Brandon Moreno has always worn his heart on his sleeve. Sometimes, literally. After suffering the first stoppage loss of his career to Tatsuro Taira at UFC 323 in December, the former flyweight champion is bouncing straight back into the fire. He’s now set to headline UFC Fight Night 268 on February 28 against Lone’er Kavanagh after Asu Almabayev withdrew with a hand injury.

The stakes aren’t just about rankings or momentum. Moreno has built his career on responding to setbacks with growth. And if you’ve followed him long enough, you know he carries that mindset on his skin. Each piece of ink tells a different story. Some honor ancient warriors. Some celebrate Mexican identity. Others reflect the joyful, animated side of ‘The Assassin Baby’ that fans have grown to love. So what exactly do his tattoos mean, and why are they so significant to him?

What is the meaning of Brandon Moreno’s chest tattoo?

‘The Assassin Baby’ once revealed the real meaning behind his tattoos, sharing that they remind him of his culture in Mexico and to remember the reason why he’s fighting to win.

“I look at my tattoos, and I remember my culture,” said the Mexican star. “I remember why I’m fighting, why I want to win.”

As such, one of Moreno’s most striking tattoos is his tribute to Cuauhtémoc, the final emperor of the Mexica, a community of the Nahuatl-speaking people of the Valley of Mexico, and an icon of resilience.

Cuauhtémoc represents courage in the face of overwhelming odds, a theme that mirrors Moreno’s own rise from regional shows in Tijuana to UFC gold. But Cuauhtémoc isn’t the only Aztec influence embedded into Moreno’s skin; another legendary figure from Mesoamerican mythology also plays a role.

On his chest, Brandon Moreno also carries a bold tattoo of Quetzalcoatl, the Aztec feathered serpent deity associated with wisdom, wind, and creation. The vibrant design features colored petals around the serpent’s neck—teal, orange, and red—blending symbolism with artistry.

Moreno first revealed this tattoo on Instagram, thanking tattoo artist Ezekiel Pierson for bringing the idea to life. Fans praised it for its detail and cultural depth, and it quickly became one of his most talked-about pieces. Yet for all the warrior symbolism, one of his most beloved tattoos leans in the opposite direction, towards innocence, fun, and lighthearted dreams.

Are there any other tattoos on Brandon Moreno’s body?

One of the smallest tattoos Brandon Moreno has is a tattoo of the Disney character Mickey Mouse. It is located on the left side of his back, which not only shows the former champion’s love for the character but also represents joy, happiness, dreams, and fun, reminiscent of Moreno himself.

 He has the words ‘Jiu Jitsu‘ inked on him, commemorating his love for the martial arts discipline since he is a black belt under Raúl Arvizu. Moreno also has a tattoo of his daughters, Maddie Moreno, Megan Moreno, and Morgan Moreno.

 ‘The Assassin Baby’ also seems to be a fan of science. He has a hexagon star-like tattoo on his bicep as well. Then, there is this tower-cum-bridge tattoo called ‘the clock’ on his right shoulder, which is also a monument in Tijuana. Finally, the last tattoo that we will talk about is of a sword that Moreno has under his left forearm, with a Spanish inscription: “Este juego no es un maratón, es un sprint sin línea de meta,” meaning “This game is no marathon; it is a sprint without a finish line.”

So when Moreno walks into UFC Fight Night 268, he isn’t just bringing technique and conditioning. He’s bringing reminders of culture, family, and the mindset that pulled him back from setbacks before.