Thankfully, the new and improved Apex comes with more than a new name. There’s seating for fans, and while limited, it’s nice to have an actual cheering section in the building. It certainly made a difference in the broadcast, though it’s worth noting that as with every other UFC card, half the fans didn’t turn up until the back half of the night.

Four finishes peppered UFC Vegas 113, with two coming on the main card portion of the event. That included the main event, which saw bantamweight contender Mario Bautista submit Vinicius Oliveira.

What comes next for the losing half of UFC Vegas 113? With Bryson Hester down (but not out) with the flu, I’m filling in this week. Time to shake off the match-maker rust!

Vinicius Oliveira

The big story coming into UFC Vegas 113 was Vinicius Oliveira’s weight. A week out from the fight, he claimed to be 30 pounds heavy. That’s a lot of weight to lose in just days. Credit to his dedication, Oliveira did make weight for the fight, but he also gassed early. For a fighter in his first main event, claiming he’d fight for the bantamweight title inside of a year, it wasn’t a good look.

Oliveira noted during his media day appearance that he won’t be long for 135lbs and will move up to featherweight at some point. Honestly, he might want to consider that sooner than later. Arriving off the Contender Series in 2023, the now-30-year old took the long road to the UFC, with a 20-3 record when he made his promotional debut. He’s in his prime, and if the cut to 135 is that draining, he needs to move up now and get on a proper run.

It’s hard to justify a ranked opponent for Oliveira after Saturday’s showing, but since he’s coming off a main event, how about #15-ranked David Onama for a featherweight debut? Onama himself is coming off a loss to Steve Garcia. This probably works as a co-main event on another Apex card.

Oliveira’s next fight: David Onama, at featherweight

Amir Albazi

Flyweight Amir Albazi’s toughest opponents thus far have been injury and consistency. Oh, and Kyoji Horiguchi and Brandon Moreno.

Honestly, Albazi can take a mulligan on this one. He was out-worked by a savvy veteran with a speed advantage. Horiguchi, frankly, is a top three flyweight in the world, whatever his UFC ranking might be. He’s held gold in multiple major promotions, and is back in the UFC hunting the last title to have eluded him. Albazi, meanwhile, was yanked from a fight last year, not medically cleared, and had been out over a year when he stepped into the cage on Saturday.

What he needs is a reasonable turnaround, and honestly, a tune-up style fight. He’ll drop a bit back from his #6 ranking this week, but someone hovering around the #10 spot could work. Alex Perez, coming off a win over Charles Johnson in which Perez missed weight, holds that #10 ranking, and fits the bill.

Albazi’s next fight: Alex Perez

Jailton Almeida

With all due respect to the fighters, who no doubt put in hard training camps, there were no winners in Rizvan Kuniev vs. Jailton Almeida. Stepping in on short notice to replace the unranked Ryan Spann, Almeida, who holds the #6 spot at heavyweight, fought with a puzzling lack of urgency. When Kuniev held him against the fence, Almeida chose to more or less stand and wait for the ref to restart the action. Which he did, several times, but it led to a rather tepid fight that had fans at the Meta Apex raining down jeers.

Just a year or so ago Almeida was being looked at as a potential future champion. A former light heavyweight, he has speed and power, but he sometimes seems to forget just how good he is. All the tools needed to smash through an opponent like Kuniev, but he just couldn’t pull the trigger. You could blame the short-notice nature of the bout, but then he did choose to take the fight after all.

Almeida has now lost two straight, but that won’t hurt him much in the heavyweight division, which is so shallow that Gable Steveson, yet to fight in the UFC, is being looked at as the possible savior of the division. England’s Mick Parkin, ranked #12, is coming off the first loss of his career (to Marcin Tybura), and is 4-1 in the UFC. It’s hard to see that one going the distance. Just what the doctor ordered.

Almeida’s next fight: Mick Parkin

Marc-André Barriault

Canada’s “Power Bar” is about as fan-friendly a middleweight as you’ll find. Three straight post-fight bonuses. Two straight Fight of the Nights. Unfortunately, he was on the losing end of both of those. Still, his bank account is happy, and the UFC isn’t about to cut the Quebec Bonus Machine.

A former TKO double champ, Barriault is 1-5 in his last six fights however. He needs a win, stat.

