Canadian fighters have big night on UFC card in front of 16K people in Edmonton
Brandon Moreno Dominates Amir Albazi in UFC Fight Night Main Event
Former flyweight champion Brandon “The Assassin Baby” Moreno put on a dominant performance to defeat Amir “The Prince” Albazi in the main event of a UFC Fight Night card. Moreno, coming off a two-fight losing streak, showed his prowess in the striking department and controlled the fight from start to finish. Despite a brief takedown by Albazi in the second round, Moreno quickly got back on his feet and continued to dish out punishment.
The judges scored the fight 49-46, 50-45, 50-45 in favor of Moreno. Albazi, visibly battered and bloody, struggled to mount any significant offense as Moreno kept the pressure on throughout the bout. Moreno even shrugged off an eye poke in the fifth round and managed to stagger Albazi with a powerful shot to the head.
With this victory, Moreno, currently ranked second among flyweight contenders, improved his record to 22-8-2. On the other hand, Albazi, ranked third, fell to 17-2-0 after the defeat.
Canadian Talent Shines on the Card
A total of nine Canadians featured on the UFC Fight Night card, with the local fighters securing a commendable 6-3 record for the night. The event drew a crowd of 16,439 at Rogers Place, setting a North American record for gate revenue at US$2.6 million for a Fight Night card.
In the co-main event, Erin “Cold Blooded” Blanchfield secured a unanimous decision victory over Rose Namajunas. Blanchfield, ranked third among flyweight contenders, showcased her skills to outlast the former two-time strawweight champion.
Moreno’s Journey in the Flyweight Division
Brandon Moreno has been a staple in the flyweight division, having fought for the 125-pound title six times. His trilogy with Deiveson Figueiredo remains a highlight of his career, with a draw, a win, and a loss in their three encounters. Despite facing setbacks in the past, including being cut from the promotion in 2018, Moreno has shown resilience and determination in his pursuit of championship glory.
The victory over Albazi marks a significant step for Moreno as he looks to work his way back to title contention after losing the belt to Alexandre “The Cannibal” Pantoja. With a renewed focus and impressive performance, Moreno is poised for a successful comeback in the flyweight division.
Overall, the UFC Fight Night showcased thrilling matchups and standout performances from Canadian fighters, solidifying their presence in the MMA world. With exciting bouts and memorable moments, the event left fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the octagon.