Another UFC underdog story has been fulfilled as Moreno who was almost cut from the UFC is now the new UFC flyweight champion. Moreno was coming in as a decent underdog despite having a draw against Figueiredo.
Coming to the fight Figueiredo’s team came up an excuse that he was sick before their first fight leading to not performing the way he wanted. Figueiredo then predicted a knockout against Moreno in the early rounds. Meanwhile, Moreno was just focused on improving his game and was quiet in the buildup.
In the weigh ins and in the entrance, Moreno was the crowd favorite. A lot of Mexican fans were in attendance so that may have played a factor in Moreno’s confidence.
The fight was fireworks, Moreno started aggressive throwing a lot of strikes, which was not the case in their first fight. Another ironic thing is Figueiredo who likes to explode early was not throwing that much but was instead hesitant. It was kind of new to see Figueiredo not starting pretty relax.
Figueiredo has said that he has been watching Usman’s fight, and wants to follow the welterweight champion’s composure in the fight and not overreaching. Figueiredo was gassed in the first fight, so he may had a more economic approach. Moreno meanwhile was styling on Figueiredo, even knocked him down.
In the third round, Moreno was able to take Figueiredo’s back once more and this time he had a better position. There was so much time left that Moreno had time to work which eventually secured a rear naked choke that ended the fight.
Moreno was so emotional that he cried realizing he is now a UFC champion. Figueiredo also showed great class by congratulating Moreno for a job well done. Both fighters respected each other which is a great thing to see.