Enter Sedriques “SD” Dumas. “The Reaper” has practically harvested his own soul during his UFC run, with inconsistent results and multiple arrests for shenanigans outside of the octagon. It’s rather impressive that he still has a job; Dumas must have dirt on someone at the UFC. All joking aside, Dumas literally had to pull out of UFC 317 because he couldn’t get a judge to sign off on removing his ankle monitor in time. Dumas has two losses and a  No Contest (accidental foul) in his last three assignments. Barraiult might finally send him packing from the UFC.

Barriault’s next fight: SD Dumas

Jean Matsumoto

Bantamweight Jean Matsumoto fell to 1-2 in his last three with a loss to Farid Basharat at UFC Vegas 113.

Brazil’s Matsumoto started his UFC run with a couple of quick wins, then landed a short-notice fight with Rob Font when Dominick Cruz pulled out and retired. It’s hard to count that loss against him, but the Basharat loss will stall his momentum a little more (in between those setbacks, he earned a split decision win over Miles Johns).

Next up? TUF winner Ricky Turcios needs an opponent after Cameron Smotherman collapsed at the UFC 324 weigh-ins, cancelling their bout. That’s as solid a match-up as any.

Matsumoto’s next fight: Ricky Turcios

Julius Walker

The “Juice Box” Julius Walker fell to 1-2 in the UFC on Saturday, after being stopped by Dustin Jacoby. Gutsy effort, but the light heavyweight is now in a tough spot. He was originally supposed to face Uran Satybaldiev at the event, and if that fight can be rebooked, it makes the most sense.

Walker’s next fight: Uran Satybaldiev

The post What’s Next: UFC Vegas 113 Losers appeared first on Cageside Press.

Flyweight standout Horiguchi had picked up the nickname “The Karate Kid,” in honor of late MMA legend Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto.

One of Japan’s best hopes for a UFC champion, the former title challenger Horiguchi started the fight tying Albazi up along the fence, firing knees to the leg. He could not get Albazi down, however, and “The Prince” soon escaped out. He’d wind up eating a right hand from Horiguchi, with the later then exchanging heavy overhand shots. The Japanese veteran had the edge in speed, but an Albazi punch had him falling backwards over himself. Horiguchi was right back up however; then it was Albazi taking the fight to the fence.

Round two saw Albazi go right back to the same gameplan, pushing Horiguchi against the cage. Within a minute, however, Kyoji had escaped. And was punching his way in, landing three strikes together, while Albazi landed one in return. Albazi was showing a bit of damage on the right temple. Another punch clipped him, a right hand that hit the top of the forehead. Speed was, as it had been in the first, an issue for Amir Albazi. Horiguchi was just a step ahead. His stance switches and volume were starting to catch Albazi looking. After a decent start to the second, Albazi was lagging behind. He’d clinch up in the final minute, but couldn’t hold the position, nor land a takedown.

Horiguchi came out hot in round three, firing a jumping knee, but that allowed Albazi to tie things up. A takedown didn’t truly land, but Albazi kept a body lock in place. He couldn’t keep Kyoji there, and the Japanese star went back on the offensive. Albazi looked overwhelmed. He would take the fight back to the fence, but he’d been bloodied. Albazi needed a finish, and that wasn’t happening.

After his second win since returning to the UFC following stints in Bellator and RIZIN (and earning titles in both), Horiguchi called for a fight with flyweight champ Joshua Van.

Official Result: Kyoji Horiguchi def. Amir Albazi by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

The post UFC Vegas 113: Kyoji Horiguchi Far Too Quick for Amir Albazi appeared first on Cageside Press.

The first Paramount+ Fight Night event is hosted at the newly christened Meta Apex, and Albazi (17-2) will look to return to his winning ways against Horiguchi, a former UFC title challenger who, after leaving the company, won gold in Bellator and RIZIN (at two weight classes in the latter) before returning to the octagon late last year.

Like he does against Horiguchi, Albazi had a lengthy layoff ahead of his fight with Moreno.

“I don’t know if it was ring rust, but I definitely think I underperformed that fight, and I never got to show Amir Albazi, the real Amir Albazi,” he noted during Wednesday’s UFC Vegas 113 media day, with outlets including Cageside Press onhand. “The original Amir Albazi. So I’m happy to be here to finally be able to show people that this is the real Amir Albazi, this is the problem in the division. I can’t wait to show you guys on Saturday.”

