“Do-or-die”: UFC analyst highlights what’s at stake for Brandon Moreno against Joseph Morales

UFC analyst Din Thomas feels Brandon Moreno’s chances of getting closer to a flyweight title shot opportunity could be ended if he takes a defeat in his scheduled bout against Joseph Morales, and has called this a do-or-die situation for the former flyweight champion. 

Moreno is on a two-fight losing skid, having lost to Tatsuro Taira, who recently fought for the title, and to Lone'er Kavanagh in his recent outing. Now the former two-time flyweight champion will throw down against Morales in the co-headliner of UFC Noche this weekend at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. 

Din Thomas says Brandon Moreno cannot afford another setback against Joseph Morales

Morales is considered a tough test for Moreno, as it's his second stint in the UFC; he was previously released from the promotion after going 0-2. Then he won The Ultimate Fighting Championship Season 33 by defeating Alibi Idiris in the second round via submission last August and made his way back into the UFC. Following that, he submitted Matt Schnell in the first round in November and has been out of action since. 

Now,  Thomas believes Morales’ recent form makes him a dangerous opponent for a former champion who desperately needs a win. He discussed the matchup on the Deep Waters Show and highlighted the significance of the fight for the Mexican. 

"Joseph Morales has been looking good. Obviously, he was on 'TUF' and just been looking good," Thomas said on Deep Waters. "But to me, this is a do-or-die type of fight for a guy like Brandon Moreno, who's held the belt, who's had his ups and downs.”

Check out Din Thomas’ comments below: 

While Thomas highlights the stakes for Moreno, ex-UFC fighter Chris Weidman stresses how big an opportunity Morales has to enter the rankings directly. 

Chris Weidman calls Brandon Moreno fight a major rankings opportunity for Joseph Morales

In the aforementioned video, Weidman takes the conversation further and emphasizes that he likes watching Moreno fight but feels this matchup is a gatekeeper for him. He then went on to highlight how big an opportunity Morales has to face the former UFC champion and enter the flyweight top rankings. 

"Love watching him fight, but this is definitely like you said, almost like gatekeeper territory," Weidman said of Moreno. "They're trying to see if he's the guy that if you beat, you're up there in the top five, top 10 immediately afterwards. I'm guessing the UFC sees something special in Joseph Morales. They're giving him an opportunity to fight Brandon Moreno.”