UFC Brasilia results: Brandon Moreno calls for title shot after statement win over Jussier Formiga

A new contender has suddenly emerged in the UFC’s flyweight division.

Brandon Moreno picked up the biggest win of his career on Saturday with a unanimous decision victory over Jussier Formiga in the featured bout of the preliminary card at UFC Fight Night from Brasilia, Brazil.

While it was a back-and-forth battle throughout, Moreno’s ability to scramble out of trouble on the ground and then land the more effective strikes on the feet ultimately earned him the win over an established contender like Formiga. The judges agreed with scores coming back 30-27, 29-28 and 29-28, all for Formiga.

“I know the second one was mine but the third [round] was close,” Moreno said following his win. “I’m so happy, I don’t believe it.”

Almost immediately as the fight got started, Moreno was fending off submission attempts as Formiga looked for a guillotine choke and then transitioned into an omoplata before eventually moving into half-guard following a wild scramble on the ground.

While he had to be wary of Formiga’s grappling, Moreno showed no fear engaging with him and then trying to make him pay with strikes any time he got enough space to throw his hands.

As speedy and quick to react as Formiga was on the ground, Moreno was just as elusive to avoid getting locked down by the Brazilian.

On the feet, Moreno was able to connect with several stiff shots while making Formiga pay any time he lunged forward looking to drag him back to the mat. The constant activity with Moreno almost always coming out on top during the exchanges obviously gave him the nod on the scorecards.

With the win, Moreno is now 3-0-1 in his past four fights and he has gold on his mind after beating a top five ranked opponent like Formiga on Saturday.

“Mick [Maynard], please, watch the fight again and tell me why I don’t deserve to fight for the title next,” Moreno shouted in the empty arena with UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard keeping a close eye on the action. “I have the pen in the locker room. I can give you the pen if you want.”

With Joseph Benavidez and Deiveson Figueiredo expected to clash a second time with the vacant flyweight title up for grabs, Moreno could be the next one in line to call for the winner.