UFC Edmonton not only broke records but also showcased the dedication, skill, and excitement that mixed martial arts brings to fans worldwide
With record-breaking attendance and revenue, history-making performances, and unforgettable finishes, the event was a resounding success.
The night’s highlights, from Moreno’s record-breaking strikes to Gibson’s historic elbow, ensured that UFC Edmonton will be remembered as one of the most dynamic and entertaining Fight Night events in recent memory.
Brandon Moreno’s career is entering an exciting new phase, with numerous options ahead. Whether he faces a former rival like Kara-France or fights for the title again, it’s clear that Moreno’s path is filled with high-stakes battles.
His recent performance and his bold message to the division make him one of the most intriguing fighters to watch in the UFC flyweight class.
As fans look forward to his next moves, Moreno’s journey stands as a testament to resilience and determination.
Despite setbacks, he’s proven time and again that he has the skill, heart, and drive to be one of the UFC’s best. With his sights set firmly on reclaiming his title, the UFC flyweight division should brace for what’s next from Brandon Moreno.
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Brandon Moreno: UFC Edmonton Fight Night
An Action-Packed Event with Record-Breaking Moments
The UFC Edmonton Fight Night, held on November 2 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Canada, delivered an exhilarating lineup of fights that kept fans on the edge of their seats.1
With a strong attendance and an unprecedented gate revenue, the event etched its name in the UFC history books as one of the most successful Fight Night events ever held. Here’s a look at some of the night’s most memorable moments.
Drawing 16,439 fans to Rogers Place, UFC Edmonton set a high bar for future Fight Night events in North America.
This massive turnout generated an impressive gate revenue of $2.6 million, making it the highest-grossing UFC Fight Night event ever held on the continent.
The turnout and revenue underscore the UFC’s expanding popularity and the excitement fans have for high-stakes fights, particularly in Canada, which has long held a fervent fan base for mixed martial arts.
Morning training #RVCA #TheAssassinBabyTeam #UFCMEXICO #5DEAGOSTO #MorenoVSPettis 👊🔥 pic.twitter.com/BH3Mne7o64
— Brandon Moreno (@theassassinbaby) June 20, 2017
Moreno’s Dominant Return Against Amir Albazi
The headliner of the evening featured a flyweight showdown between Brandon “The Assassin Baby” Moreno and Amir Albazi.
Moreno, a former champion known for his skillful striking and relentless pace, put on a masterclass performance, outmaneuvering Albazi throughout the entire five rounds.
Moreno showcased his trademark aggression and precision, landing an array of powerful shots that ultimately led him to a unanimous decision victory with judges scoring the fight 49-46, 50-45, and 50-45.
Not only did this victory mark an impressive return for Moreno, but it also allowed him to break Demetrious Johnson’s long-standing UFC record for the most significant strikes in the flyweight division. Moreno passed the 1,100 mark by the final round, further cementing his status as a UFC star.
With this win, Moreno is now tied with Deiveson Figueiredo for the most wins in UFC flyweight history, marking another career milestone.
Brandon Moreno: Cody Gibson Makes History
During the preliminary card, bantamweights Cody Gibson and Chad Anheliger engaged in an intense battle that left fans captivated.2
Gibson made UFC history when he landed a legal 12-to-6 elbow strike on Anheliger, causing a cut. This type of elbow, delivered in a downward motion, is typically illegal in MMA, but the context of the strike allowed it to be ruled legal in this instance.
The historic moment was a significant highlight of the evening, adding to the unpredictable and dynamic nature of the sport.
Featherweight Clash: Youssef Zalal’s Impressive Submission Win
Another noteworthy fight on the preliminary card saw featherweights Youssef Zalal and Jack Shore go head-to-head in an intense back-and-forth.
Known as “The Moroccan Devil,” Zalal showcased his grappling prowess and secured an arm-triangle choke submission in the second round.
This victory places Zalal in an elite category; he is now tied with Shavkat Rakhmonov for the longest active UFC submission streak at three consecutive wins.
Zalal’s performance was not only a thrilling display of skill but also earned him a $50,000 Performance of the Night (POTN) bonus, highlighting his technical expertise and finishing ability.
Knockout Performances Earn POTN Bonuses for Jourdain, Jasudavicius, and Stoltzfus
Apart from the main fights, several other competitors impressed the audience with their remarkable finishes, each earning a coveted $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus.
Charles Jourdain, Jasmine Jasudavicius, and Dustin Stoltzfus each secured finishes that left fans in awe. Their victories were a testament to the skill and excitement that the Fight Night card delivered across its matchups.
Jourdain, known for his explosive fighting style, put on a clinic in his bout, overwhelming his opponent with strikes and leaving no doubt about his victory.
His performance added another win to his record and showcased why he’s considered one of the UFC’s most exciting fighters to watch.
Canadian fighter Jasmine Jasudavicius seized the spotlight with a dominant performance that resonated with her home crowd. Jasudavicius demonstrated well-rounded skills, combining strong striking and grappling to overwhelm her opponent and secure a finish that had the crowd roaring in approval.
Stoltzfus rounded out the bonus recipients with an impressive showing of power and technical striking. His ability to control the pace and pick his shots led him to a decisive finish, underscoring his potential to be a formidable force in his division.
