5 of the most likable fighters in the UFC today

#2. Brandon Moreno (UFC flyweight)

Brandon Moreno is the latest superstar in the UFC. (Image via Instagram @theassassinbaby)

UFC flyweight champion and LEGO enthusiast Brandon Moreno is one of the most charming fighters on the roster. His ride in the promotion drives it home for most. The Mexican was cut from the UFC after two straight losses to Sergio Pettis and Alexandre Pantoja.

He discussed the feeling on an episode of Brendan Schaub’s Food Truck Diaries series, saying:

"That moment was a really painful process to me because everything wasn't as noble. The UFC released me... and then all the problems started coming into my life. Like no money, personal problems, my youngest daughter had surgery… In that moment I feel like trash. Like a real loser. I don't have too much motivation in that moment.”

Moreno soon earned another shot in the promotion, against Askar Askarov. Although they fought to a draw, the performance was enough to grant the Mexican a prolonged stay in the UFC. He then beat rising star Kai Kara-France and two others before meeting then-champion Deiveson Figueiredo. After fighting to a decision draw in a ‘Fight of the Year’ contender in 2020, Moreno beat the Brazilian in a rematch at UFC 263 to win the flyweight belt and become the first Mexican champion in the promotion’s history.

Brandon Moreno is also an endearing character outside the octagon. He once said he drew inspiration from Rose Namajunas in his fight against Figueiredo. The humble star isn't afraid to show his admiration of other fighters. There are moments he becomes a fan when meeting other UFC superstars. At the press conference for UFC 263, Moreno sat next to cult-hero Nate Diaz. While answering a question, the Mexican professed his admiration of ‘The Stockton Slugger.’ Moreno seemed genuinely delighted to meet Diaz, as a fan would.

Watch the moment below:

what a weird little bromance you’d never expect to see, Nate Diaz & Brandon Moreno pic.twitter.com/fedGzxwLtQ

— Brock’s Load (@_MMAMindset) June 11, 2021

The Mexican is also a huge fan of pop vinyl and maintains a large collection. He was seen talking about it with Israel Adesanya during an Embedded episode. He also signs fans’ autographs and card collections when he can. Even Canelo Alvarez was full of praise for Moreno! It’s no shock to see that the UFC flyweight champion has become an extremely likable fighter.

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#1. Rose Namajunas (UFC strawweight)

Rose Namajunas is possibly the most likable fighter in the UFC today. (Image via Instagram @rosenamajunas)

Rose Namajunas is the current women’s strawweight champion. Her rise to the top has been filled with trials and tribulations. She initially won the belt at UFC 217, beating Joanna Jedrzejczyk against all odds. In a mammoth upset, ‘Thug’ knocked Joanna out in the first round. She then beat the Polish superstar again at UFC 223, solidifying her status as a legitimate champion.

However, her second title defense did not go to plan. Facing Jessica Andrade in Brazil, Namajunas lost the fight after being knocked out by a slam in the second round. She was set to face Andrade in a rematch when she withdrew from the fight, citing a pair of deaths in the family during the pandemic.

Despite admittedly struggling with mental health issues and familial matters, Rose stepped up to face strawweight champion Zhang Weili at UFC 261. She shocked the world again after knocking her Chinese opponent out in the first round via a head kick. Rose Namajunas then made a heartfelt and emotional statement in the post-fight interview with Joe Rogan.

Watch the iconic post-fight interview below:

Joe Rogan, on an episode of his podcast The Joe Rogan Experience, discussed the post-fight interview and got visibly emotional. Rogan also spoke about her docile nature, and her pre- and post-fight exclamations of, “I’m the best!” According to the UFC commentator, Namajunas uses the words to overcome obstacles and personal hurdles.

Watch Namajunas chanting her magic words:

"I'm the best." Rose Namajunas' mentality at #UFC261 😤 @espnmma pic.twitter.com/AlxsIaV9VI

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 25, 2021

Her roller-coaster journey and self-belief make Rose Namajunas possibly the most likable fighter on the UFC roster.