Brandon Moreno Explains UFC 306 Absence

James Herrick / UFC / September 12, 2024

Brandon Moreno UFC — Brandon Moreno, the first Mexican-born UFC champion, attempted to compete at UFC 306, but injuries kept him off the card. (Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images)

Brandon Moreno Explains UFC 306 Absence

UFC 306 will go down at The Las Vegas Sphere and serve as a ‘love letter‘ to Mexican combat sports. The event features some of the best Mexican MMA fighters on the planet, but there are a few omissions. That includes the first Mexican-born UFC champion, Brandon Moreno.

Moreno explained his absence from the event at a UFC Noche press conference at Planet 13 Entertainment Complex.

“I was trying to come back early,” Moreno said. “UFC asked me for this event, for Noche UFC, I did my best to recover from my injuries. I was not able to be a part of this amazing card, but I am excited. I am excited to be back and fight against Amir Albazi, an amazing opponent.

Ultimately, Moreno was unable to compete at UFC 306 because of injuries. The former flyweight champion previously headlined UFC Mexico City on Feb. 24 was not able to make the turnaround to compete at Noche UFC.

Moreno has been one of the faces of Mexican combat sports since defeating Deiveson Figueiredo to become a UFC champion in 2021. UFC 306 is certainly missing his presence; however, it is understandable that he is not on the card.

The only other major omission from UFC 306 is former interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez. Unlike Moreno, we have not heard why Rodriguez is not a part of the event.