Moreno is one of today’s highest-profile mixed martial artists. A hero in the Latino world, he enjoys devoted support from a fervent fan base.

Born in Tijuana, the Mexican took up MMA at 12 in a bid to lose weight. He got the bug for the sport, and opted against studying law to be a fighter.

Moreno made his debut at 17. Still very young, he was fighting in a category higher than his own and had a 3-3 record after six fights. 

After gaining in maturity and experience, Moreno began to stand out. Following a run of eight victories in a row, UFC came calling. 

Before his UFC debut, Moreno was a contestant on the reality TV show The Ultimate Fighter. He faced Alexandre Pantoja in the first round, and lost.

And in an unusual turn of events, Moreno made his UFC bow while his season of The Ultimate Fighter was still airing. He beat Louis Smolka.

Moreno began his UFC career with three wins, but then lost to Sergio Pettis and Pantoja. After the second defeat, he was cut by UFC.

Moreno set about earning a return. He stepped up his training, and signed with LFA. He was a title winner in his first fight, and UFC re-signed him.

After three wins and a draw, he got  his chance at a title when he faced Deiveson Figueiredo. He fought superbly, but the bout ended in a draw.

In the rematch, however, Moreno produced an even stronger performance, and claimed a memorable win to become flyweight champion.

A trilogy fight was the only option. Moreno went into it at the peak of his powers, but Figueiredo served up an intense display to beat him.

Although UFC wasn’t keen on a fourth fight, it seemed like it was going to happen… until an injury to Figueiredo scuppered such plans.

Moreno now has a shot at another title, but only an interim one. A bout  against Kai Kara awaits, with the winner to fight Figueiredo.

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