Hello, mixed martial artist fans! If you love following the MMA and admire world-class, Brandon Moreno is a name you’ll recognize instantly. Brandon Moreno is a Mexican MMA fighter and one of the most popular flyweights in the UFC, known for his high pace, durability and championship runs at 125 pounds. He became the first Mexican-born UFC champion when he captured the flyweight title against Deiveson Figueiredo and has remained a headlining name through 2024–2025.
Brandon Moreno’s Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Brandon Carrillo Moreno |
| Nickname | The Assassin Baby |
| Date of Birth | December 7, 1993 |
| Age | 31 years old |
| Birthplace | Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico |
| Nationality | Mexican |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Height | 5’7″ (170 cm) |
| Weight Class | Flyweight (125 lbs) |
| Reach | 70 inches |
| Turned Professional | April 30, 2011 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1-2 million |
| Annual Salary | Varies by fight (typically $100,000-$500,000 per bout) |
| Spouse | Shirley Moreno |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Children | 3 daughters (Maddie, Megan, Morgan) |
| @theassassinbaby | |
| Current Team | Fortis MMA |
| Education | Law School graduate |
Early Career
Brandon’s entry into mixed martial arts wasn’t planned. When he was just 12 years old, his mother signed him up at the local Entram Gym in Tijuana to help him lose weight. What started as a fitness journey quickly became a lifelong passion. Despite initially wanting to become a lawyer and even completing his law degree, Moreno chose to follow his heart and pursue fighting full-time.
He made his professional MMA debut on April 30, 2011, at just 17 years old, defeating Atiq Jihad by submission in the first round. Those early years weren’t easy though. Fighting mostly in the bantamweight division because the flyweight class wasn’t readily available in Mexico, Moreno struggled with a 3-3 record in his first six fights. The weight disadvantage made competition tough, but he never gave up.
Professional Career
Moreno’s professional journey has been nothing short of remarkable. After those early struggles, he eventually found his way to the flyweight division where he truly belonged. He went on a tear, winning the World Fighting Federation Flyweight Championship in 2014 and defending it three times. This success caught the attention of UFC matchmakers, earning him a spot on The Ultimate Fighter Season 24 in 2016.
Although he lost in the tournament’s first round to Alexandre Pantoja, the UFC saw his potential and signed him to a contract. His UFC debut came on October 1, 2016, when he submitted Louis Smolka in the first round, earning a Performance of the Night bonus. However, his UFC journey hit a major roadblock in 2018 when he was unexpectedly cut from the promotion after back-to-back losses.
Most fighters would have been devastated, but Moreno used that setback as fuel. He signed with Legacy Fighting Alliance and captured their flyweight championship in 2019 by defeating Maikel Perez. The UFC quickly realized their mistake and brought him back. Since his return, Moreno has been unstoppable, embarking on an epic four-fight series with Deiveson Figueiredo that captivated the MMA world.
Their first meeting at UFC 256 in December 2020 ended in a majority draw. The rematch at UFC 263 in June 2021 saw Moreno make history, submitting Figueiredo in the third round to become the first Mexican-born UFC champion. They fought twice more, with Figueiredo winning the trilogy at UFC 270 before Moreno reclaimed the title at UFC 283 in January 2023 via doctor stoppage. He later lost the belt to Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 290 in July 2023 via split decision.
After bouncing back from consecutive losses, Moreno has won his last three fights against Amir Albazi, Steve Erceg, and most recently competing at UFC 323 in December 2025 against Tatsuro Taira.
Relationship Status and Family Life
Brandon is a devoted family man who met his wife Shirley back in 2011 when they were both in high school. Shirley was born in Texas but grew up on the Texas-Tamaulipas border and speaks both English and Spanish fluently. The couple has been married for over a decade, having tied the knot in an intimate private ceremony.
Together, they have three beautiful daughters. Their eldest, Maddie, was born in 2014 and is now a gymnast. Their second daughter, Megan, came along in 2018, and their youngest, Morgan, was born in 2021. Moreno often credits his family as his biggest motivation and source of strength. Despite his fame, Shirley prefers to keep a low profile, primarily focusing on being a supportive wife and mother while accompanying Brandon to almost all of his UFC fights.
