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Moreno: 'Really scared' fighting in Brazil with coronavirus threat

Mike Roach / UFC / Getty

UFC flyweight Brandon Moreno admitted to being apprehensive about fighting at UFC Brasilia last Saturday with the coronavirus threat lingering.

"I was really scared because I'm trying every single moment to be, like, really healthy," Moreno told theScore. "Because if I get sick in Brazil, maybe the airport (doesn't) let me take my flight to Mexico. But now I'm in Mexico and I'm happy."

Moreno (16-5-1) picked up arguably the biggest win of his career over Jussier Formiga, defeating the Brazilian flyweight by unanimous decision. The 26-year-old Moreno has gone undefeated in his last four fights and called for a title shot following the victory.

With the flyweight championship vacant due to Deiveson Figueiredo defeating Joseph Benavidez but missing weight at UFC Norfolk, it remains to be seen who the No. 1 contender is. Although UFC president Dana White expressed interest in a potential rematch between the two fighters, Moreno says he'll be prepared for his title shot, whenever the time comes.

"I know, right now, (my manager) is trying to get that title fight in the future for us," Moreno explained. "And it's hard for me because I know Joseph Benavidez and Deiveson Figueiredo is in the mind of Dana White. It's not in my control right now. Maybe the rematch (is next), but if not, I will be ready for my opportunity for the title."

Should "The Assassin Baby" earn the next opportunity at the flyweight title, which would likely see him fight Figueiredo, Moreno believes, stylistically, he'd be comfortable anywhere the bout goes.

"I'm excited for that fight because I know Figueiredo is good with his Brazilian jiu-jitsu," Moreno said. "But he loves striking matchups. And this new Brandon Moreno loves to exchange punches with his opponents and put on a lot of pressure. I can see a really tough matchup between Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno."

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