Brandon “The Assassin Baby” Moreno is a Mexican professional mixed martial artist and former two-time UFC Flyweight Champion. Known for his Brazilian jiu-jitsu, toughness, personality, and historic championship rise, Moreno became the first Mexican fighter to win a UFC title.
Moreno owns a professional MMA record of 23-10-2 and has defeated elite flyweights including Deiveson Figueiredo, Kai Kara-France, Steve Erceg, Amir Albazi, Brandon Royval, Jussier Formiga, Dustin Ortiz, and Louis Smolka. Although recent losses have slowed his push toward another title run, Moreno remains one of the most important and beloved fighters in UFC flyweight history.
Brandon Moreno Fighter Information
| Stats | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Brandon Carrillo Moreno |
| Nickname | The Assassin Baby |
| Born | December 7, 1993 |
| Birthplace | Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico |
| Nationality | Mexican |
| Height | 5’7″ (170 cm) |
| Reach | 70 in (178 cm) |
| Division | Flyweight |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Team | Fortis MMA |
| Record | 23-10-2 |
| Former Titles | Two-Time UFC Flyweight Champion, LFA Flyweight Champion |
| @theassassinbaby |
What Is Brandon Moreno Known For?
Moreno is best known for five things:
- Becoming the first Mexican UFC champion.
- His rivalry with Deiveson Figueiredo.
- Winning the UFC Flyweight Championship twice.
- His elite submission game.
- His passionate personality and loyal fan base.
Although Moreno has always been dangerous everywhere, his grappling made him a champion. He owns 11 submission wins and has never lost by submission in professional MMA. Moreover, his ability to survive difficult moments has made him one of the most respected fighters in the sport.
Why Is Brandon Moreno Called “The Assassin Baby”?
Moreno’s nickname, “The Assassin Baby,” became one of the most recognizable nicknames in the UFC.
The name reflects two sides of his image. Outside the cage, Moreno often comes across as cheerful, emotional, and humble. However, inside the cage, he fights with sharp technique, aggression, and finishing instincts.
Because of that contrast, “The Assassin Baby” fits him perfectly.
Brandon Moreno’s Early Life
Moreno was born and raised in Tijuana, Mexico.
Growing up, he described himself as a boxing fan. However, he did not know much about other combat sports at first. Later, he became interested in capoeira but could not find a school in his city.
While searching, he found an MMA gym instead. That discovery changed his life. Soon afterward, Moreno began training kickboxing and jiu-jitsu, building the foundation for his future UFC career.
How Did Brandon Moreno Get Into MMA?
Moreno made his professional MMA debut in Mexico in 2011.
His early career had setbacks, but he kept improving. After building experience in Mexico and the regional scene, he joined World Fighting Federation and went unbeaten in the promotion.
Eventually, Moreno captured the WFF Flyweight Championship. That success helped him earn a spot on The Ultimate Fighter: Tournament of Champions.
Brandon Moreno’s First UFC Run
Moreno joined The Ultimate Fighter in 2016, where he faced Alexandre Pantoja and lost by submission.
However, the UFC still gave him an opportunity while the season was airing. Moreno made his official promotional debut against Louis Smolka and shocked many fans by winning with a first-round guillotine choke.
Afterward, he defeated Ryan Benoit and Dustin Ortiz, earning Performance of the Night honors along the way. However, losses to Sergio Pettis and Alexandre Pantoja eventually led to his release from the UFC in late 2018.
Brandon Moreno’s Comeback Story
Moreno did not let his UFC release end his dream.
Instead, he signed with Legacy Fighting Alliance and quickly won the LFA Flyweight Championship by stopping Maikel Perez in 2019.
That victory helped open the door for his return to the UFC. Once back, Moreno fought Askar Askarov to a draw before defeating Kai Kara-France, Jussier Formiga, and Brandon Royval.
As a result, Moreno went from being released to becoming one of the top contenders in the flyweight division.
Winning the UFC Flyweight Championship
Moreno’s championship rise became one of the UFC’s greatest comeback stories.
After fighting Deiveson Figueiredo to a majority draw in their first title bout, Moreno earned an immediate rematch at UFC 263.
This time, he dominated the fight and submitted Figueiredo with a rear-naked choke in the third round. With that victory, Moreno became the first Mexican fighter to win a UFC championship.
The moment was historic, emotional, and career-defining.
Brandon Moreno’s Rivalry With Deiveson Figueiredo
Moreno’s rivalry with Deiveson Figueiredo became one of the most important rivalries in UFC flyweight history.
The two fought four times, which marked the first time in UFC history that two fighters faced each other four times.
Their series included a draw, multiple title changes, and several Fight of the Night performances. Ultimately, Moreno defeated Figueiredo in their fourth fight to unify the UFC Flyweight Championship and complete one of the most memorable rivalries in modern MMA.
What Is Brandon Moreno’s Fighting Style?
Moreno is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu-based fighter with strong boxing, excellent cardio, and high-level toughness.
He attacks well in scrambles, hunts rear-naked chokes, and stays dangerous during long exchanges. In addition, his boxing has improved throughout his UFC career, allowing him to compete in five-round striking battles against elite opponents.
Because of his heart and pace, Moreno often performs best when fights become chaotic.
What Has Brandon Moreno Accomplished?
Moreno has one of the strongest résumés in UFC flyweight history.
His accomplishments include:
- Two-time UFC Flyweight Champion.
- First Mexican UFC champion.
- Former interim UFC Flyweight Champion.
- Former LFA Flyweight Champion.
- Former WFF Flyweight Champion.
- Seven UFC post-fight bonuses.
- Multiple Fight of the Night awards.
- Most significant strikes landed in UFC flyweight history.
- One of the longest total fight times in UFC flyweight history.
Brandon Moreno’s Personal Life
Outside the Octagon, Moreno is known for his warm personality and unique hobbies.
He is a major Funko Pop fan and a dedicated Lego collector. He is also married and has three daughters.
In addition, Moreno hosts Entre Asaltos, a Spanish-language MMA podcast. Through that platform, he has continued building a connection with Spanish-speaking MMA fans around the world.
Why Brandon Moreno Stands Out
Many champions win titles. However, Brandon Moreno’s story carries more emotional weight than most.
He was cut from the UFC, rebuilt his career, returned to the promotion, and became the first Mexican UFC champion. Moreover, he helped elevate the flyweight division through unforgettable fights, historic rivalries, and a personality that made fans connect with him beyond wins and losses.
Because of his legacy, resilience, and impact on Mexican MMA, “The Assassin Baby” remains one of the most important flyweights in UFC history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Brandon Moreno?
Brandon Moreno is a Mexican mixed martial artist and former two-time UFC Flyweight Champion. He was the first Mexican fighter to win a UFC championship.
Why is Brandon Moreno called “The Assassin Baby”?
Moreno’s nickname reflects the contrast between his friendly personality outside the cage and his aggressive, skilled fighting style inside the Octagon.
How many times has Brandon Moreno fought Deiveson Figueiredo?
Brandon Moreno fought Deiveson Figueiredo four times, making their rivalry the first four-fight series between two fighters in UFC history.
