Brandon Moreno, known as “The Assassin Baby,” has spent recent months battling his own mental challenges. The former two-time UFC Flyweight champion will defend his ranking against Joseph Morales, the winner of Ultimate Fighter Season 33, in the co-main event of Noche UFC 4 this Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
Moreno enters this fight for the third time in his UFC career with a two-fight losing streak. However, this current downturn feels unlike his previous setbacks. He suffered the first stoppage loss of his professional career to Tatsuro Taira, followed by a decisive defeat against Lone’er Kavanagh, who took the bout on short notice. Although these losses came at the hands of top-tier Flyweight prospects, Moreno’s performances lacked his usual competitiveness, prompting serious introspection.
“It’s more about my mindset,” Moreno told UFC.com. “In this sport, sometimes you are your own worst enemy. I won’t make excuses for my past losses, but I’ve been working hard on myself and my mentality. My goal this Saturday is to demonstrate the progress I’ve made over the past few months.”
This renewal of focus led Moreno to make significant changes in his training. The 32-year-old recently joined Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas, adding veteran coach John Wood to his team, while continuing to work with his longtime coaches. He hopes this fresh environment and additional guidance will help him regain his peak form.
Moreno also finds extra motivation returning to a venue that holds a special place in his story. Desert Diamond Arena, formerly Gila River Arena, was where he secured his first Flyweight title by submitting Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 263 in June 2021, becoming the first Mexican-born UFC champion. Now, five years later, he returns there eager to prove he remains a top competitor in the division.
Although Morales may not have the same profile as Moreno’s recent opponents, the former champion respects his hunger and toughness. Moreno relates to Morales’s journey, as both were once released from the UFC and fought their way back. “Every opponent in UFC is tough,” Moreno said. “I’m defending my spot in the rankings, and Morales is motivated to take it from me. I’ve prepared well, made changes, and I’m ready to show it all.”
For Moreno, this Noche UFC debut provides a chance to end his losing streak in front of passionate Mexican fans and on hallowed ground. While Morales stands across the cage, Moreno insists the biggest battle has been within himself—and now he must prove he has emerged victorious.
To view the latest Noche UFC 4 fight card and rumors, click here.
Fan Take: This fight is pivotal not only for Moreno’s career revival but also for the Flyweight division’s competitive landscape, offering fans an intriguing clash between resilience and ambition. A strong comeback here could spark renewed excitement and momentum for one of UFC’s most talented weight classes.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
