One of boxing’s best is a fan of a fighter set to make the walk on UFC 323’s main card.
Mexico has a rich combat sports history, and leading the country’s charge in the ring across recent years has been the legendary Canelo Alvarez.
The first fighter in history to become the undisputed super middleweight champion has added to his nation’s boxing success, following in the footsteps of legends like Julio Cesar Chavez and Juan Manuel Marquez.
Mexico is also not without a history-maker in mixed martial arts. Brandon Moreno became the first Mexican-born champion in the UFC when he submitted Deiveson Figueiredo in 2021, and that championship success paved the way for ‘The Assassin Baby’ to link up with one of his heroes.
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Canelo Alvarez got ‘goosebumps’ from Brandon Moreno comment before teaching him the perfect body shot
Moreno beat Figueiredo at UFC 263 to become flyweight champion for the first time. After Alvarez took notice of that triumph, it did not take long for the pair to interact. The UFC star received an invite to train with his fellow countryman at boxing coach Eddy Reynoso’s gym in San Diego.
Moreno’s meeting with Alvarez was recorded and released in a video on the UFC’s YouTube channel, during which the boxing legend laid heavy praise on ‘The Assassin Baby’ before giving him a masterclass in throwing punches to the body.
“People like him are an inspiration for everyone,” Alvarez said of Moreno. “Even for me, because look at his story and what he dreamed of and visualized.
“He did it being the UFC champion. If I’m not mistaken, he’s the first from Mexico.
“So that’s inspiration and motivation for everyone that in life, everything can happen,” he added.
Watch Canelo Alvarez teach Brandon Moreno how to throw the perfect body shot
“I become a fan of that kind of person.”
While in conversation with Moreno, Alvarez later recalled seeing the then-UFC champion once discussing him in a social media video.
“I saw on TikTok that you were talking about me,” Alvarez said.
“I got goosebumps.
“That’s what we’re here for — to support each other.”
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Brandon Moreno returns on UFC 323 card that is headlined by two title fights
Moreno could find himself on the cusp of fighting for the flyweight title again if he wins at UFC 323, where his division’s gold will also be on the line.
After the two-time king at 125 pounds looks to extend his winning streak to three against the 17-1 Tatsuro Taira, Alexandre Pantoja will be challenged by Joshua Van in the first of two championship contests at UFC 323.
The Brazilian’s co-main event will set the stage for Merab Dvalishvili’s record-breaking defense against Petr Yan. The Georgian will become the first UFC titleholder to defend a belt four times in a single calendar year.
Which UFC 323 main card fight are you most excited for?
The likes of Moreno, Pantoja, and Dvalishvili will be among those competing on the UFC’s final PPV card before a new era begins on Paramount+ in 2026.