Albazi has said he wants to be a bully in the fight. As to what that looks like, “I’ve always, always been a bully whenever I go into the cage,” he stated. “I’m a nice guy outside, but whenever I go into the cage, I’m looking to damage people, I’m looking to bring violence. I’m looking to make violence nice again. I always bring that to the table, and I feel like that was lacking in the Moreno fight.”

Amir Albazi was supposed to face off with Tatsuro Taira last August, only for the bout to be cancelled when he was not medically cleared. It was a separate issue from the one he dealt with prior to the Moreno fight, it seems.

That wasn’t related to his neck injury, but rather “it was related to something else I’d rather not disclose,” Albazi clarified to Cageside Press. “It just sucked that I had so many surgeries. I had surgery after Kai Kara-France, I had the heart surgery. When I was booked against Moreno, I had the neck surgery. And then finally coming back to start competing again, waiting for a long time for a match-up, and then I don’t get medically cleared against Taira.”

“At the end of the day that’s all behind me, all I’m focusing on— I’m happy to be back in Vegas, happy to be sitting here, and I’m more than excited me be able to make it to Saturday and fight another man.”

Watch the full UFC Vegas 113 media day appearance by Amir Albazi above.

The post UFC Vegas 113: Amir Albazi Ready to Show His Real Self appeared first on Cageside Press.

That fight, set for UFC Vegas 113 on February 7, 2026, will see Amir Albazi, ranked #5 at 125 pounds, take on recently returned veteran Kyoji Horiguchi, three spots back at #8.

The bout was announced during Saturday’s UFC Vegas 112, the final UFC card to air on ESPN prior to the promotion jumping to Paramount+ in 2026.

Yes, UFC Apex events are here to stay, as apparently Paramount+ is paying $1.1 billion dollars annually while being okay with the promotion keeping its part-time road schedule. While word is that the Apex will allow up to 1000 fans next year, it’s borderline criminal to see Horiguchi, who won bantamweight gold in both Bellator and RIZIN simultaneously between UFC stints, as well as becoming the inaugural RIZIN flyweight champ, fighting there.

Horiguchi (35-5, 1NC) submitted Tagir Ulanbekov in his return to the UFC last month at UFC Qatar. That immediately put the Japanese star and American Top Team fighter in the title picture, given his credentials. That said, with Alexandre Pantoja injured and Josh Van holding gold, it’s likely that Horiguchi’s countryman Tatsuro Taira is next up for the title.

As for Amir Albazi, the Iraqi has been out of action over a year, since losing to Brandon Moreno at UFC Edmonton. That decision loss snapped a six-fight win streak and was his first under the UFC banner.

UFC Vegas 113 is headlined by bantamweights Mario Bautista and Vinicius Oliveira.

The post Amir Albazi vs. Kyoji Horiguchi Gets Co-Main Event Billing at UFC Vegas 113 appeared first on Cageside Press.

“I’m heartbroken to announce that I won’t be fighting on August 2nd,” the flyweight contender posted on social media.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cageside Press (@cagesidepress)

“I finished my whole training camp and did everything I could, but I wasn’t medically cleared in time. The UFC and the commission made the call for my safety. I respect their decision even though I wanted to step in to that cage and take care of business,” he continued.

Albazi (17-2) was hoping to bounce back from a loss to Brandon Moreno last November against Taira at the UFC APEX. Unfortunately he wasn’t cleared in time to fight and had to withdraw.

“I’ll be back stronger and better. this is just a setback, not the end. Thank you to my fans, my team, and everyone who supports me through the ups and downs,” said Albazi.

Albazi was ultimately replaced by Hyun Sung Park against Taira. This marks the first time two Asian fighters headline a UFC event.

Lucky for Albazi the withdrawal had nothing to do with an injury so he’s likely to get booked again soon.

The post Amir Albazi Says He Wasn’t Medically Cleared In Time To Fight appeared first on Cageside Press.

Japan’s Tatsuro Taira (16-1) will face Amir Albazi (17-2) at the event, in a key fight for the 125 pound division. Iridium Sports Agency, who represent Taira, announced the bout on Wednesday.

