UFC Edmonton: Brandon Moreno vs. Amir Albazi: Live round-by-round updates
A flyweight contest between Brandon Moreno and Amir Albazi will headline the UFC Edmonton card later this evening (Nov. 2) at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Canada.
Former champion Moreno (21-8-2) has been having a tough time at the UFC lately. He is currently on a two-fight skid, most recently conceding a split-decision loss to the No.1-ranked Brandon Royval.
A win against the No.3-ranked Albazi might put 'The Assassin Baby' in contention for a title eliminator.
Albazi (17-1) on the other hand is on a dream run in the promotion. He is undefeated in the UFC and is currently on a six-fight win streak, having defeated Kai Kara-France in his most recent outing.
Moreno is the toughest test of the Iraqi's career so far, and a win this weekend will get him in the title discussion.
Moreno will head into the fight as a -166 favorite, with Albazi as a +140 underdog. The main card of the event is now underway. Stick with Sportskeeda for live coverage and play-by-play updates from the event.
Check out the final face-off between the UFC Edmonton headliners below:
UFC Edmonton: Brandon Moreno vs. Amir Albazi
Round 1
Moreno starts off the fight with quick jabs and one-twos. Albazi is circling out of his opponent's punches, occasionally flinging jabs to gauge his range.
A big right-hand lands for Moreno and Albazi connects with a front kick to the chin. A stiff leg kick by Albazi momentarily unbalanced Moreno. Albazi slips after conceding a right hand from Moreno.
'The Assasin Baby' swings wild with both hands. He finishes the round landing a body kick.
Our score: 10-9 Moreno.
Round 2
'The Assassin Baby' comes out aggressively swarming his opponent with a combination. Moreno connects with a high kick wobbling his opponent.
Moreno clearly has the speed advantage and is outstriking his opponent in almost all the exchanges. Body shots land for Moreno and Albazi forces a takedown. Moreno, however, explodes back to his feet.
Moreno's defense is on point. He is effortlessly ducking out of a majority of his opponent's punches. The former champion explodes with a combination but Albazi succeeds in avoiding most of it.
Moreno is efficiently hopping in and out of range and not being a stationary target, denying Albazi opportunities to time a level change.
Our score: 10-9 Moreno.
Round 3
Albazi stuns Moreno with a short right hook. However, 'The Assassin Baby' quickly gets his footing and gets back on the offensive. A debilitating body shot lands for the Mexican-born American.
A swelling appears under the right eye of Albazi. Albazi connects with a straight punch. Moreno stuns his opponents with a right hand. He seems to be in complete control of the fight.
Moreno connects with a ring hand from close range. Moreno senses his opponent wincing after taking a shot, and ballistic on his foe with a flurry. A desperate Albazi goes for a single leg and Moreno punches his way out of danger.
Our score: 10-9 Moreno.
Round 4
Moreno comes out aggressive and Albazi meets his opponent in the middle of the cage. The Iraqi national might need a finish to win the fight at this point.
Moreno is trying to walk down his opponent. 'The Assasins Baby' uses double jabs to close the distance before connecting with a right hand. Albai connects with a few jabs. He seems to be slowly finding his rhythm.
However, Moreno's head movement is denying his opponent opportunities to chain combinations.
Our score: 10-9 Moreno.
Round 5
Moreno is still pushing the action. He defends a level change. The fight is halted after an accidental eye poke from Albazi.
Moreno explodes with a flurry and finishes with a high kick. Albazi attempts a takedown but fails to get it. Moreno wobbles his opponent with a left hand. 'The Assassin Baby' senses a finish is on the horizon and pressures his opponent.
A desperate Albazi ties up his opponent. As the pair separates, Moreno once again pounces on his opponent with a body punch. Albazi's face is bloodied from the accumulated damage from the previous rounds.
A counter left-hand lands for Moreno. Albazi points down to the octagon, inviting his opponent to exchange. Moreno unloads a multi-strike combination to end the fight.
Our score: 10-9 Moreno.
Stay tuned for the official decision.
Official decision: Brandon Moreno def. Amir Albazi via unanimous decision. (49-26,50-45,50-45)
Check out the official decision below: