Brandon Moreno defeats Joseph Morales via split decision at Noche UFC

3 sources3 min read • Latest: Sep 13, 2026, 12:05 AM

Last updated Sep 13, 2026

Brandon Moreno defeats Joseph Morales via split decision at Noche UFC
Summary

Former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno secured a split decision victory over Joseph Morales on Saturday at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Judges scored the three-round co-main event 28-29, 30-27, and 30-27 in favor of Moreno. The fight featured back-and-forth striking exchanges throughout the opening rounds, with Moreno utilizing late takedowns and top control in the third frame to maintain an advantage. Moreno entered the contest looking to halt a two-fight losing skid and maintain his standing within the 125-pound division. Following the result, the former titleholder expressed his intent to climb back into the top 10 rankings. The event, which was part of a broader fight card, also saw unanimous decision victories for Alexa Grasso and Curtis Blaydes.

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By the Numbers
  • Brandon Moreno beat Joseph Morales by split decision at Desert Diamond Arena.
  • Judges scored the bout 28-29, 30-27, and 30-27 after three rounds.
  • Moreno successfully stopped a two-fight losing skid.
  • The victory keeps Moreno as a featured competitor in the 125-pound division.
Latest Updates
  • 12:05 AMYahoo SportsNoche UFC results: Brandon Moreno snaps skid with split decision vs. Joseph Morales
  • 11:59 PMYahoo SportsNoche UFC results: Brandon Moreno shows off slick striking and grappling to beat Joseph Morales
  • 11:59 PMMMA FightingNoche UFC results: Brandon Moreno shows off slick striking and grappling to beat Joseph Morales
What they're saying
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 12: (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC) Brandon Moreno isn’t sure how one judge gave the fight to Joseph Morales but he still walked away with the split decision in in the Noche UFC co-main event on Saturday. Following a disappointing two-fight skid, Moreno had a lot to prove and he showed he’s still an elite flyweight with blistering speed in his hands and slick grappling game that can give anybody problems. When the fight was over the judges scored the fight 30-27 twice for Moreno with the third official going 29-28 for Morales. It was still enough to get the job done for Moreno as he was immediately in celebration mode with the win. “That’s kind of weird but at the end, I won,” Moreno said about the split decision. “I’m going to celebrate with my people. Viva Mexico! I’m super happy.” Moreno wasted no time showing off his boxing combinations including a nasty left hook that clipped Morales as the flyweights were exchanging blows. Morales didn’t panic and instead reset and he connected with a slick combination of his own. Both fighters were throwing caution to the wind on the feet with some really hard shots landing clean including Morales connecting on several stiff left hands. Moreno was happy to fire back but Morales wasn’t backing down as both flyweights were dropping bombs. Moreno was welcoming a slugfest and he caught Morales with a hard left hand during one of the wild exchanges. But Morales came firing back with a right hand that snapped Moreno’s head back and he stumbled backwards in the octagon. Morales opened the final round with a takedown attempt but Moreno was more than ready as he engineered a slick reversal before resetting in the middle of the octagon. Moreno showed he still had some power in the hands after popping Morales with a good shot against the cage before he latched ono another well-timed takedown. Moreno maintained that control until the final horn sounded to end the fight. Always a serious player at 125 pounds, Moreno got the much needed win and now he’ll look to jump back into the deep end of the top 10 rankings following his victory at Noche UFC.

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The judges were divided on it, but Brandon Moreno finally got a win at Noche UFC on Saturday.

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Brandon Moreno stopped a two-fight losing streak with an impressive win at Noche UFC.

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