Brandon Moreno He is a former flyweight champion (Photo: Instagram/UFC)
Former UFC flyweight champion (up to 56,7 kg), Brandon Moreno announced, last Monday night (25), the decision to step away from MMA for an indefinite period. In an emotional statement shared through a video After about eight minutes on social media, the Mexican revealed the reasons that led him to take such action.
According to a Brandon Moreno, consecutive defeats in close fights against Alexandre pantoja, last year and, most recently, Brandon Royval, at the end of February, weighed heavily on the decision to take some time off to rest.
“It frustrates me a little because I tried so hard to win. The camp was very good. I managed to avoid injuries and was able to work very well. I put all my heart into achieving victory, and it didn't happen. Now I have two consecutive defeats, but they are two strange defeats. These are defeats where it can be argued that I won. Obviously, at the end of the day, a loss is a loss. (…) I feel like I'm at a point in my life where I'm dedicating myself to work, I'm dedicated, but the results just aren't there, and it's very frustrating,” said Moreno.
Another point highlighted by Moreno in making the decision is not only physical but mental fatigue, linked mainly to the routine of commitments outside the Octagon.
“I think with all the technical issues aside, I'm just tired. I'm tired of the media, the same questions, the atmosphere, the constant pressure. I don't even think it's a single moment anymore. I think that's all I've accumulated over the last few years. I've reached a point where my mind is stressed and I just want to get some rest. I'm not saying that I'm 100% away from MMA, but I want to take a break to rest, spend time with my family and just be a normal person, be with my daughters and do new things”, explained Moreno.
Lastly, Brandon Moreno he assured that his departure from MMA is not definitive and promised that he will return even stronger with the aim of regaining the belt.
“It's not goodbye or anything like that, it's just wait for me, be patient with me, let my body, but more than that, my mind, my head, compose yourself and recover, and let's get back to doing things right. The last time this happened, I came back and became world champion. I'd like to think I can do the same and when I come back, I'll crush it. I still believe that I am an incredible fighter, and I have all the qualities and skills to be champion again. I just think I've reached a limit in my mind and I'm tired. But other than that, everything is excellent,” he explained. Brandon Moreno.
Read Brandon Moreno's statement in full:
"What can I say? Even a month after the fight, I'm still digesting it a little. I'm grateful for the wonderful moment because that walk to the octagon at the CDMX Arena was incredible. It was something special and very beautiful because the last time I was there was in 2019, and people already knew who I was, and they were applauding me, but you can't compare it to this time. Everyone was supporting me and singing my song, and it was beautiful.
At the same time, it also frustrates me a little because I tried so hard to win. The camp was very good. I managed to avoid injuries and was able to work very well. I put all my heart into achieving victory, and it didn't happen. Now I have two consecutive defeats, but they are two strange defeats. These are defeats where it can be argued that I won. Obviously, at the end of the day, a loss is a loss. Even though one guy went to the hospital and the other had to be wheeled out of the arena, I still didn't get the win. So, based on that, there is work to be done.
I feel like I'm at a point in my life where I'm putting in the work, I'm dedicated, but the results just aren't there, and it's very frustrating. This is something that makes me very sad, but something that defines me is that I always find a way to come back.
I guess all technical issues aside, I'm just tired. I'm tired of the media, the same questions, the atmosphere, the constant pressure. I don't even think it's a single moment anymore. I think that's all I've accumulated over the last few years. I've reached a point where my mind is stressed and I just want to get some rest. I'm not saying I'm 100% away from MMA, but I want to take a break to rest, spend time with my family and just be a normal person, be with my daughters and do new things.
There are a lot of things I haven't done because I'm 100% focused on my training. I just want to rest a little. This is by no means goodbye. Just wait for me, be patient, let my body and mind recover, and we'll get back to doing things right.
It's not goodbye or anything, it's just wait for me, be patient with me, let my body, but more than that, my mind, my head, compose yourself and recover, and let's get back to doing things right. The last time this happened, I came back and became world champion. I'd like to think I can do the same and when I come back, I'll crush it. I still believe that I am an incredible fighter, and I have all the qualities and skills to be champion again.
I just think I've reached a limit in my mind and I'm tired. But other than that, everything is excellent. I am happy. I leave the event on February 24th with all the Mexicans who achieved victories: 'El Loco' Torres, Daniel Zellhuber, Edgar Chairez, Yazmin [Jauregui], Jesus Aguilar, they all raised the flag high, and we have to keep supporting them. I know that more Mexican talent is coming, and we will see them at big UFC events. So I leave with that and the support. Everyone who supports me is completely on board, and there's no way I can repay that.
At this point, all I promise is that I will keep fighting, moving forward, and I will find the right path to move forward. I will do everything to get back on my feet again. I want to do this, I know I can do this, and I will do this. I will be champion. I just need to rest my body and mind.”
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