Brandon Moreno could find his way into a title bout at UFC 255.
UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo is scheduled to defend the title against Cody Garbrandt in the main event of UFC 255. Brandon Moreno is facing Alex Perez on the same card, but Moreno says he is also the backup fighter for the flyweight title fight.
“I told them if I’m not fighting for the title then give me a fight for October or even September,” Moreno said on Hablemos MMA (via Danny Segura of MMA Junkie). “I don’t know why I need to wait that long, but they insisted it was in November so I could be on the same card and be a replacement, and I have to be conscious of that possibility. Obviously, when you’re fighting for a championship belt, you want to be 100 percent focused on a single rival, but those opportunities don’t come around twice in life, so you have to be ready for anything.”
The UFC will only use Moreno if one of the fighters backs out or misses championship weight. Moreno also says UFC officials told him a win over Perez would guarantee him the next UFC flyweight title shot.
“Everything was resolved quickly and according to the matchmaker, if I win this fight, I go for the title, no surprises, nothing,” Moreno said. “If you win the fight against Alex Perez, you’re getting the fight for the title, so I’m taking that. I also got a new contract, which I’m much happier with, and all those things, so I’m focusing on those positives, and I’m moving forward. Little by little the Latino fighters and not just fighters, but Latinos in general, we always have to row against the current. We have to work double, and I’m not turning away from that. I’m happy and moving forward.”
UFC 255 takes place on Saturday, November 21 from a location to be announced. Figueiredo vs. Cody Garbrandt will headline the card. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, which streams live on ESPN+ pay-per-view.
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