UFC Edmonton’s Impact and Future Implications
- UFC Edmonton was a historic night for the organization, setting records and delivering unforgettable moments that will have lasting implications for several fighters’ careers.
- Brandon Moreno’s dominant win not only solidified his legacy in the flyweight division but also put him in a favorable position to challenge for the title again.
- Youssef Zalal’s continued submission success signals his rise as a featherweight contender, while Cody Gibson’s 12-to-6 elbow will be remembered as a rare, legally executed strike in UFC history.
- As the UFC continues to grow, events like UFC Edmonton provide a valuable opportunity to engage fans across North America, especially in Canada, where the sport has a devoted following.
- The success of this Fight Night event demonstrates the potential for future UFC events to reach new heights in terms of attendance and gate revenue, as fans continue to support thrilling, high-stakes matchups.
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Brandon Moreno Cautions UFC Flyweights After Dominant Win
In a powerful performance at UFC Edmonton, former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno sent a clear and intimidating message to his division.3
Following a decisive victory over Amir Albazi, Moreno made it known that he’s hungry for his title and more than willing to go through any opponent to reclaim it.
This win marks Moreno’s return to the spotlight after overcoming recent setbacks, including a loss to Alexandre Pantoja and a disappointing bout against Brandon Royval earlier this year. Now, he’s focused on reasserting himself as the top fighter in the UFC flyweight division.
Moreno’s Message to the Division: “I Want My Title Back!”
During his post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier, Moreno delivered a candid and fiery message. Expressing both his hunger and respect, Moreno didn’t mince words about his desire to reclaim the flyweight title.
“Man, I wanna eat! I wanna eat a lot,” he told Cormier, emphasizing his intense motivation. “I just want to be on the top again, I want my title back! This is just a reminder for the rest of the division… Put someone here, and I’ll be the baddest f***ing person on the planet!”
The post-fight statement was a rare moment of bravado for Moreno, known for his respectful demeanor. This shift in attitude suggests Moreno is willing to assert himself even more boldly in his quest for another title shot.
His performance against Albazi, coupled with his post-fight declaration, sends a stark warning to his fellow flyweights: Moreno is ready to dominate.
Brandon Moreno’s Loss to Royval and Pantoja
The road back to the Octagon wasn’t easy for Moreno. Earlier this year, he faced significant setbacks, losing to Brandon Royval in Mexico City and dropping the flyweight title to Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 290.
These losses were tough pills to swallow, particularly given Moreno’s ambitions to establish himself as a dominant force in the division. However, these experiences also served to sharpen his focus and determination, helping him bounce back stronger than ever.
His loss to Pantoja was a hard-fought battle that showcased his resilience but ultimately didn’t go his way. For many fans, the fight underscored the competitive nature of the flyweight division, as both Moreno and Pantoja have displayed championship-caliber skills.
Moreno’s recent victory over Albazi shows that he is well on his way to reclaiming his former position at the top.
Stopping Albazi’s Unbeaten Streak: A Key Moment in Moreno’s Comeback
In defeating Albazi, Moreno broke his opponent’s unbeaten UFC run, cementing his own place in the contender lineup.
Albazi, who had an impressive win streak in the UFC with victories over Kai Kara-France and Francisco Figueiredo, posed a considerable threat. His recent victories had put him in a favorable position in the division, but Moreno’s dominant performance at UFC Edmonton halted Albazi’s momentum and strengthened Moreno’s case for a title rematch.
Albazi’s story is inspirational in its own right, as he overcame severe health issues in the months leading up to the fight. His determination and toughness in facing Moreno earned him respect, but it was Moreno’s night to shine.
By stopping Albazi, Moreno reaffirmed his standing in the division and reminded fans why he’s one of the most dangerous fighters at flyweight.
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A Possible Title Shot: Pantoja vs. Asakura and Moreno’s Next Move
With his victory over Albazi, Moreno has put himself in a prime position for either a No. 1 contender fight or a direct title shot. His next title shot would likely be determined by the outcome of the Pantoja vs. Kai Asakura fight.
If Asakura wins, it would set up an intriguing matchup between him and Moreno. However, if Pantoja successfully defends his title, it could lead to a rematch between Moreno and Pantoja—a chance for Moreno to redeem himself and reclaim the title he once held.
Both scenarios are compelling, but the most crucial point is that Moreno is now back in the title picture. He’s demonstrated that he’s still a top-tier competitor capable of defeating some of the best in the flyweight division.
His recent win underscores his championship aspirations, and fans eagerly await his next steps.
Revisiting Rivalries: A Potential Rematch with Kara-France
- One possible next opponent for Moreno could be Kai Kara-France, a fighter he previously defeated for the interim UFC flyweight title at UFC 277.
- In their last fight, Moreno finished Kara-France with a body kick and follow-up ground strikes, securing his spot as the interim champion and setting up a fourth clash with Deiveson Figueiredo.
- Since then, Kara-France has continued to prove himself as a strong contender, recently defeating former title challenger Steve Erceg at UFC 305.
- With this recent victory, Kara-France has staked his claim for a No. 1 contender matchup.
- A rematch between Moreno and Kara-France could make for an exciting fight, as both fighters are known for their skill, speed, and resilience.
- This matchup would also give Moreno an opportunity to solidify his position as the definitive top contender for the flyweight title.
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