Brandon Moreno heartbroken about Joseph Benavidez’s UFC title loss

Like several lovers seeing from home, Brandon Moreno didn’t enjoy seeing Jospeh Benavidez arrive up short in his most modern and probable very last UFC title struggle.

The Mexican fighter was heartbroken to see his buddy and former coach on “The Final Fighter” get choked unconscious by Deiveson Figueiredo in a struggle for the vacant flyweight belt that headlined UFC on ESPN+30 this past Saturday in Abu Dhabi. It was a title rematch from February, when the 1st bout finished in controversy – there was an illegal head clash through the struggle, and Figueiredo could not assert the title immediately after profitable due to the fact he missed excess weight.

Benavidez, 35, was part of the UFC flyweight division inauguration back again in 2012, so viewed as a pioneer in the excess weight course. He’s also been a top rated contender for yrs but was hardly ever able to seize UFC gold, owning gone -4 in UFC title fights at 125 kilos.

As expected, Moreno (17-5-1 MMA, 5-2-1 UFC) was sad to see Benavidez unable to attain his title desires.

“Joseph, I seriously like him a lot. I value him,” Moreno informed MMA Junkie in Spanish. “What I observed on Saturday broke my heart and made me mad, since that dude Deiveson attempts to be awesome, but he also helps make unattractive statements, and I don’t like him. Observing how Joe lost and how he broke down in the publish-combat push convention and started crying, individually, it broke me. I felt sad and at the identical time mad. I do not want to see it as a vengeance, but I merely want to beat Deiveson Figueiredo.”

Element of Moreno feels relieved he won’t have to battle Benavidez. The 26-12 months-old has skilled a excellent sum with Benavidez and doesn’t feel enthusiasts observed the veteran at his full potential.

“Personally, I feel that wasn’t Joe in there,” Moreno said. “I think possibly the strain of the whole second, the responses, I really do not know. I really don’t feel he was 100 %. I read his job interview put up-battle. He said he felt very superior and bodily all set for the fight. But I know him, and I’ve properly trained with him, and I do not assume that was the Joe that I’m utilised to looking at.

“Even in the back again acquire he defended well, but commonly if anyone requires his back again, he escapes straight away. It doesn’t very last extended. Obviously, I cannot get away nearly anything from Deiveson, who carried out well and seemed incredibly polished, and we saw a lot of electric power from his ideal hand. So congratulations to him. He did a excellent position, but I’m ready for this.”

Moreno wishes the upcoming shot at the flyweight title and believes he’s the crystal clear challenger to the belt. He hopes to get booked versus Figueiredo later on this calendar year.