On March 29, 2025, at Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Brandon Moreno squared off against Steve Erceg in a flyweight match-up. Moreno, a former two-time flyweight champion, was looking to reclaim his position as a top contender in the UFC’s 125-pound division. Erceg, an Australian fighter, was making his own bid for a title shot. The fight turned out to be a thrilling five-round contest, with Moreno securing a unanimous decision victory. Let’s break down each round of this exciting fight.
Round 1: The Early Advantage for Moreno
The fight started at a fast pace, with both fighters eager to establish their presence in the octagon. Moreno was quick to engage, using his superior striking to land some crisp combinations on Erceg. A strong one-two punch early in the round rocked Erceg, causing him to retreat. The crowd erupted as Moreno pressed forward, landing more strikes and controlling the action. Erceg did have some moments, responding with leg kicks and occasional jabs, but it was clear that Moreno’s striking was the more effective of the two.
By the end of the first round, it was clear that Moreno had the upper hand. His fast-paced approach and technical striking made it difficult for Erceg to find any rhythm.
Round 2: Erceg Responds, but Moreno Maintains Control
As the second round began, Erceg started to find his range, landing some solid leg kicks that tested Moreno’s defense. Erceg’s striking appeared more fluid in this round as he settled into a rhythm, but Moreno continued to press the action. Despite Erceg’s efforts to slow down the fight with his kicks, Moreno’s combination of movement and accuracy allowed him to land more meaningful strikes.
Moreno’s speed and control on the feet were evident, as he outworked Erceg throughout the round. While Erceg showed some improvement, Moreno’s aggression and accuracy remained the difference, maintaining his edge in the fight.
Round 3: Moreno’s Control and Strategic Approach
By the third round, both fighters seemed to be pacing themselves, aware that this was a five-round contest. Erceg attempted to adjust his strategy, trying to cut off the cage and land more powerful strikes, but Moreno remained elusive. As the round wore on, Moreno’s strategy of staying active and landing combinations continued to pay off. He was able to keep Erceg at a distance, landing clean shots to the head and body.
Erceg struggled to find an opening, and although he managed a few solid kicks and punches, it was clear that Moreno had the upper hand in terms of both volume and accuracy. The round ended with Moreno controlling the center of the octagon and dictating the pace of the fight.
Round 4: Moreno Surprises with Grappling
In the fourth round, Brandon Moreno surprised many by mixing in some grappling. While both fighters had focused primarily on striking for most of the bout, Moreno decided to test his wrestling. He successfully took Erceg down and gained top control, landing some ground and pound. Erceg, known for his well-rounded game, worked to get back to his feet, but Moreno’s pressure on the ground was evident.
This round marked a shift in the fight as Moreno showed his versatility. While he continued to outstrike Erceg, his decision to mix in grappling displayed his complete skill set. Erceg, unable to find much success on the feet, struggled to break free from Moreno’s control, which likely contributed to his declining performance in this round.
Round 5: Moreno Dominates to Secure the Victory
In the final round, Moreno turned on the pressure, determined to secure a dominant victory. His striking was sharper than ever, landing punch after punch while Erceg struggled to find an answer. Moreno’s stamina and conditioning were evident as he continued to push the pace, refusing to give Erceg any breathing room.
Erceg, on the other hand, showed signs of fatigue and was unable to mount any significant offense in the final round. Moreno’s crisp strikes, combined with his relentless forward movement, ensured that he maintained control. With each passing minute, it became more apparent that Moreno was on his way to victory.
By the end of the fifth round, there was no doubt that Brandon Moreno had done enough to secure the win. The judges scored the fight unanimously in his favor, with all three giving him the nod at 49-46.
Post-Fight Reaction: What’s Next for Brandon Moreno?
After the fight, Moreno expressed his desire to continue climbing the flyweight ranks and possibly challenge for the title once again. He made it clear that his goal is to return to the octagon at UFC 320 in Guadalajara, Mexico, later this year. “I think I can move the needle,” Moreno said confidently after his win.
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