- George Chung
- Oct 31, 2024
- 3 min read
This Saturday, UFC Fight Night brings an electrifying main event between Brandon Moreno and Amir Albazi in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. For Brandon Moreno, the former flyweight champion, the bout marks a pivotal return to the Octagon after a tough year.
Following a loss to Brandon Royval in Mexico, Moreno took a step back to regroup—a decision that stunned fans when he was announced to face Albazi just nine months later. But for the dedicated Mexican fighter, this break was about more than just time away from the Octagon; it was about rediscovering his passion and preparing to reclaim his status as one of the flyweight division's elite.
Rediscovering Motivation and Reigniting the Fire
After a challenging year, Moreno reflects on his hiatus as a crucial period for physical and mental restoration. He shares, “Those months helped me a lot to just recover my body, to recover my mind. I feel very motivated because all those months thinking about what is next for me helped me to remember why I love the sport and why I love to fight.” Taking time off allowed him to reconnect with his roots and appreciate his role as an ambassador for Mexico in the MMA world. His close circle of friends and family encouraged him to fully utilize this break, reminding him of the importance of balancing career with life outside the Octagon.
However, Moreno didn't stray far from the sport during his time off. As an active commentator for Spanish UFC broadcasts and a guest at multiple UFC events, he remained close to the action, providing expert analysis and keeping his strategic eye sharp.
A Rising Flyweight Division and a New Challenge
The UFC flyweight division is currently one of the most dynamic in the promotion, with the champion Alexandre Pantoja set to defend his title against Kai Asakura later this year. The division is flush with promising talent, creating exciting matchups for fans and fighters alike. Moreno has always believed in the skill level and competitiveness of the flyweights, saying, “I think the flyweight division right now is on fire...we have the technique, we have the striking...It's an amazing division, for sure.” For Moreno, the challenge of staying at the top is invigorating, especially with new faces in the mix and a champion eager to solidify his place.
Moreno’s Mindset Ahead of the Albazi Fight
This fight represents a crucial opportunity for Moreno, who enters on a two-fight skid. Losses to Royval and Pantoja in close decisions left Moreno reassessing his approach and honing his skills to come back stronger. Amir Albazi, on the other hand, has yet to taste defeat in the UFC, with his last victory being a tightly contested decision over Kai Kara-France. Moreno acknowledges Albazi’s momentum and motivation, understanding that Albazi will bring everything to the Octagon in Edmonton.
“I think he's very motivated right now,” Moreno said. “He has never lost in the UFC, and he knows if he beats me in our fight, he is going to be in the title conversation.” Despite the respect for Albazi’s drive, Moreno feels that his own hunger to grow his legacy and open doors for future Mexican fighters will ultimately lead him to victory.
The Road Back to the Title for “The Assassin Baby”
For Moreno, the fight on Saturday is about making a statement. With his unwavering determination, he knows that to regain his title, he must first put on a performance that leaves no room for doubt. “What I have to do on Saturday is make a statement,” Moreno declared confidently. Critics may view him as a seasoned fighter nearing his peak, but Moreno believes otherwise. He is eager to prove that he’s still evolving, saying, “I feel in my prime...every time I go to my next training session, I feel stronger, I feel better, with more knowledge about the fight game.”
This Saturday, fans will witness a revitalized Brandon Moreno, a fighter who has taken time to reconnect with his passion and refine his skills. The Edmonton crowd and fans around the world are set for an exciting showdown between two talented flyweights, each with their eyes on the title.
Don’t miss UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Albazi, live from Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Prelims begin at 5pm ET/2pm PT, with the main card streaming live on ESPN+ at 8pm ET/5pm PT.
