The UFC kicks off March with a compelling Combat Evening essential occasion. Former two-time flyweight champion Brandon Moreno faces rising British prospect Lone’er Kavanagh in a bout that would reshape the flyweight panorama.
For Moreno, that is about staying within the title image after a loss to Tatsuro Taira. For Kavanagh, it’s a likelihood to interrupt into the rankings and announce himself as a professional contender.
Moreno’s Ultimate Title Push?
Brandon Moreno has already achieved what most fighters solely dream of – changing into a UFC champion. He defeated Deiveson Figueiredo twice to say the flyweight belt on two separate events and cement his place within the division’s historical past.
Now 32 years outdated, Moreno understands the urgency. The flyweight division is deeper than ever, and alternatives on the prime don’t final eternally. A win over Kavanagh would put him again inside attain of UFC gold.
Ought to Moreno mount one other title run, he might be part of Randy Couture on the uncommon checklist of fighters to say three separate reigns in the identical division. That risk provides weight to this battle. It might not be formally labelled a title eliminator, however for Moreno, it looks like one.
Kavanagh’s Golden Alternative
Lone’er Kavanagh enters the bout following a shocking knockout loss to Charles Johnson. Whereas the setback raised questions, it has not diminished the UFC’s perception in him. The promotion has matched the unranked prospect with the sixth-ranked former champion – an indication of confidence in his ceiling.
Earlier than that defeat, Kavanagh had constructed critical momentum. Using a 9-fight-win-streak, his velocity, aggression, and ending capability marked him as one of the vital thrilling younger fighters within the flyweight division.
Now he has the prospect to erase all doubt and regain momentum.
Expertise vs Youth
Stylistically, the matchup is fascinating.
Moreno is a whole combined martial artist. Throughout 23 profession wins, he has earned 5 knockouts, eleven submissions, and 7 choices. He’s snug placing, however his grappling stays a serious weapon. Anticipate him to combine ranges and take a look at Kavanagh in scrambles.
Kavanagh, in contrast, is primarily a kickboxer. A five-time Ok-1 champion earlier than becoming a member of the UFC, he brings velocity, energy, and unpredictability. He thrives in high-tempo exchanges and chaotic moments.
Nevertheless, his final battle really highlighted his youth and inexperience. Throughout an alternate with Johnson, Kavanagh exited the pocket together with his arms low. Johnson capitalised immediately, touchdown a devastating proper hook. It was not a scarcity of talent that led to the knockout; it was a scarcity of expertise.
In opposition to a veteran like Moreno, these errors are hardly ever forgiven.
A Combat With Actual Stakes
The implications are clear.
A Moreno victory retains him firmly within the title dialog and units up one other high-level matchup. A loss, nevertheless, might push him out of speedy rivalry.
For Kavanagh, the stakes are simply as excessive. A win would launch him into the flyweight rankings and place him alongside the division’s established names. A defeat would sluggish his rise and power him to rebuild momentum.
In a stacked flyweight division, alternatives to leap ahead are uncommon.
On Combat Evening, one fighter protects his legacy. The opposite tries to start his personal.
Will expertise prevail, or will youth seize the second?
Beneath you may watch Lone’er Kavanagh’s final win at UFC Combat Evening: Edwards vs Brady:
Do you agree?
