From dreaming about becoming a lawyer as growing up to the journey of first-ever Mexican-born UFC champion, Brandon Carrillo Moreno has come a long way. But, for those unknown, he is a Mexican mixed martial artist.
With no defeat in any game since 2018, Moreno currently competes in the flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Unfortunately, Moreno dropped from the listing of UFC with successive defeats in 2017 and 2018. He fought against Sergio Pettis and Alexandre Pantoja.
Despite that, Moreno’s comeback to the UFC after such a defeat with a total of five wins and two draws. Thus, his journey to the UFC has been quite a rollercoaster ride.
The article here explores every detail of Moreno, from his early life to his unprecedented victory as the UFC champion.
But before that, let your mind be more enthralled by quick facts of, Moreno.
Brandon Moreno: Quick Facts
Full name | Brandon Carrillo Moreno |
Date of birth | December 7, 1993 |
Age | 30 years old |
Birthplace | Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico |
Nickname | The Assassin Baby |
Religion | Not available |
Nationality | Mexican |
Height | 1.70 m (5’7″) |
Weight | 125 lb (57 kg) |
Zodiac sign | Sagittarius |
Father’s name | Alfredo Moreno |
Mother’s name | Cecilia Carrillo |
Siblings | Brother |
Marital status | Married |
Wife | Shirley J. Moreno |
Children | 3 |
Daughters | Maddie, Megan, Morgan |
Eye color | Black |
Hair Color | Not available |
Body Measurement | Not available |
Profession | Mixed martial artist |
Net Worth | $1 million-$5 million |
Salary | Not available |
Division | Flyweight |
Reach | 178cm (70 in) |
Team | Entra em Gym (2006-present) Bang Muay Thai Team Elevation |
Fighting out of | Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico |
Total mixed martial arts record | 26 |
Total win | 19 |
Total losses | 5 |
Total draws | 2 |
Rank | Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
Year Active | 2011-present |
Social media | Instagram, Facebook, Twitter |
Merch | UFC Gloves, UFC Punching Bag |
Last update | October, 2024 |
Brandon Moreno: Early Life & Education
Brandon grew up in a low-key family operating a piñatas business in Tijuana, Mexico. He has been fond of piñatas since childhood. Besides, he was also working part-time at his family’s business.
Usually, during his childhood days, he spent his day going to school and making piñatas. And in the late evening, running off to train for brutal martial mixed art.
Moreno once said,
So I can say making piñatas made my dream possible.
Consequently, the piñatas business showed Brandon’s work ethic to his parents, reflecting his journey in mixed martial arts.
Likewise, the business also escorted him financially after being cut off from UFC in 2018 and when his newborn daughter needed surgery.
He was not good at making piñatas, even though his involvement in the family business crystallized him into a diligent and disciplined person.
The UFC fighter said, “Every day, I always saw how my parents worked so hard to give us the best opportunities and the best life possible.”
As a pulp and chubby child growing up, at the age of 12, Brandon convinced his mother to join him in the local Entram Gym.
He soon discovered his passion for mixed martial arts. On the other hand, Moreno left aside his initial childhood dream to become a lawyer.
Brandon Moreno: Mixed Martial Arts Career
Beginning of career
Brandon Moreno commenced his MMA career officially in his homeland Mexico in April 2011. By 2013, he fought nine matches, including six wins and three losses.
However, 2014 was when his career took a turn when he got a chance to debut for the World Fighting Federation promotion.
Moreno managed to win the promotion of “Flyweight Championship” by the impeccable record of “5-0.”
It helped him enroll in the Flyweight tournament on the 25th season of “The Ultimate Fighter.”
In July 2016, Moreno participated in “The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions.” He played as a member of Team Benavidez.
Unfortunately, he got defeated by Alexandre Pantoja in the opening stage via unanimous decision.
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Brandon Moreno: Journey to UFC
Moreno premiered in the UFC while his The Ultimate Fighter season was still airing.
He competed with Louis Smolka at UFC Fight Night: Lineker vs. Dodson on October 1, 2016.
Likewise, Moreno certainly won the fight over submission in the first round. In addition, he won his first “Performance of the Night” bonus award.
The UFC fighter faced Ryan Benoit on December 3, 2016, at “The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions Finale” in his second fight for the promotion. He again won the battle over the split decision.
Likewise, Moreno fought against Dustin Ortiz on April 22, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 108. The Mexican-born won the fight over submission in the second round and earned a “Performance of Night” bonus award.
Moreno competed against Sergio Pettis on August 5, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 114. Unfortunately, he lost the fight via concordant decision.
Similarly, Moreno was expected to fight against Ray Borg on April 7, 2018, at UFC 223. However, the bout was rescheduled for May 19, 2018, after Borg was injured by a glass hurled at a bus window by Team SBG.
Although, Borg draws out from the bout to take care of his child from brain surgery. Later he was replaced by Alexandre Pantoja, and Moreno lost the fight to him by unanimous decision.
