Brandon Moreno is ready to step in as an emergency fighter for the UFC 323 flyweight title match, proving his commitment to the sport and the championship. But here's where it gets interesting—while Moreno is gearing up for his own fight at UFC 323, he's also prepared to jump into the title fight if needed, showing remarkable professionalism and readiness few fans might expect.
This Saturday at UFC 323, taking place at the iconic T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Brandon Moreno (with a record of 23-8-2 overall and 11-4-2 in the UFC) will compete on the main card against Tatsuro Taira from Japan. This bout is scheduled just before the highly anticipated co-main event, where Alexandre Pantoja will defend his flyweight title against challenger Joshua Van. For viewers, the event is accessible via pay-per-view and streaming platforms like ESPN2, FX, Disney+, and ESPN+.
In the high-stakes world of MMA, last-minute setbacks such as injuries or failed weight cuts sometimes derail title fights. Moreno has openly stated that he is ready to be the backup fighter for the championship match if something happens to Pantoja or Van. To stay prepared, Moreno plans to make the championship weight during the official weigh-ins on Friday, demonstrating his dedication and strategic foresight.
"For the belt, I'll do anything," Moreno shared in an interview with Hablemos MMA, speaking in Spanish. He acknowledged that stepping into a title fight on short notice isn't the ideal scenario and admits it wouldn't be perfect preparation for him. However, he remains ready and confident that both Pantoja and Van are reliable fighters who consistently make weight, minimizing the likelihood of such last-minute changes. His focus, therefore, remains firmly on his own fight against Taira.
Moreno enters UFC 323 after securing unanimous decision victories over top contenders Amir Albazi and Steve Erceg, victories that have elevated his standing and set him up for a potential title shot. With a three-fight winning streak, "The Assassin Baby" is eyeing the championship with determination.
Looking ahead, Moreno thinks it’s most probable he will face Pantoja next, should he win against Taira. He, however, does not discount the possibility of an upset by Van, who brings an undeniable energy and fearlessness to the cage. Moreno described Van’s greatest asset as his youth and relentless confidence—qualities that can often surprise even seasoned fighters.
"It's tough to bet against Pantoja considering his accomplishments and the legacy he’s building," Moreno explained. "But Joshua Van has something special—he fights like he has nothing to lose. He’s very confident, truly enjoying his journey, and it shows in his performances. I even heard he bought a house for his mom, which is inspiring. That kind of motivation is powerful. I expected Royval to beat Van, but it didn’t happen, so this fight really intrigues me."
This candid insight from Moreno not only highlights the unpredictability of the sport but also invites fans to weigh in: Who do you think will come out on top in the flyweight showdown? Is Moreno’s readiness to serve as a backup a sign of true champion mentality, or does it expose an overlooked challenge in fight scheduling? The conversation is open—feel free to share your thoughts.
