MEXICO CITY – Brandon Moreno is cherishing his second chance in the UFC, but he wants to prove the promotion made a mistake when it let him go in 2018.

The 25-year-old flyweight was cut after he dropped back-to-back unanimous decisions to fellow contenders Sergio Pettis and Alexandre Pantoja. In July, the Mexican fighter re-signed with the UFC following an 18-month journey away from it.

For his first challenge, Moreno (15-5 MMA, 3-2 UFC) will take on Askar Askarov (10-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) on the main card of UFC on ESPN+ 17, which takes place Saturday at Mexico City Arena and streams on ESPN+.

Moreno’s second delve into the UFC comes on the heels of a title victory in the LFA 69 main event, where he defeated then-champion Maikel Perez by fourth-round stoppage with punches. The bout was Moreno’s lone contest during his break from the UFC.

It’s been a self-described roller coaster ride for Moreno, who emotionally and financially struggled without UFC paychecks. When the UFC’s flyweight division began to diminish and fighters were cut left and right, times became even more trying for Moreno, who felt the lack of job security.

“These past 18 months were very difficult for me,” Moreno said. “It was very tough mentally and economically and hard on my family. It was very difficult. But at the end of the day, only strong people resist adversity, and I know I’m a tough person. It’s made me even more grateful and excited for this second chance.”

“The Baby Faced Assassin” acknowledged his undefeated opponent is a tough task for his promotional return, but Moreno is aiming to demonstrate he never should have been released.

“I want to prove that the UFC made a mistake by letting me go,” Moreno said. “I had two losses in a row, but that doesn’t define the fighter I am now. I’ve evolved in an impressive way, both technically and mentally, and I’m excited to demonstrate that in the Octagon.”

Moreno emphasized his desire to prevent this opportunity from going by the wayside. In his eyes it’s “kill or die.”

“I can’t waste this new opportunity,” Moreno said. “I need to show people that they were wrong if they thought I was a bad fighter. I’m going to prove everyone who doubted me wrong and finish this fight in an impressive way.”