Former UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno is not dwelling on his recent controversial loss. Reportedly booked to face #7-ranked contender Asu Almabayev on March 1 in Mexico, the 32-year-old is making a swift return to the Octagon to reclaim his position in the title picture.
“Definitely Early”: Moreno’s Frustration with UFC 323 Stoppage
Moreno’s urgency stems from a frustrating result at UFC 323 on December 6. Competing for the second time in 2025, he faced rising star Tatsuro Taira in a bout many analysts and fans, including Moreno himself, believe was stopped prematurely by the referee.
The second-round TKO loss derailed Moreno’s momentum after he had recorded back-to-back wins earlier in the year, a run he believed would earn him another title shot. The contentious nature of the defeat has motivated his desire for a quick turnaround to correct the record.
The Challenge: Asu Almabayev on the Rise
Standing in his way will be Asu Almabayev, a formidable test for any flyweight looking to climb the ranks. The #7-ranked contender has successfully rebounded from a loss to Manel Kape in March with consecutive victories over Jose Ochoa and Alex Perez.
A win for Almabayev would represent the biggest of his career and catapult him into the title conversation, while a victory for Moreno is essential to stay among the elite in a suddenly wide-open division.
A Flyweight Division in Flux
The bout takes place against the backdrop of a flyweight division undergoing significant change. The co-main event of UFC 323 saw Joshua Van dethrone long-time champion Alexandre Pantoja due to a freak arm injury, creating new opportunities.
While Taira appears to be the front-runner for the first shot at Van’s new title, the landscape remains fluid. Other contenders like Brandon Royval and Manel Kape are also vying for position, making Moreno’s fight on March 1 a critical move to disrupt the pecking order and re-enter the championship discussion.
The Road to Redemption Begins March 1
For Brandon Moreno, the path to another title shot runs directly through Asu Almabayev in Mexico this March. By securing this fight, Moreno is taking immediate control of his career narrative after a setback he disputes. The result will send a clear message to the division about whether “The Assassin Baby” is still a prime contender for the UFC flyweight crown.
