Three UFC Fighters Facing Uncertain Futures After Mexico | Deadspin.com

In previous years, the UFC would have a present referred to as The Thrill and the Agony, detailing a have a look at the winners and losers of fights that came about throughout pay-per-view occasions (now simply generally known as numbered playing cards). The world of MMA has its ups and downs, ebbs and flows, for each fighter – it occurs virtually in all sports activities.

This weekend’s UFC occasion in Mexico caused three fighters in featured contests who, at one level, had numerous momentum going for them. Now, after their losses, we’re left with loads of questions on what’s subsequent.

Brandon Moreno

This was a must-win scenario for Brandon Moreno to maintain himself related on the high of the load class. He was preventing in entrance of a local crowd in opposition to an unranked opponent – granted, one who took the struggle as an damage fill-in on a few month’s discover. The setup for the rebound after getting knocked out for the primary time in his profession was excellent.

He misplaced. And never solely did he lose in a surprising upset, however he misplaced in fairly convincing trend. Kavanagh’s strikes have been faster, he confirmed nice counter work, and he even rocked Moreno a time or two. The one factor Moreno appeared to have going for him was the clinch recreation, and even then, he didn’t do a lot with it. Kavanagh stopped Moreno’s takedown makes an attempt, injured one among his legs, and flat out was in management for many of the 25 minutes.

That is now 4 losses in six fights for Moreno, stretching again to him dropping the flyweight title to Alexandre Pantojs at UFC 290. Even when he drops just one spot within the UFC rankings, the result’s clear – Moreno, a former two-time champion, is now not within the flyweight title image.

Moreno is 32 and can want a number of wins to work his method again as much as the higher echelon of flyweight. Does he look to construct himself again up by means of fights with Alex Perez, Tagir Ulanbekov, Charles Johnson, and initially scheduled UFC Mexico Metropolis opponent Asu Almabayev? Does he transfer as much as bantamweight?

Brandon Moreno and his staff must have an trustworthy dialog.

Marlon Vera

That stated, Moreno remains to be in a greater place than Marlon Vera. “Chito” has now misplaced 4 straight and 5 of his final six. His solely win since 2023 was the unanimous resolution over Pedro Munhoz that earned him a bantamweight title shot – one through which he convincingly misplaced to Sean O’Malley at UFC 299.

This can be a sizzling take contemplating Vera’s reputation; nonetheless, if Moreno is out of the title image however nonetheless considerably related at flyweight, then “Chito” is now not related at bantamweight. He’ll be very fortunate if he’s nonetheless ranked within the top-15. And contemplating his shedding streak and his age (33), he’ll most likely get matched up with somebody unranked subsequent.

And if Vera loses that struggle, then we’re speaking realistically concerning the likelihood Vera most likely will get lower by the UFC.

Daniel Zellhuber

Keep in mind when Daniel Zellhuber was a reputation individuals had their eye on in 2024? That was the 12 months he defeated Francisco Prado within the UFC Mexico Metropolis Combat of the Night time in February, after which went on to have the Combat of the Yr with Esteban Ribovics that Noche UFC 2: UFC 306 in September.

Despite the fact that he misplaced to Ribovics, it appeared fairly sure that Zellhuber might be thought-about a future Mexican-born star within the UFC. Now, he’s not solely misplaced three in a row, however he’s misplaced the goodwill of the followers, and he may be one struggle away from getting the axe, too.

I don’t wish to take away from King Inexperienced’s unbelievable run at 39 years outdated. He’s exhibiting he can nonetheless go. However Zellhuber appeared misplaced. Inexperienced’s mobility helped him, and he truthfully appeared quicker than Zellhuber at occasions! When the one factor you have got going for you in opposition to Inexperienced is a buggy choke, you’re in bother.

Zellhuber was given two veteran opponents to do the basic setup of defeating the notable identify to construct some momentum, however he appeared disappointing and misplaced each occasions in opposition to Inexperienced and Michael Johnson.