Moreno Secures Win Over Erceg On His Homecoming
Brandon Moreno secured a victory on his homecoming against Steve Erceg at UFC Mexico City via a unanimous decision: 49-46, 49-46, 49-46.
Moreno, who is a former flyweight champion on two occasions, will now likely target a title shot against flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja. The first round was a cagey affair, as both men were feeling each other out. They were exchanging leg kicks and jabs without giving too much away. However, it was Moreno who landed the first major blow with a one-two combination that buzzed Erceg. Erceg was keeping his jab out there, looking to land counters. Moreno landed a right hand, while Erceg countered with a shot to the body.
The first two rounds showed that both fighters were looking to strike rather than take things to the ground. Erceg made some adjustments in the third, staying out of range, which made it more difficult for Moreno to land his power shots. Steve found success in the fourth round, as he connected with a solid right hand. Erceg also landed a counter on the head but ate a left hand in return. Moreno secured a takedown, only for Erceg to get back to his feet. It was not enough, as Moreno landed another takedown before the round was over.
Post-Fight
Erceg’s corner was not happy with his performance, urging their man to increase his output. The last round did not disappoint, as the two continued to exchange. Moreno got through with two left kicks and a sharp right hand. However, Erceg refused to back down. He connected with his own kick to the body. But it was Moreno who finished stronger, as he succeeded in another takedown. His pressure was enough to secure him the win on the scorecards.
“Who really knows what I deserve? But I really believe I can move the needle and bring that pay-per-view to Guadalajara. Let’s do it,” Ryan said
“Nothing surprised me. I thought I landed pretty well, but obviously, it wasn’t enough. He had more volume. We went five rounds. I’ll keep getting better and I’ll be back,” Erceg said
Full Card
Brandon Moreno beats Steve Erceg by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
Manuel Torres beats Drew Dober by TKO (strikes) at 1:45 of Round 1
Edgar Chairez beats CJ Vergara by submission (face crank) at 2:30 of Round 1
Raul Rosas Jr. beats Vince Morales by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
David Martinez beats Saimon Oliveira by TKO (strikes) at 4:38 of Round 1
Kevin Borjas beats Ronaldo Rodriguez by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Ateba Gautier beats Jose Daniel Medina by KO (knee) at 3:32 of Round 1
Melquizael Costa beats Christian Rodriguez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Loopy Godinez beats Julia Polastri by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Rafa Garcia beats Vinc Pichel by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Jamall Emmers beats Gabriel Miranda by TKO (strikes) at 4:06 of Round 1
MarQuel Mederos beats Austin Hubbard by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
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