The flyweight division was put on notice at UFC Fight Night in Edmonton as former champion Brandon Moreno returned with a vengeance, showcasing his elite striking to dominate rising contender Amir Albazi over five rounds. In the co-main event, Erin Blanchfield overcame early adversity to grind out a decision win over former strawweight queen Rose Namajunas and stake her claim as a top threat at 125 pounds.
Moreno Outclasses Albazi, Eyes Title Shot
Taking the Octagon for the first time since February’s controversial split decision loss to Brandon Royval, an inspired Brandon Moreno displayed the form that made him “The Assassin Baby” and the first Mexico-born UFC champion. The 30-year-old utilized his reach advantage and crisp combinations to stifle Albazi’s wrestling and rack up a lopsided striking differential.
Moreno’s precision was on point from the opening bell as he snapped Albazi’s head back with a stinging jab in Round 1. He continued to pour it on in the middle frames, buckling Albazi with a head kick in the second stanza and beginning to break him down with unrelenting volume. By Round 3, Albazi’s face told the story as it became a crimson mask courtesy of Moreno’s handiwork.
Sensing he had the fight well in hand, Moreno still searched for the exclamation point finish in the championship rounds. He buzzed Albazi with a hard left hand in the fifth and final frame before riding out a clear-cut unanimous decision win with scores of 50-45, 50-45, 49-46.
“I want to be on top again. I want my title back. This [performance] is a reminder for the rest of the division.”
– Brandon Moreno after dominating Amir Albazi
The impressive showing halted a two-fight skid for Moreno, who has his sights set on becoming a three-time flyweight champion. First, he’ll likely need to wait for the result of champion Alexandre Pantoja’s December title defense against Kai Asakura before securing his coveted shot at redemption.
Blanchfield Battles Back to Best Namajunas
In a pivotal women’s flyweight showdown, 25-year-old prospect Erin Blanchfield found herself in unfamiliar territory early as former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas controlled the action with slick footwork, a piston-like jab, and solid takedown defense. But Blanchfield proved her championship mettle, making the necessary mid-fight adjustments to turn the tide.
With Namajunas’ striking giving her fits, Blanchfield wisely closed the distance and leaned on her grappling. She began to find success with takedowns in Round 3, using her top game to neutralize Namajunas and swing the momentum. After eating shots on the feet for much of the first two rounds, Blanchfield’s pressure had Namajunas reeling down the stretch.
All three judges had the bout even going into the fifth and final frame, setting the stage for a climactic finish. Blanchfield seized the moment, securing a critical takedown and controlling Namajunas until the final horn to seal the hard-fought unanimous decision triumph.
The victory puts Blanchfield right back into title contention after her March loss to Manon Fiorot. As for the 32-year-old Namajunas, she falls to 2-2 since moving up to the flyweight ranks last year.
What’s Next for the Flyweight Elite?
With both Moreno and Blanchfield solidifying their standing as top contenders, the flyweight title picture for both men and women is taking shape. Here’s a look at what could be next for the division’s best:
- Moreno will likely face the winner of champ Pantoja vs. Asakura
- Kai Kara-France and Brandon Royval both loom as viable contenders
- Blanchfield should get another marquee matchup, possibly vs. Alexa Grasso or Lauren Murphy
- Despite the loss, Namajunas remains a major player at 125 pounds
The flyweights delivered in Edmonton and the future looks bright for both the men’s and women’s divisions. With Moreno back in the mix and hungry to reclaim UFC gold, and a crop of talented contenders like Blanchfield nipping at the heels of the established veterans, fans can expect plenty more thrilling battles at 125 pounds for the foreseeable future.