Moreno eventually signed a multi-signed contract with the Legacy Fighting Alliance after being removed from the UFC in late 2018.
Finally, he made his professional debut against the triumphing Flyweight Champion Maikel Perez at LFA 69 on June 7, 2019. Moreno won the fight over technical knockout in the fourth round.
Brandon Moreno: UFC Return
Brandon competed against Askar Askarov on September 21, 2019, at UFC on ESPN+ 17. However, the alternating bout ended in a draw.
Likewise, Moreno has fought against Kai Kara-France, Jussier Formiga, and Alex Perez in UFC 245, UFC 170, and UFC 255, respectively.
Although, on October 2, Cody Garbrandt withdrew from the match against Deiveson Figueiredo due to torn bicep and was replaced by Perez.
But, despite that, Moreno instead faced Brandon Royal. And won the fight over technical knockout in round one.
Moreno competed against Deiveson Figueiredo for the UFC Flyweight Championship on December 12, 2020, at UFC 256. After five rounds of furious back-and-forth fighting, the bout was announced a majority draw.
Similarly, Figueiredo’s one point was snatched away in the third round due to a groin strike. Nevertheless, both athletes won the “Fight of the Night” award.
Indeed, this fight was popularly regarded as a good fight in the history of division.
Therefore, Moreno rescheduled the fight against Figueiredo for the UFC Flyweight Championship on June 12, 2021, co-headlining UFC 263.
Moreno dominated the striking and grappling exchanges in the third round. He submitted Figueiredo with a rear-naked choke, prevailing in the UFC Flyweight Championship.
Later that night, he was awarded the “Performance of Night.”
Brandon Moreno: Net Worth
At a very early age, Brandon achieved tremendous success. He is widely prevalent among youths and is also widely known as “The Assassin Baby.”
He is a very renowned mixed martial artist around the World. No doubt, his net worth intrigues every fan of his around the World.
Up to the present moment, Brandon’s net worth is estimated to be $1million- $5millions.
Although there are few details about how he spends his wealth, we can anticipate that most of his wealth is allocated to his fighting career.
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Brandon Moreno: Personal Life and Interests
Unknown to many, Moreno is a massive fan of collectible toys and figures, consisting of Funko Pops and Legos. In addition, he has a separate room solely for a collection of toys.
Unfortunately, while this may be true, he doesn’t have adequate space anymore.
Moreno is a robust member of the Spanish language mixed martial arts community. He also does Spanish-language MMA podcasts in his spare time.
Down-to-earth Personality
Despite being in the ruthless and harsh World of fighting, Moreno knows how to act outside the field.
When Figueiredo made a throat-cut gesture at him during the weigh-in for UFC 263, on the contrary, Moreno threw back the smile and flashed a heart sign with his hands. He took no bitterness.
Later he wrote on Instagram, “What can I tell you, I was not born to be the bad boy of the face-off.”
Brandon Moreno: Wife & Personal Life
Brandon Moreno feels very fortunate to have constant support from his longtime partner Shirley J. Moreno. She is also a Mexican beauty, with whom he has been together for over ten years.
Generally, she makes her appearances during his battles. Although, very little is known about her since she is more private.
Fortunately, they’re both blessed with three beautiful daughters- Maddie, Megan, and Morgan. They were born in 2014, 2018, and 2020 respectively.
Brandon Moreno: Accomplishment and Championships
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Ultimate Fighting Championship
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- First Mexican-born UFC Champion
- UFC Flyweight Championship (One time, current)
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Legacy Fighting Alliance
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- LFA Flyweight Championship (One time)
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World Fighting Federation
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- (One time) WFF Flyweight Champion
Mixed Martial Arts Record
Moreno coming from a martial arts background has made numerous records. To have a bit of a rundown, the fighter has fought 26 matches and won 19.
Brandon Moreno: Social Media Presence
Brandon Moreno has meteorically experienced an appreciable soar on his social media after winning the UFC world title.
Similarly, Moreno’s Instagram followers doubled overnight after he triumphed in the UFC flyweight championship.
Moreno is very active on Instagram and Facebook. Although, he rarely updates his Twitter account.
If you want to follow up day-to-day activities of Brandon Moreno, then you should precisely follow him on his social media.
Instagram: 1m followers
Facebook: 318k followers
Twitter: 45k followers
There have been Mexican-American UFC champions, like, Cain Velasquez, but never one born in Mexico.
Moreno has not failed to make his country proud. With this in mind, we wish him further success in his future endeavors.
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FAQs
Is Brandon Moreno cut from UFC?
Brandon Moreno is not cut from the list of UFC. However, he was cut from UFC in late 2018 after his successive losses in 2017 and 2018.
Recently, the Mexican-born is a most known member of UFC, especially after he won against Deiveson Figueiredo during the UFC 263.
How much money did Brandon Moreno make in UFC 263?
According to the contract, he earned an estimated $150,000 in show money.
Additionally, Moreno won a bonus payment estimated to be $150,000. He also earned a performance bonus and sponsorship of $82,000.
Approximately, he earned a total of $382,000.