One of boxing’s biggest names is a fan of the fighters featured on the main card at UFC 323.
Mexico boasts a proud tradition in martial arts, with Canelo Alvarez standing out as a leading figure in recent years. As the first fighter to unify the super middleweight championship, Alvarez has followed the legacy of Mexican boxing icons like Julio Cesar Chavez and Juan Manuel Marquez, elevating the nation’s success in the sport.
Mexico also has made significant strides in mixed martial arts. Brandon Moreno made history in 2021 by becoming the UFC’s first Mexican-born champion after submitting Deiveson Figueiredo. Moreno’s achievements have opened doors for him to collaborate with some of the sport’s greats.
Moreno and Alvarez recently crossed paths at boxing coach Eddie Reynoso’s gym in San Diego, where Alvarez shared his admiration for Moreno. Alvarez praised Moreno’s journey to becoming a UFC champion, calling him an inspiration for dreamers everywhere, and even gave Moreno a lesson on the perfect body shot. During their interaction, Alvarez revealed he was moved when he saw Moreno mention him on TikTok, highlighting their mutual support as fellow Mexican athletes.
At UFC 323, Moreno will fight to continue his winning streak and possibly position himself for another shot at the flyweight title. The event also features other championship bouts, including Alexandre Pantoja facing Joshua Vann and Merab Dvalishvili defending his title against Petr Yan, marking a record fourth title defense in a single year for Dvalishvili.
These fighters, including Moreno, Pantoja, and Dvalishvili, will compete on the UFC’s last pay-per-view card before the organization transitions to Paramount+ in 2026.
Fan Take: This crossover between boxing and MMA legends like Canelo Alvarez and Brandon Moreno highlights how the combat sports world is becoming increasingly interconnected. It sparks excitement for fans and could inspire a new generation of fighters to blend disciplines, pushing the evolution of the sport forward.
