Nine months removed from a disappointing split decision loss against Brandon Royval, former flyweight world champion Brandon Moreno returned to the Octagon on Saturday night at UFC Edmonton for a high-stakes scrap with streaking Iraqi contender Amir Albazi.
Round 1
Moreno gets things started with a jab and Albazi looks to come back with a big right hand, followed by another, but both miss the mark. Albazi fires a one-stop through the guard of Moreno and ‘The Assassin Baby’ fires back with a body kick and a right hand that connects with Albazi’s chin. Albazi lands a nice calf kick that takes Moreno off balance momentarily.
Albazi throws another one-time and follows it up with another lead leg attack. Moreno leans in and uncorks a left. Moreno then unleashes a right that tags Albazi on the top of his head. Albazi slips on the mat moments later but recovers before Moreno can take advantage. With the clock winding down, both fighters land an uppercut. Moreno throws a nice combo to close the round.
Round 2
Moreno starts the second with a couple of stiff calf kicks and then throws a high kick that glances off Albazi’s head and buckles the Iraqi’s knees. Albazi collects himself as Moreno continues to target the lead leg of his opponent. Moreno appears to be the faster and sharper fighter as Albazi is struggling to get his offense going.
Moreno lands a body shot which prompts Albazi to shoot in for a takedown. Albazi gets Moreno to the mat, but the former champion quickly pops back up to his feet and retakes the center of the Octagon. Moreno throws another calf kick, but Moreno counters with a straight left that lands. Moreno throws a heavy combination that Albazi mostly avoids, but ends up eating a left hook to the top of the head moments later.
Moreno puts together another lengthy combination as we approach 10 seconds left in the round. Albazi is unable to respond as the horn sounds, bringing an end to the second round.
Round 3
Moreno changes levels early but eats a right hand. Moreno comes back with a combination and Albazi is showing some damage below his right eye. Feeling confident, Moreno is looking to land something, but Albazi is starting to show some urgency after a pair of lackluster rounds.
Moreno lands a right hand down the middle and Albazi is wobbled once again. Albazi recovers and stands his grand, but every time he lands a shot, he’s forced to eat one. They trade calf kicks and Moreno follows his up with a left hook that appears to have Albazi’s right eye compromised. Moreno picks up the pace at the encouragement of his corner and throws a combination against the fence and the round ends.
Round 4
Likely down 0-3, Albazi’s corner urged him to pick up the pace and get back into the fight. Albazi doubles up on the jab as Moreno continues to put on the pressure. Albazi throws an uppercut that misses. Moreno comes right back with a heavy combination. Albazi lands a nice front kick up the middle and Moreno responds with another combo that gets countered by a jab from Albazi.
Albazi throws a couple of jabs in an attempt to find his rhythm. Moreno lands another calf kick and fires off a jab of his own. Moreno’s constant movement is keeping Albazi from throwing as we hit the final minute in the round. Moreno throws a one-two and follows it up with a trio of jabs to keep Albazi at bay until the horn sounds.
Round 5
Likely up 4-0 going into the fifth round, Moreno had no intention of taking things easy and opened the final five with a barrage of strikes. Albazi shoots in for a desperation takedown that Moreno defends. Moreno goes right back to throwing, but Albazi accidentally pokes him in the eye while attempting to defend. That brings a brief stoppage to the contest, but Moreno is good to go moments later.
Albazi once again attempts a takedown. Moreno defends and uncorks a vicious left that has Albazi reeling. Moreno throws a left hook. Albazi clinches up and pushes Moreno to the fence, but ‘The Assassin Baby’ separates and continues to look for a highlight-reel finish. Albazi throws a one-two with two minutes to go in the fight. Moreno rushes in and lands a glancing elbow that backs up Albazi.
Both fighters agree to stand in the center and trade for the final 30. Albazi throws a knee up the middle and Moreno attempts to add a little showmanship with a rolling thunder as the final second ticks off the clock.
Official Result: Brandon Moreno def. Amir Albazi via unanimous decision (49-46, 50-45, 50-45)
Check Out Highlights From Brandon Moreno vs. Amir Albazi at UFC Edmonton:
OUR MAIN EVENT STARTS NOW! #UFCEdmonton pic.twitter.com/DWHq4DkHSy
— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) November 3, 2024
HOW ABOUT THAT CANADA. We go to our scorecards next! #UFCEdmonton pic.twitter.com/QqhT3C8ZZC
— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) November 3, 2024
What a battle! Brandon Moreno defeats Amir Albazi in our #UFCEdmonton main event! pic.twitter.com/LDa06swsUW
— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) November 3, 2024
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