One of the standout performances of UFC 323 came courtesy of flyweight prospect Tatsuro Taira, who defeated former titleholder Brandon Moreno via second-round TKO last Saturday in Las Vegas. After a wild exchange of wrestling, Taira got Moreno’s back and proceeded to throw a series of ground and pound strikes to end the fight.
Moreno immediately appeared to protest the stoppage, which was questioned by a vocal group of fans and pundits watching UFC 323. It was a disappointing setback for Moreno after back-to-back victories over Steve Erceg and Amir Albazi.
Critics of the stoppage pointed out that Moreno actively defended Taira’s punches, despite clearly landing a slew of punches to the head in the final sequence. For the first time since UFC 323, Moreno has discussed the fight and the questionable stoppage.
Brandon Moreno talks about ‘strange fight’ after controversial UFC 323 stoppage
In a recent one Instagram post, Moreno spoke about his controversial loss at UFC 323.
TAIRA FINISHES MORENO FOR A STATEMENT WIN 🔥 #UFC323 pic.twitter.com/PUjqx8hTaV
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 7, 2025
“Hey guys, I’m just here to tell you that I’m doing well and everything is great. I didn’t post anything because yesterday was my birthday,” Moreno said.
“I just wanted to let you know that I’m doing really well. So yeah, just thinking about the fight a little bit – honestly, who knows, right? Personally, I think the referee stopped it too early, but look, I could have just stayed there and taken extra punishment, or maybe if I had the chance to get away, I could have made a comeback – you never know.
“It was a very strange fight, but what remains is that I have to keep my head up, and I have to keep moving forward and enjoy the end of the year, enjoy the holidays, enjoy time with family and look forward to 2026,” Moreno continued. “Whatever comes, whatever comes strong,” Moreno concluded. “Blessings to everyone. Let’s go.” (h/t Mmas Mania)
It’s uncertain when Moreno will target a return to the Octagon, but after losing to Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 323, the path to another flyweight title has become a step or two easier.
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