Moreno admits he became his own worst enemy after two straight UFC defeats

Former UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno has acknowledged that his own mentality contributed to back-to-back losses, and says he has spent his camp ahead of Noche UFC 4 working to fix it.

Moreno, who faces Joseph Morales in the co-headliner of Noche UFC 4 on September 12 in Glendale, Arizona, is coming off consecutive defeats to Tatsuro Taira and Lone’er Kavanagh — a run that has put his ranking and his path back to title contention under serious pressure.

“It’s more about a perspective of my mentality,” Moreno said. “I think it’s a really common problem in this sport. Like, sometimes you are your worst enemy. I don’t want to put any excuses or whatever. I’ve been working on myself. I’ve been working on my mindset, my mentality.”

“The Assassin Baby” was candid that the mental side of his preparation has been the most significant adjustment this time around, rather than any tactical or physical overhaul.

Moreno is also clear-eyed about what is at stake against Morales, who enters the fight with every incentive to take his place in the flyweight rankings. “I am trying to defend my spot in the rankings and Joseph Morales is going to be super excited and super motivated to try to take my position as well,” Moreno added.

A third straight loss would significantly damage Moreno’s standing in a division he once ruled, making the September 12 bout one of the more consequential of his career since his title reign ended.