The former UFC champion surprised the fans and says goodbye. I’m still working hard, but the results aren’t coming, Brandon Moreno says

As recently as the middle of last year, he was the UFC champion, but now Brandon Moreno has two losses in a row and has to figure out what’s next. But now he has surprised the fans and is saying goodbye for at least a while.

Brandon Moreno writes a very interesting story. He was released by the UFC in 2018 even though he was still a member of the top 10 of the flyweight division. But he returned to the organization in 2019 and became champion two years later when he defeated Deiveson Figueiredo.

The Mexican subsequently fought three more fights with his Brazilian rival. The first one before he became champion, however, ended in a draw and the title remained in the hands of the Brazilian. He lost the third one, and before the fourth one he fought a duel for the interim title with Kai Kara-Franco, only to defeat Figueiredo in January 2023.

But he didn’t enjoy the title for long. He didn’t make the next round and lost it. He was beaten by Alexandre Pantoja, and then he was no match for Brandon Royval. For the first time since 2018, he is in a position where he has two defeats in a row.

Now the question is what happens next. At 30 years old, he’s not one of the old iron and he definitely wants to fight for the title, ideally to hold it. He has already made a major decision himself, which he shared on social media. He left a rather long and extensive message to his fans explaining his move.

Brandon Moreno surprised fans

“I think I’ve reached the limit. I’m tired. It’s not a complete goodbye or anything. Just wait for me, be patient with me and let my body and mind get it together, recover, heal and eventually I’ll get back to what I’m doing,” Brandon Moreno let it be heard.

“I still think I’m an incredible fighter. I have all the skills and qualities to be a champion again. I’ve been frustrated, trying to win, avoiding injuries. I gave all my heart to those fights, but both losses were close. One opponent ended up in the hospital, the other was taken out of the arena in a wheelchair, but I didn’t win,” the 30-year-old fighter said in the eight-minute video.

“I feel like I’ve gotten to the point where I’m working hard, I’m committed, but the results just aren’t coming. It’s frustrating. I’m sorry. But what makes me who I am is that I always find a way to come back. I’m tired of the media, the same questions, the pressure,” reports the former champion.

But he intends to come back. He wants to step away from MMA for a while, spend time with his family, rest and then attack the title again.

Source: MMA Fighting, Tapology