In a captivating main event at UFC Fight Night held at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Brandon Moreno showcased his elite striking ability, decisively defeating Amir Albazi and handing him his first professional loss. The two-time flyweight champion, fresh off a break in his fighting career, demonstrated a remarkable readiness and skill level, securing a unanimous decision victory with the judges scoring the bout 50-45, 50-45, and 49-46. With this high-volume striking clinic, Moreno affirmed his status as a top contender in the flyweight division, outlanding Albazi by a striking margin of 124 to 56.
The fight marked Moreno’s return after a disappointing split decision loss to Brandon Royval earlier in the year. Clearly fueled by the desire to reclaim his title, Moreno stated post-fight, “I want to be on top again. I want my title back. This [performance] is a reminder for the rest of the division.” His hunger to rise to the pinnacle of his weight class was palpable throughout the match, setting the tone for a fierce and tactical fight.
From the opening bell, it was evident that Moreno was utilizing his reach to keep Albazi at bay. His sharp combinations and tactical awareness resulted in him establishing dominance early in the fight. In the second round, a stunning head kick visibly shook Albazi, highlighting Moreno’s precision striking. While Albazi attempted to implement his wrestling game, Moreno’s resilience allowed him to evade these strategies and maintain control. As the fight progressed, Albazi’s physicality began to fade; he was increasingly forced to play catch-up against a confident Moreno.
Moreno’s varied strikes and movement around the Octagon not only showcased his striking prowess but also displayed his ability to adapt mid-fight. Albazi, known for his aggression and grappling skills, found himself on the back foot as Moreno employed effective lateral movement and crafted openings to launch his attacks. This gave Moreno a significant psychological edge, allowing him to dictate the pace and position of the fight, frustrating Albazi as he struggled to mount any serious offense.
With this victory, Moreno ends a two-fight losing streak and reignites his championship aspirations among a congested field in the flyweight division. The landscape boasts fighters like Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Asakura, who are on the verge of a title shot themselves. Moreno’s resurgence to form sends a clear message not only to Pantoja, who is set to defend the title soon, but also to other contenders that “The Assassin Baby” is keen on once again holding the championship belt.
Albazi, on the other hand, now has his championship aspirations placed on hold. The sting of his first professional loss will require introspection and analysis. The competition at the top of the flyweight division is both fierce and unyielding, and Albazi will need to reassess and refine his fighting strategies to come back stronger.
In the co-main event, Erin Blanchfield showcased her skills in a clash with former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas. Facing an opponent who was ahead in the early goings, Blanchfield’s persistence shone through as she adjusted her strategy effectively. The 25-year-old utilized her grappling strength to neutralize Namajunas’s striking, achieving several key takedowns. The judges recognized Blanchfield’s efforts, awarding her a unanimous decision that signifies her climb toward a title opportunity.
For Namajunas, who has fluctuated with a 2-2 record since moving to flyweight, the fight poses significant questions about her trajectory in this stacked division. Blanchfield, now firmly positioned at No. 3 in the flyweight rankings, may soon find herself challenging for championship glory.
UFC Fight Night delivered an evening of thrilling matchups that emphasized the dynamism and talent inherent in the flyweight categories. Both Moreno and Blanchfield etched their names further into title conversation, promising an electrifying future for the UFC’s 125-pound divisions.
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