The Ultimate Fighting Championship is set to make an electrifying return to Edmonton, Canada after a five-year hiatus. UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Albazi, also known as UFC on ESPN+ 104, promises an action-packed evening of mixed martial arts excellence. As the Rogers Place prepares to host this thrilling event, fans worldwide eagerly anticipate a night of high-stakes battles and potential title implications.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to UFC Fight Night Edmonton 2024, covering everything from the main event showdown to the preliminary card matchups. We'll explore the fighters' backgrounds, analyze key storylines, and offer insights into what viewers can expect from this star-studded fight card.
Watch UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Albazi on MMAStreams
To catch all the action of the Brandon Moreno vs Amir Albazi fight at UFC Fight Night 246, make sure to tune in to MMAStreams. MMAStreams is a popular online platform that provides live streams of UFC events, allowing fans from around the world to witness the excitement of the octagon.
Simply visit the MMAStreams website on the day of the event, and you'll have access to multiple streams of the fights, including Moreno vs Albazi. Whether you're watching from the comfort of your home or on the go, MMAStreams ensures that you don't miss a single moment of the action.
Main Event: Brandon Moreno vs Amir Albazi
The spotlight shines brightest on the flyweight clash between former two-time champion Brandon Moreno and rising contender Amir Albazi. This five-round main event carries significant weight in the 125-pound division's landscape.
Brandon Moreno: The Assassin Baby's Quest for Redemption
Mexico's Brandon Moreno enters this bout with a burning desire to reclaim his position atop the flyweight mountain. Known for his well-rounded skill set and indomitable spirit, Moreno has captivated fans with his exciting fighting style and affable personality.
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Career Highlights:
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Two-time UFC Flyweight Champion
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First Mexican-born UFC champion
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Known for his submission prowess and improved striking
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Moreno's journey back to title contention begins with this crucial matchup against a dangerous opponent. A win here could propel him right back into championship conversations.
Amir Albazi: The Prince's Ascension
Iraq-born, London-based Amir Albazi has been on a tear since joining the UFC ranks. With an impressive professional record and a string of dominant performances, Albazi aims to prove he belongs among the division's elite.
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Key Strengths:
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Excellent grappling background
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Improving striking arsenal
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Undefeated in the UFC (4-0)
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For Albazi, this main event slot represents a golden opportunity to cement his status as a true title contender. A victory over a former champion like Moreno would undoubtedly fast-track his path to a championship bout.
Stylistic Breakdown and Predictions
This flyweight clash presents an intriguing stylistic matchup. Both fighters possess well-rounded skill sets, with strengths in both striking and grappling. Moreno's experience at the highest level could prove crucial, but Albazi's hunger and momentum make him a dangerous underdog.
Fans can expect a technical, fast-paced affair with potential fireworks on the feet and scrambles on the ground. The outcome may hinge on who can impose their game plan more effectively and capitalize on the other's mistakes.
Co-Main Event: Erin Blanchfield vs Rose Namajunas
The women's flyweight division takes center stage in the co-main event, as rising star Erin Blanchfield faces off against former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas.
Erin Blanchfield: The Next Big Thing
At just 24 years old, Erin Blanchfield has already established herself as one of the most promising prospects in women's MMA. Her grappling-heavy approach and relentless pressure have overwhelmed opponents thus far.
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Notable Achievements:
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Undefeated in the UFC (5-0)
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Dominant wins over veterans like Jessica Andrade
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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt
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Blanchfield views this matchup as her chance to prove she's ready for a title shot. A win over a decorated champion like Namajunas would be a massive statement.
Rose Namajunas: Thug Rose Aims Higher
Rose Namajunas, a two-time strawweight champion, makes her flyweight debut in this high-stakes contest. Known for her striking technique and mental fortitude, Namajunas seeks to conquer a new weight class.
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Career Highlights:
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Two-time UFC Strawweight Champion
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Victories over elite opponents like Joanna Jędrzejczyk and Zhang Weili
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Known for her striking technique and mental toughness
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For Namajunas, this bout represents a fresh start and a new challenge. A win would immediately establish her as a contender in the 125-pound division.
Keys to Victory and Fight Analysis
This matchup pits Blanchfield's grappling prowess against Namajunas' striking acumen. The younger fighter will likely look to close the distance and secure takedowns, while Namajunas aims to keep the fight standing and utilize her footwork and range.
The outcome may depend on Namajunas' ability to defend takedowns and Blanchfield's success in navigating the striking exchanges. Both women have shown the ability to finish fights, so fans should be prepared for potential fireworks.
