The UFC is rolling back into Arena CDMX this Saturday for UFC Mexico, and all eyes are on the flyweight main event. Former two-time champion Brandon Moreno squares off against former title challenger Steve Erceg in a fight that could shake up the stacked 125-pound division. For Moreno, this isn’t just another night in the cage—it’s a golden opportunity to punch his ticket back to the title picture. So, where does a win over Erceg take “The Assassin Baby” in a division brimming with talent? Let’s break it down.
Moreno’s journey in the UFC has been a rollercoaster of triumphs and setbacks. The 31-year-old Mexican star has claimed flyweight gold twice—first in 2021 against Deiveson Figueiredo and again in 2023 after beating Kai Kara-France for the interim strap. But both reigns ended abruptly, with Alexandre Pantoja dethroning him in their third meeting at UFC 290. Since then, Moreno’s been clawing his way back, splitting decisions with Brandon Royval and rebounding with a dominant shutout over Amir Albazi in November 2024. Now, with a raucous Mexico City crowd behind him, a victory over Erceg could be the spark that reignites his championship fire.
The flyweight division is a shark tank, and the path to Pantoja’s throne is littered with contenders. Royval, Kai Kara-France, and Manel Kape are all in the mix, while Pantoja himself has been a buzzsaw, racking up wins over half the top 15. But Moreno’s pedigree sets him apart. He’s faced Pantoja three times (0-3), sure, but their last fight was a razor-close split decision that many felt could’ve gone his way. A statement win over Erceg—a durable, well-rounded fighter who took Pantoja to the brink at UFC 301—would give Moreno a compelling case to leapfrog the pack.
Erceg isn’t just a stepping stone, though. The 29-year-old Aussie burst onto the scene with a 3-0 UFC start, earning a title shot in just his fourth fight with the promotion. He lost to Pantoja by decision and then got clipped by Kara-France’s power in August 2024, but his skill set—crisp striking, solid grappling, and relentless cardio—makes him a nightmare matchup. If Moreno can outclass Erceg in front of a roaring home crowd, it’s more than a win; it’s a message to the UFC brass and Pantoja alike: “I’m still the guy to beat at 125.”
What does “outclassing” look like? Moreno’s got the tools. His jab is the best in the division, his boxing combos flow like water, and his scrambling ability keeps him dangerous on the mat. Erceg might try to neutralize Moreno’s jab with pressure and low kicks, but if Moreno can dictate range and land those big overhands—like he did against Albazi—he could rack up points or even find a finish. A knockout or submission would be ideal, but even a clear decision (think 49-46 across the board) would showcase Moreno’s elite status against a top-10 foe.
The timing couldn’t be better. With Pantoja potentially facing Kara-France next, a Moreno win keeps him in the conversation as the division sorts itself out. Dana White has already hinted at big plans for 2025, and Moreno’s star power—especially in Mexico—makes him a no-brainer for a title fight. Imagine the storyline: Moreno, the face of Mexican MMA, riding a two-fight streak into a fourth crack at Pantoja, this time with redemption on the line. Or, if Pantoja stumbles, Moreno could be waiting to welcome a new champ.
A victory over Erceg doesn’t guarantee a title shot outright—flyweight’s too chaotic for that—but it’s a massive step. It proves Moreno’s still evolving, still hungry, and still a cut above the rest. At 31, he’s got plenty of gas left, and the Arena CDMX faithful will be screaming for him to get that gold back around his waist. This Saturday, Moreno’s not just fighting Erceg; he’s fighting for his legacy—and a win could put him one step from the crown.
