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Brandon Moreno marked his first appearance at Noche UFC with a hard-fought victory, overcoming Joseph Morales by split decision in Saturday's co-main event at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
The former UFC flyweight champion was pushed throughout all three rounds but ultimately did enough to convince two of the three judges. The scorecards read 28-29, 30-27 and 30-27 in Moreno's favor.
The result improved Moreno's professional record to 24-10-2, including 12-6-2 in the UFC, while Morales fell to 14-3 overall and 3-3 inside the Octagon.
Moreno makes an aggressive start
Moreno wasted little time imposing himself, opening the fight with sharp and powerful boxing combinations that immediately put Morales under pressure.
Morales, however, refused to allow the former champion to dictate the entire round. He gradually found his rhythm, mixed grappling into his offense and began competing more effectively in the striking exchanges.
The second round developed into an increasingly competitive battle on the feet. Morales connected with several clean shots during the opening minutes, but Moreno once again showed his durability and responded with effective strikes of his own.
Neither fighter was able to establish complete control, leaving plenty at stake heading into the final five minutes.
Takedown helps Moreno close out the fight
With the contest finely balanced, both men entered the third round knowing a strong finish could prove decisive.
There was little to separate them during the striking exchanges, but Moreno eventually produced one of the most important moments of the round by securing a takedown.
The Mexican then maintained top position for nearly two minutes, giving him valuable control time late in the fight before the contest went to the judges.
Two scorecards ultimately went heavily in Moreno's favor, allowing the former champion to celebrate a successful first appearance on a Noche UFC card.
Moreno stays in the flyweight picture
The victory came at an important point in Moreno's career. The former 125-pound champion entered the bout looking to avoid the first three-fight losing streak of his professional career.
Morales proved to be a difficult opponent and forced Moreno to work until the final horn, but the Mexican star found a way to get the result he needed.
The win keeps Moreno relevant in the UFC flyweight division and gives the former champion an opportunity to rebuild momentum as he looks to work his way back toward the top at 125 pounds.