Brandon frequently posts about his daughters on social media, showing his softer side outside the octagon. He’s known for being an incredible father who prioritizes family time whenever he’s not training. His family background is equally interesting – his parents, Cecilia and Alfredo Moreno, used to own a piñata shop in Baja California. While Brandon tried his hand at the family business, he quickly realized fighting was his true calling, joking that he’s a much better fighter than a piñata maker.
Brandon Moreno’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Brandon Moreno’s estimated net worth sits between $1 million and $2 million according to various sources. His wealth comes primarily from his UFC fight purses, performance bonuses, pay-per-view points during his championship runs, and sponsorship deals.
Throughout his UFC career, Moreno has accumulated approximately $2.26 million in disclosed fight earnings. His most lucrative payday came at UFC 283 when he reclaimed the flyweight title against Deiveson Figueiredo, pocketing over $1 million. When he was champion, his base salary reached as high as $500,000 per fight, not including win bonuses and PPV cuts.
Currently, as a top contender without the championship belt, Moreno typically earns between $100,000 and $200,000 per fight as his base pay, with additional income from sponsorships and potential performance bonuses. His recent main event appearances have continued to add significantly to his bank account, with his UFC Mexico City fight against Steve Erceg reportedly earning him around $566,000 including all bonuses.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Result | Disclosed Earnings | Notes |
| UFC 283 (Jan 2023) | Deiveson Figueiredo | Win | $1,000,000+ | Won undisputed flyweight title |
| UFC 290 (July 2023) | Alexandre Pantoja | Loss | $500,000+ | Lost flyweight title |
| UFC 277 (July 2022) | Kai Kara-France | Win | $292,000+ | Won interim flyweight title |
| UFC 270 (Jan 2022) | Deiveson Figueiredo | Loss | $200,000 | Base pay only |
| UFC 263 (June 2021) | Deiveson Figueiredo | Win | $200,000 | First title win ($100k show + $100k win) |
| UFC 256 (Dec 2020) | Deiveson Figueiredo | Draw | $180,000 | Title fight draw |
| UFC Edmonton (Nov 2024) | Amir Albazi | Win | $100,000+ | Base salary estimate |
| UFC Mexico City (Mar 2025) | Steve Erceg | Win | $566,000 | Included bonuses and sponsorships |
Endorsements and Sponsorships
Brandon Moreno has built a solid portfolio of endorsement deals that supplement his fight income. His sponsorships include:
- Monster Energy – As one of Monster’s premier UFC athletes, Moreno represents the iconic energy drink brand and appears in their promotional materials
- Roobet – The crypto casino platform signed Moreno alongside other UFC stars like Charles Oliveira and Alex Pereira
- Betmaster – Mexican sports betting platform where Moreno serves as an ambassador
- Game Up Nutrition – Sports nutrition and supplement company
- Pur3 L1fe – Lifestyle and wellness brand
- Mybookie – Online sports betting platform
- Real State Madero – Real estate company
- UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance Pay – Moreno receives between $16,000 and $42,000 per fight depending on his tenure with the promotion
These sponsorships have proven crucial to building his overall wealth, especially considering that UFC fighters cannot display personal sponsors on their fight gear due to the organization’s exclusive apparel deal with Venum.
Career Record
| Category | Record |
| Professional Record | 23 Wins – 8 Losses – 2 Draws (as of Dec 2025) |
| UFC Record | 11-5-2 |
| Wins by Knockout/TKO | 5 |
| Wins by Submission | 11 |
| Wins by Decision | 7 |
| Finish Rate | 69.6% |
| Striking Accuracy | 44% |
| Takedown Accuracy | 45% |
| Significant Strikes Landed per Minute | 3.96 |
| Significant Strikes Absorbed | 3.62 |
| Takedown Defense | 64% |
Notable Victories and Losses
| Opponent | Result | Method | Event | Significance |
| Deiveson Figueiredo | Win | TKO (Doctor Stoppage) | UFC 283 (Jan 2023) | Won undisputed flyweight title |
| Deiveson Figueiredo | Win | Submission (RNC) | UFC 263 (June 2021) | Won flyweight title, first Mexican UFC champion |
| Kai Kara-France | Win | TKO | UFC 277 (July 2022) | Won interim flyweight title |
| Amir Albazi | Win | Unanimous Decision | UFC Edmonton (Nov 2024) | Broke two-fight losing streak |
| Steve Erceg | Win | Unanimous Decision | UFC Mexico (Mar 2025) | Main event victory |
| Alexandre Pantoja | Loss | Split Decision | UFC 290 (July 2023) | Lost flyweight title |
| Deiveson Figueiredo | Loss | Unanimous Decision | UFC 270 (Jan 2022) | Lost flyweight title |
| Brandon Royval | Loss | Split Decision | UFC Fight Night (Feb 2024) | Consecutive loss |
| Deiveson Figueiredo | Draw | Majority Draw | UFC 256 (Dec 2020) | Title fight classic |
| Alexandre Pantoja | Loss | Unanimous Decision | UFC Fight Night (May 2018) | Pre-championship loss |
