Brandon Moreno celebrates his championship victory against Deiveson Figueiredo during UFC 263 at Gila River Arena. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Moreno becomes first Mexican-born UFC champion

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 6/13/21

History was made at UFC 263 on Saturday night at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. Brandon Moreno submitted Deiveson Figueiredo with a rear-naked choke in the third round of their flyweight fight to win the division championship belt.

The fans in the arena went absolutely nuts after Moreno’s win:

BRANDON MORENO IS YOUR NEW FLYWEIGHT CHAMP #UFC263 pic.twitter.com/4H3oiP2CsN

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 13, 2021

Fellow MMA fighters showed Moreno respect over social media.

Congratulations #Mexico you did it You have yourself a #UFC champion

— BONY (@JonnyBones) June 13, 2021

Moreno had a powerful message after his win.

“For everyone in Mexico, dreams can be achieved, dreams can be achieved. Look at me now,” Moreno said.

Moreno was once cut by the UFC but has now returned to become a champion. It has been quite a ride for the 27-year-old from Tijuana, who is now 19-5-2.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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