Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Daniel Cormier TV - Brandon Moreno on Steve Erceg Fight, Cain Velasquez, NOT WINNING in Mexico
Release Date: March 28, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: The Herd with Colin Cowherd is a thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day. In this episode, Brandon Moreno discusses his upcoming fight against Steve Erceg, his experiences fighting in Mexico, the pressures of being a champion, and touches on the situation with Cain Velasquez.

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode centers around an in-depth conversation between UFC champion Brandon Moreno and host Mala, delving into Moreno's professional journey, particularly his experiences fighting in Mexico, his mindset shifts, and his strategies for upcoming bouts.

2. Brandon Moreno’s Experience Fighting in Mexico

Fighting Environment: Brandon Moreno reflects on his multiple fights in Mexico City, highlighting the unique atmosphere and the immense support from Mexican fans.

• Brandon Moreno (03:05):
  "I'm joined by the assassin, baby. Brandon Moreno. Thanks for checking out. Second time, Mexico City..."

• Mala (03:25):
  "...UFC is putting a lot of effort to try to expand the mixed martial arts here in Mexico. So I felt that before, but now in this fight, I feel more relaxed..."

Pressure vs. Relaxation: Moreno contrasts his earlier feelings of pressure—stemming from representing his country and the UFC's expansion efforts—with his current state of relaxation and enjoyment during fights.

• Brandon Moreno (04:08):
  "Do you think that the switch in your mindset is because of where the career is right now?... So you're able to just go out and compete a little more freely?"

• Mala (06:35):
  "But before, I felt that pressure... but now, at least I have that different mentality."

3. Mindset and Handling Pressure

Shifting Perspective: Moreno discusses how personal experiences, including loss and family support, have shaped his current approach to fighting.

• Mala (05:06):
  "After my last fight here in Mexico, when I lost against Roy Ball, I tried to be more chill, spend time with my family..."

• Brandon Moreno (07:06):
  "For so long, you have. There was a time where you talked about walking away."

Overcoming the Urge to Quit: Moreno shares his struggles with the temptation to retire after setbacks and how time away from the gym helped him regain his passion.

• Brandon Moreno (07:17):
  "You ever have a barbecue... Yeah, that was me, like, just done."

• Mala (08:08):
  "Take some time. Spend time with your family... with a few vacations. Winning or losing."

4. Preparing for the Steve Erceg Fight

Opponent Analysis: The discussion moves to Moreno's upcoming fight against Steve Erceg, analyzing Erceg's strengths and how Moreno plans to counter them.

• Brandon Moreno (16:19):
  "You say the boxing skills of this guy is the best the division. So that is stuck a little bit here."

• Mala (19:36):
  "So, like, so I lose two and I had one draw."

Strategic Approach: Moreno emphasizes the importance of applying pressure and focusing on his boxing prowess to gain an advantage over Erceg.

• Brandon Moreno (18:16):
  "He has really good distance, a lot of precision, really good counters. So with that being said, we made a plan..."

• Mala (19:42):
  "So, like, so I lose two and I had one draw."

5. Diet and Lifestyle Challenges

Adjusting to Champion Lifestyle: Moreno discusses the challenges of maintaining his weight and diet now that he’s a champion, highlighting the differences between his previous struggles and current lifestyle.

• Mala (08:53):
  "The pressure is with the diet, man. I hate diet."

• Brandon Moreno (09:23):
  "When you're rich, you don't like it when you're rich. Uncomfortable."

Impact on Performance: The conversation touches on how dietary changes impact Moreno’s training and overall performance in the octagon.

• Mala (08:58):
  "When you're a starving artist. When you and your family had nothing, you would cut that weight..."

• Brandon Moreno (09:34):
  "So after being a champion for so long, the Roy Val fight doesn't go your way..."

6. Discussion on Cain Velasquez

Velasquez’s Legal Issues: Moreno briefly discusses the legal troubles faced by fellow fighter Cain Velasquez, expressing solidarity and concern.

• Brandon Moreno (21:07):
  "Are you keeping up with Kane's deal? Have you seen what happened with Kane Velasquez?"

• Mala (21:16):
  "It's very sad... showing you how legality and justice is not the same."

7. Final Thoughts and Future Outlook

Career Aspirations: Moreno articulates his desire to achieve significant milestones in Mexico, emphasizing the importance of winning in front of passionate fans.

• Mala (20:09):
  "I've been cooking that moment for so long... I want that moment in my career."

• Brandon Moreno (21:45):
  "Peace."

Closing Remarks: The episode concludes with Moreno encouraging listeners to follow his fight preparations and future endeavors, highlighting the support he receives from fans and peers.

• Brandon Moreno (21:56):
  "Peace."

Notable Quotes

• Brandon Moreno (03:05):
  "I'm joined by the assassin, baby. Brandon Moreno."

• Mala (05:07):
  "After my last fight here in Mexico, when I lost against Roy Ball, I tried to be more chill..."

• Brandon Moreno (07:24):
  "You ever have a barbecue... Yeah, that was me, like, just done."

• Mala (08:10):
  "Take some time. Spend time with your family."

• Brandon Moreno (09:23):
  "When you're rich, you don't like it when you're rich. Uncomfortable."

• Mala (19:36):
  "So, like, so I lose two and I had one draw."

Conclusion

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Brandon Moreno offers an intimate look into his career's highs and lows, particularly his fights in Mexico, the psychological toll of being a champion, and his preparations for future bouts. His candid discussions about mindset shifts, diet challenges, and strategic fight planning provide valuable insights for fans and aspiring fighters alike. Additionally, the episode touches on broader issues within the UFC community, such as the legal struggles of peers like Cain Velasquez, underscoring the complex landscape of professional mixed martial arts.

For those interested in the latest developments in the UFC and a deeper understanding of Brandon Moreno's journey, this episode is a must-listen.