FAQs
1. How did Brandon Moreno get his nickname “The Assassin Baby”?
Brandon earned the nickname “The Assassin Baby” due to his youthful, baby-faced appearance combined with his lethal fighting skills inside the octagon. Despite looking innocent and young, he’s a dangerous finisher with excellent submission skills and relentless pace, making the contrast between his appearance and fighting style the perfect inspiration for his moniker.
2. What training facilities has Brandon Moreno been associated with?
Moreno trained at Entram Gym in Tijuana from 2006 to 2022, where he developed under coach Raúl Arvizu. He’s also been affiliated with Bang Muay Thai, Team Elevation, and Glory MMA & Fitness. Since 2022, he’s been training at Fortis MMA in Dallas, Texas, under head coach Sayif Saud alongside other notable UFC fighters.
3. What martial arts belt does Brandon Moreno hold?
Brandon Moreno is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, earning his rank under his longtime coach Raúl Arvizu. His exceptional grappling skills have resulted in 11 submission victories throughout his professional career, with the rear-naked choke being his most successful finishing technique.
4. Has Brandon Moreno ever fought outside the UFC?
Yes, Brandon competed in various regional promotions before joining the UFC, including the World Fighting Federation where he became flyweight champion. After being released from the UFC in 2018, he signed with Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) and won their flyweight championship by defeating Maikel Perez in 2019 before being re-signed by the UFC.
5. What is Brandon Moreno’s relationship with fellow Mexican fighters?
Moreno is extremely proud to represent Mexico and has paved the way for other Mexican fighters in the UFC. He’s often mentioned alongside Alexa Grasso and Yair Rodríguez as part of a new wave of Mexican champions. He’s expressed his desire to inspire young Mexican fighters and credits his success to his cultural heritage and Mexican fighting spirit.
6. What are Brandon Moreno’s hobbies outside of fighting?
Outside the cage, Moreno is a devoted family man who loves spending time with his wife and three daughters. He’s an avid collector of Marvel action figures and Funko Pops. Additionally, he’s passionate about LEGO and has a massive collection, even using LEGO building as a post-fight ritual to relax. He can also play guitar and drums, and hosts a Spanish-language MMA podcast called “Entre Asaltos.”
7. What makes Brandon Moreno’s fighting style unique?
Moreno is known for his volume striking, constantly pressuring opponents with combinations and body kicks. He averages 3.96 significant strikes per minute, which is high for the flyweight division. His cardio is exceptional, allowing him to maintain a relentless pace for five rounds. He seamlessly blends striking with grappling, using his black belt jiu-jitsu skills to hunt for submissions whenever the fight hits the ground.
8. How many times has Brandon Moreno fought for the UFC championship?
Brandon Moreno has fought for the UFC flyweight championship six times, which is remarkable for any fighter. He drew with Deiveson Figueiredo once, beat him twice, lost to him once, and lost to Alexandre Pantoja. He also won the interim title against Kai Kara-France. This makes him one of the most championship-experienced fighters in the flyweight division.
9. What is Brandon Moreno’s connection to boxing legend Canelo Alvarez?
Moreno has met and received advice from Mexican boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez. The two share Mexican heritage and pride, with Canelo offering guidance to Moreno about handling success and fame. Their connection symbolizes the strong bond within the Mexican combat sports community, with established champions supporting rising stars.
10. What’s next for Brandon Moreno’s career?
As of December 2025, Moreno recently competed against Tatsuro Taira at UFC 323. Following his impressive wins over Amir Albazi and Steve Erceg, he’s positioning himself for another title shot. Moreno has expressed his desire to reclaim the flyweight championship and become a three-time champion. He’s stated he wants to fight at UFC Noche (UFC’s annual Mexican Independence Day event) and continue building his legacy as Mexico’s greatest UFC fighter.