Brandon Moreno (image via UFC / YouTube)

By Kelsey Mowatt

Following consecutive, narrow, defeats, Brandon Moreno has announced he’s moving to the sidelines for the time being.

This time last year, Moreno wasn’t far removed from unifying the flyweight titles, after stopping 2 Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 282. But, since then, the 30-year-old Mexican fighter has dropped split decision losses to Alexandre Pantoja and most recently, Brandon Royval.

In a recent social media post, Moreno revealed he feels burnt out and plans to take a break from fighting (translations via MMA Junkie’s Danny Segura).

“I think with all the technical aspect things aside, I think I’m just tired. I’m tired of the media, the same questions, the vibe, the constant pressure. I don’t even think it’s a single moment anymore. I think it’s everything I’ve piled on my shoulders in the last few years. I’ve reached a point where my mind is stressed, and I just want to rest a bit. I’m not saying I’m 100 percent stepping away from MMA, but I do want to take a break to rest, be with my family and just be a normal person, be with my daughters, and just do new things.

“There are many things I haven’t done because I’m 100 percent focused on my training. I just want to rest a bit. This is by no means a goodbye. Just wait for me, have patience, let my body and my mind recover, and we’ll come back to do things well.”

In addition to making it clear he’s not retiring, Moreno also reported that he’s confident he can make another title run.

“The last time that happened, I came back, and I became a world champion,” Moreno said. “I’d like to think I can do the same and when I return, I’m going to go on a tear. I still think I’m an incredible fighter, and I have all the qualities and abilities to be a champion again.”

Moreno (21-8-2) has gone 2-3 in his last five fights, with his other defeat coming against Figueiredo, and he recorded the other victory during that stint over Kai Kara France. He is currently ranked #2 in the UFC’s flyweight division.