Main Card Breakdown
The main card features a diverse array of matchups across multiple weight classes. Let's examine each bout and its potential implications.
Light Heavyweight: Caio Machado vs Brendson Ribeiro
Two Dana White's Contender Series graduates collide in this light heavyweight showdown. Both fighters bring aggressive styles and finishing instincts to the Octagon.
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Caio Machado:
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Undefeated professional record (8-0-1)
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Known for his knockout power
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Looking to make a statement in his UFC debut
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Brendson Ribeiro:
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Impressive finish rate (15 finishes in 16 wins)
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Well-rounded skill set
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Aiming to bounce back from a loss in his UFC debut
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This matchup has all the ingredients for an explosive contest. Both fighters will likely look to make a lasting impression on UFC fans and matchmakers alike.
Women's Flyweight: Ariane da Silva vs Jasmine Jasudavicius
The women's flyweight division takes the spotlight once again with this clash between Brazilian veteran Ariane da Silva and Canadian prospect Jasmine Jasudavicius.
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Ariane da Silva:
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Experienced competitor with 14 professional fights
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Strong grappling background
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Looking to build momentum after a recent win
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Jasmine Jasudavicius:
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Undefeated in the UFC (2-0)
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Well-rounded skill set
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Aiming to continue her climb up the rankings
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This bout could have significant implications for the division's rankings. Both fighters will be eager to showcase their skills and move closer to contender status.
Middleweight: Marc-Andre Barriault vs Dustin Stoltzfus
Canadian fan-favorite Marc-Andre Barriault takes on Dustin Stoltzfus in an intriguing middleweight contest.
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Marc-Andre Barriault:
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Known for his durability and high-volume striking
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Looking to build on recent success (3-1 in his last 4 fights)
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Fighting in front of a supportive home crowd
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Dustin Stoltzfus:
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Submission specialist (8 of 14 wins by submission)
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Seeking to snap a two-fight losing streak
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Eager to play spoiler in enemy territory
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This matchup presents an interesting clash of styles. Barriault's pressure and volume will be pitted against Stoltzfus' grappling and submission threats.
Welterweight: Mike Malott vs Trevin Giles
The main card opener features an exciting welterweight bout between rising Canadian prospect Mike Malott and experienced veteran Trevin Giles.
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Mike Malott:
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Undefeated in the UFC (2-0)
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Impressive finish rate (8 finishes in 9 wins)
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Looking to continue his ascent in the division
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Trevin Giles:
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Former middleweight competitor
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Well-rounded skill set
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Aiming to establish himself in the welterweight division
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This matchup has the potential to be a crowd-pleasing affair. Both fighters have shown the ability to finish fights in spectacular fashion.
Preliminary Card Highlights
While the main card garners the most attention, the preliminary bouts feature several intriguing matchups and promising talents. Here are some key fights to watch:
Bantamweight: Aiemann Zahabi vs Pedro Munhoz
Veteran Pedro Munhoz takes on Canadian prospect Aiemann Zahabi in a pivotal bantamweight clash.
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Pedro Munhoz:
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Experienced competitor with wins over top-ranked opponents
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Known for his dangerous guillotine choke
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Looking to snap a recent losing streak
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Aiemann Zahabi:
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Brother of renowned coach Firas Zahabi
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Seeking a signature win to boost his profile
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Fighting in front of a supportive home crowd
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This bout could have significant implications for both fighters' careers. A win for Munhoz would reestablish him as a contender, while a victory for Zahabi would be a major breakthrough.
Featherweight: Jack Shore vs Youssef Zalal
Undefeated Welsh prospect Jack Shore faces off against Moroccan-born Youssef Zalal in an exciting featherweight contest.
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Jack Shore:
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Undefeated professional record (16-0)
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Well-rounded skill set with strong grappling
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Looking to continue his climb up the rankings
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Youssef Zalal:
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Known for his striking technique and footwork
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Seeking to snap a three-fight losing streak
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Eager to prove he belongs among the division's best
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This matchup pits Shore's grappling prowess against Zalal's striking acumen. The outcome could hinge on who can impose their preferred fighting style.
Heavyweight: Alexander Romanov vs Rodrigo Nascimento
Two heavyweight prospects collide as Alexander Romanov takes on Rodrigo Nascimento.
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Alexander Romanov:
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Impressive 16-1 professional record
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Known for his grappling and ground-and-pound
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Looking to bounce back from his first career loss
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Rodrigo Nascimento:
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Well-rounded skill set
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Coming off a victory in his last bout
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Aiming to build momentum in the heavyweight division
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This clash of big men has the potential for fireworks. Both fighters possess finishing ability and will be eager to make a statement.
