Brandon Moreno’s profession within the UFC couldn’t be described as something lower than an outrageous success. The 2-time former flyweight champion has reached the best of highs, been part of historical past and been one of many key figures behind MMA’s increase in Mexico.

In the case of competing on his house soil, nevertheless, that’s part of Moreno’s UFC profession he most likely desires to overlook about. He’s winless in three octagon appearances in Mexico, going 0-2-1, with the 2 defeats being in primary occasions in opposition to Sergio Pettis and Brandon Royval.

On Saturday, nevertheless, Moreno (22-8-2 MMA, 10-4-2 UFC) will get the prospect to show the narrative in his favor. He’s positioned in one other headlining spot at UFC on ESPN 64, this time in opposition to Steve Erceg (12-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC) at Enviornment CDMX in Mexico Metropolis (ESPN2, ESPN+).

The file at house has been a thorn within the facet of Moreno. High UFC analyst and coloration commentator Paul Felder understands why, however mentioned if Moreno desires to get again to the title once more, he’s going to want to beat this hurdle.

“He’s being placed on the face of Mexican MMA they usually need him there a lot to attract consideration, and that brings quite a lot of strain to it,” Felder advised MMA Junkie. “The truth that it’s at altitude and he has to alter the best way that he desires to coach. He likes to have his personal staff and camp round him. Then it’s the monetary burden. Bringing the entire staff to altitude, prepping in altitude – it’s simply a lot that goes into that. Then how many individuals are hitting up any person like Brandon Moreno when he’s in Mexico Metropolis and he’s preparing for a primary occasion and he’s bought to do all of the press that goes with it?

“A primary occasion some place else, it’s not as large a deal for him. He can form of slip beneath the radar and simply do the media. However while you’re the man, you’re the Mexican fighter on the marquee there in your house nation, it’s lots. That’s what actually will get to a man like that. Some individuals deal with that house benefit properly and make it work, and I believe generally it breaks guys mentally.”

In line with the divisional standings and betting odds, Moreno, No. 3 within the newest USA TODAY Sports activities/MMA Junkie flyweight rankings, is positioned properly to get his hand raised in opposition to No. 9-ranked Erceg.

Felder notes to not rely out the underdog on this place, nevertheless, and explains the 2 125-pound contenders to placed on an entertaining present beneath the highlight.

“I do assume it is going to be an thrilling combat,” Felder mentioned. “Any time Brandon Moreno is in there (it’s good), and Erceg when he’s on his recreation, we’ve seen him at his finest like in that championship combat he misplaced, a razor shut combat to Alexandre Pantoja. Then he had one other setback after that (to Kai Kara-France), however I believe this child, if he can actually dig in and have a enjoyable scrap with Moreno and get a win, he places himself proper again within the combine at flyweight. I like each of these guys an entire lot. That combat goes to be quite a lot of enjoyable.”

To listen to extra from Felder, try his full look above on “The Bohnfire” podcast with MMA Junkie senior reporter Mike Bohn.

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC on ESPN 64.