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Which UFC Star Inspired Canelo Alvarez?

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Nov 29, 2025 2:57 AM ET

Canelo Alvarez was inspired when he met former UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno in 2021.

Alvarez is one of Mexico’s biggest boxers. He made history by becoming the first fighter to achieve the undisputed super middleweight title. Alvarez would also become the second fighter to do so, as he repeated this feat by beating William Scull earlier in the year.

Meanwhile, Moreno, known as ‘The Assassin Baby,’ achieved a big feat in 2021 when he submitted Deiveson Figueiredo to become the first Mexican-born champion in UFC history. Moreno’s triumph, which secured him the flyweight title for the first time at UFC 263, caught the attention of Alvarez. Canelo invited Moreno to train with him, as Alvarez laid praise on ‘The Assassin Baby’ for his achievements. Alvarez also gave Moreno a masterclass in throwing body punches.

“People like him are an inspiration for everyone. 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. “I saw on TikTok that you were talking about me. I got goosebumps. That’s what we’re here for — to support each other,” Canelo said

Canelo’s Next Steps

Canelo’s own statements confirm that his immediate priority for 2026 is a rematch with Terence Crawford. Crawford made history by moving up two weight divisions to defeat Canelo by unanimous decision, thereby claiming the undisputed super middleweight title. For Canelo, avenging this loss is essential not only to reclaim the belts, but also to solidify his legacy. Canelo was dealing with an elbow injury that required surgery shortly after their initial contest. However, the rematch also depends on Crawford.

Crawford has indicated that he could move down to 160 pounds to pursue a fight against Janibek Alimkhanuly. Janibek is the IBF and WBO Middleweight Champion, who faces the WBA champ Erislandy Lara on December 6. A win for Janibek leaves him a belt short of becoming undisputed. That could be enough to tempt Crawford to move to 160 and chase a belt with a sixth-weight class. But if there is a Canelo-Crawford rematch, Alvarez knows he cannot come out second best again.

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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