Brandon Moreno’s ideal scenario: Earn title shot at UFC Mexico, challenge Alexandre Pantoja at Noche UFC

Brandon Moreno knows the world of MMA is an unpredictable one, but that doesn’t mean he can’t try to envision future plans.

The former UFC flyweight champion would like to reclaim his title in 2024, and he has a good idea on how he wants to get it done. First, Moreno (21-7-2 MMA, 9-4-2 UFC) will have to beat Brandon Royval in the main event of UFC Fight Night taking place Feb. 24 in Mexico City.

He hasn’t been promised a title shot by the UFC, but he believes he’ll get one if he gets his hand raised.

“They insinuate it, but they don’t tell you explicitly that you’ll be fighting for the belt,” Moreno told MMA Junkie in Spanish when asked if UFC has promised him a title shot. “Obviously, you start doing your own math, as well. If I get the victory, there’s no one else in the division. You can maybe talk about Manel Kape and (Muhammad) Mokaev, who has a good streak, but I think every single one of them has an unknown.

“Despite defeating Tim Elliott in his last fight, he always leaves you with the doubt if he’s ready for the top five of the division. And regarding Manel Kape, we first need to see him fight. It’s unfortunate for him that his career has been with so many roadblocks due to so many fights falling through for him. So for one reason or another, my name is still there, even though there are some that want to discard me, I’m still there. So yeah, I want to win this fight.”

Moreno is 0-3 against Pantoja, most recently losing his title to the Brazilian back in July 2023. If given the title shot, Moreno would like to challenge for the belt on a special date – Sept. 16, Mexican Independecne Day.

“My ideal scenario would be to win this fight on the 24th and then fight on Noche UFC in September later this year,” Moreno said. “At the end of the day, I’ve made so many plans that haven’t panned out perfectly, at least, but yeah, that’s my roadmap for 2024.”