Brandon Moreno refreshed by break from MMA: ‘I feel very motivated’

MIAMI – Brandon Moreno needed to step away from the combat recreation.

He wasn’t injured. He wasn’t trying to do one thing else or retire. He had sufficient and wanted to take a break from what he loves most.

Moreno, a former UFC flyweight champion, stunned many by saying earlier this 12 months that he was stepping away from MMA competitors quickly. Though on a two-fight skid, Moreno was simply 30, extremely ranked and thought of arguably the most important title within the division.

“Sooner or later the obligations, obligations and all of the stresses makes you not get pleasure from as a lot what you initially liked,” Moreno advised MMA Junkie in Spanish. “I really feel that approach once more and that makes me very glad as a result of each time that I felt that approach, I’ve all the time carried out nicely.”

Moreno (21-8-2 MMA, 9-5-2 UFC) is formally again and scheduled to headline a UFC Combat Evening in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on Nov. 2. He takes on high contender Amir Albazi (17-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC).

The Mexican fighter wasn’t gone for lengthy; he most not too long ago fought in February. The truth is, he’s had greater lulls in between fights earlier than. But, the break was not a lot the time, however about placing a pause on issues.

“Proper now, I discover myself in a extremely good second,” Moreno stated. “The time I used to be away from MMA actually helped me to clear my head and be with my household with out fascinated with preventing.

“Regardless that I used to be solely doing one or two fights a 12 months, I might combat, and instantly I might already be requested when my subsequent combat could be and towards who. When you have got an opponent and date set, you might nonetheless be two, 4 months away, however you have got that preventing chip inside you, and also you’re not 100% relaxed. I took this time to breathe and simply spend time with my daughter and spouse and simply get pleasure from life.”

Moreno used the time to rehab some accidents and attend his physique. Though he says the break was much-needed, he can’t lie and say he didn’t miss preventing.

“As an athlete you’re additionally accustomed to coach on daily basis, the competitors, so there’s a level whenever you’re like, ‘Man, I wish to return,’ however it’s important to combat your self so you possibly can loosen up and wind down,” Moreno stated. “I really feel very motivated to combat at this second.”