuro Taira. He trains at Entram Gym in Tijuana with fellow Mexican UFC fighters Yair Rodríguez and Alexa Grasso. His BJJ coach is Master Roberto 'Gordo' Correa.[edit]

Brandon Moreno has kept his romantic life private. No confirmed public relationships, engagements, or marriages have been reported. As of 2026, he is single. There are no records of children or cohabitation.[edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Brandon Moreno's net worth in 2026 stands at $2.5 Million. His earnings are driven primarily by UFC fight purses, which have ranged from $200,000 to $400,000 per bout, supplemented by performance bonuses. He has secured four Fight of the Night awards ($50,000 each) and one Performance of the Night bonus ($50,000). Endorsement partnerships with Venum, Monster Energy, and Mexican brands including Telcel and Coca-Cola Mexico contribute an estimated $200,000 to $500,000 annually. He owns a residence in Tijuana valued around $400,000. Outside of his partial ownership of Entram Gym, he maintains no major business ventures.[edit]

Moreno is a two-time UFC Flyweight Champion. He has won four Fight of the Night bonuses and one Performance of the Night bonus. In 2021, he received the World MMA Awards International Fighter of the Year. He also won the Legacy Fighting Alliance Flyweight Championship in 2018.[edit]