Edmonton, AB– UFC fans were treated to an electrifying night of fights at Rogers Place on November 2, 2024. The event featured intense battles, with standout performances from Erin Blanchfield and Brandon Moreno.
Namajunas vs. Blanchfield: A Tactical Battle
Rose Namajunas showcased her striking prowess early, closing out the first round with impressive boxing. Erin Blanchfield, known as “Cold Blooded,” attempted a takedown after Rose landed a hard shot. Namajunas reversed it, ending up on top. The second round saw Namajunas continue her boxing clinic, while Blanchfield’s takedown attempts were thwarted.
In the third round, Blanchfield secured her first takedown with three minutes left, but the crowd grew restless with the lack of activity. The referee’s warning spurred Blanchfield into action, landing strikes to finish the round. Namajunas kept the fight upright in the fourth. However, Blanchfield came out aggressively in the fifth, securing a takedown and mount position early.
Despite losing the crucifix position, Blanchfield’s dominant pressure in the final round earned her the victory. All three judges scored the fight in favor of Blanchfield, awarding her the last three rounds. In her post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier, Blanchfield called out former champion Alexa Grasso.
Moreno vs. Albazi: A Masterclass in Striking
Brandon Moreno entered the octagon looking focused and determined. In the second round, Moreno’s sharpshooting left Amir Albazi with two abrasions. One was on the bridge of his nose and the other just above. The third round saw Moreno cut Albazi’s cheek, but Albazi responded with a solid right hook. Moreno answered back with a straight right, backing up the Iraqi fighter.
With a minute left in the third, Moreno landed another right, causing Albazi to paw at his eye. Despite Albazi’s improved performance in the fourth, Moreno continued to dominate. Albazi’s corner urged him to go for the finish in the final round.
An eye poke by Albazi started the fifth round, but Moreno’s vision remained sharp. He hurt Albazi with a left hook on the restart and continued to land strikes. With a minute left, Moreno landed a step-in elbow and multiple jabs. Albazi pointed to the center with 30 seconds left, but couldn’t keep up as Moreno styled on him to end the fight. Outside of one round given to Albazi by one judge, it was a complete shutout by the former champion.
UFC Edmonton delivered unforgettable moments, with Blanchfield and Moreno proving their mettle in the octagon. Fans left Rogers Place buzzing with excitement, eagerly anticipating the next UFC event.
