Moreno accepts the challenge of Pantoja
Mexican Brandon Moreno accepted the challenge thrown to him by Brazilian Alexandre Pantoja last August 21 and it seems that it is a matter of time their reunion.
Although the fight is not signed, Pantoja is the only active fighter in the UFC roster who has defeated “Killer Baby”: in Chile in 2018 and two years earlier inside The Ultimate Fighter.
It seems a matter of tempo for the negotiation to begin that would lead Moreno to seek a rematch against the Brazilian and for the Argentine Marcelo “Pitbull” Rojo, partner and corner of the Tijuana, Baja California born, the Mexican fighter is ready for that fight.
“Brandon is a completely different fighter. Physically, technically and most importantly, mentally he is on another level. He is anxious to fight,” “We are going to look for that redemption he deserves for the growth he had for all these years of work.”
Since the last loss to Pantoja, the Mexican improved his boxing by adding trainer Javier “Drift” Cortes to his corner and since then he hasn’t lost in seven fights and won the LFA and UFC 125-pound championship.
Moreno is ready for the first defense and doesn’t plan to be daunted by any opponent.
“I know Brandon and he tells you this is not a marathon. Everyone thinks it’s a long race, that you have to take it easy, (but) this is a sprint without a finish line and we always go all out,” added “Pitbull.”
Moreno was crowned champion at UFC 263 and is expected to defend it before the end of 2021, though only UFC 269 on Dec. 11 in Las Vegas remains as an option, as the promotion last Saturday unveiled the full star-studded lineup for UFC 268 on Nov. 6 in New York.
Moreno has joined Latino fighters
Rojo, who fights Jonathan Martinez this Saturday in what will be his second appearance in the UFC octagon, says the level at Entram Gym has risen in recent months, mainly because of the arrival of more fighters who want to follow in Brandon’s footsteps.
“I was the first to arrive, I’ve known them since 2015. Already in 2016 I made the decision to come to Mexico. As the first, I am the boss, we are among the oldest along with Masio, Pablo, Brandon and there are a couple more. I call what the champion caused ‘The Brandon Moreno effect’,” Rojo pointed out. “He showed us all that it is possible. That generated a very big movement and today, in my house, in Entram, we have Chileans, Colombians, Venezuelans, Peruvians, Argentines. We have about five or six from each country and from different parts of Mexico.
“We make a beautiful team. I consider myself one of the captains. Many see me as a figurehead. It’s not how I want to be, but I feel very proud of this team and I want to make it grow,” he added.