The five-round fight is expected to headline the August 2, 2025 event.

Taira, still just 25-years old, will enter the fight off a loss to ex-title challenger and top contender Brandon Royval. Prior to losing a split decision to Royval last October, Taira had notched victories over another former title challenger in Alex Perez, Carlos Hernandez, and others. He’s 6-1 in the UFC, after entering the promotion in 2022.

Albazi is likewise entering the fight off a loss, to former champion Brandon Royval at UFC Edmonton last October. “The Prince” is 5-1 in the UFC since joining the company in 2020, but has seen numerous fights fall through, and dealt with his own share of injuries.

Tatsuro Taira sits at #5, and Amir Albazi is in the #3 spot in the UFC’s flyweight division currently.

The UFC’s August 2 card, UFC Vegas 108, comes after the promotion will have been on the road seven straight weeks, starting with UFC 316 in Newark, NJ on June 7. Only a handful of bouts have been reported for the event thus far. Those are:

• Tatsuro Taira vs. Amir Albazi
• Ketlen Souza vs. Piera Rodriguez
• Felipe Bunes vs. André Lima

The post Tatsuro Taira vs. Amir Albazi Booked for UFC’s August 2 Card appeared first on Cageside Press.

Amir Albazi

Amir was on the wrong end of a one-sided beating in main event on Saturday night, against the former flyweight champion, Brandon Moreno. Moreno entered the fight ranked at #2 in the UFC’s flyweight division after taking some time off. Albazi entered the fight ranked at #3. With the defeat Albazi had his 6-fight winning streak snapped- dating back to his April 2019, pre-UFC, loss against Jose ‘Shorty’ Torres. Albazi was 5-0 in the UFC heading into this fight; if he would have won impressively, he would’ve likely been the next person to fight for the belt (after Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Asakura, of course).

Now, after being badly beaten and outclassed over the course of five rounds on Saturday, Albazi will have to pick up the pieces.

It would be advantageous for Amir to do a complete reset. A fight against a veteran in Tim Elliott, a former title challenger, makes sense. Elliott is currently ranked at #11 and last fought in December of 2023 opposite of Sumudaerji. He scored a first-round sub that earned Tim a cool 50k. Elliot was supposed to compete against Tatsuro Taira in May but withdrew from the bout. At 37 years old and with an 11-year UFC run spanning 20 fights, Elliot is a good measuring gauge for Amir to see if he is 125lbs. top 10 caliber.

Amir’s next fight: Tim Elliott

Rose Namajunas

Erin Blanchfield mounted a comeback in the five-round co-main event on Saturday to defeat Rose Namajunas by unanimous decision. Rose’s striking looked good in the first two rounds but after tiring slightly, Blanchfield crept back up on the scorecards thanks to her ground game and aggression.

Rose is now 2-2 in her last four fights since moving up to the flyweight division in September of 2023. Rose’s losses to Manon Fiorot and now Blanchfield illustrate that while she’s still elite, she is not yet in the title picture at 125lbs.

With that being said, Rose should fight Katlyn Cerminara. Katlyn is currently ranked at #7 and her most recent fight was a unanimous decision loss opposite of Maycee Barber at UFC 299 in March. Rose was temporarily matched up to fight Maycee back in July but Barber, who is now ranked at #4, withdrew. With Barber on a five-fight win streak and Cerminara having lost her last two, it’s an obvious choice which opponent to go with here. Namajunas and Cerminara also share recent common opponents and outcomes as they both recently lost to Manon Fiorot and defeated Amanda Ribas.

Rose’s next fight: Katlyn Cerminara 

Caio Machado

Caio Machado lost his third straight at UFC Edmonton when he dropped a split decision to Brendson Ribeiro. Macha is now 0-3 in the UFC since earning a contract last August on the 2023 season of the Contender Series.

The former Battlefield Fight League heavyweight champion will likely be on the verge of getting cut. However, due to how shallow the UFC’s light heavyweight division currently is he could get one more fight.

Caio should take a fight against another Contender Series guy like Jose Medina. Jose would be a fun matchup. Medina won a contract from his October of 2023 slugfest with the undefeated Magomed Gadzhiyasulov, even though he lost the bout. Medina lost his UFC debut to Zach Reese and was outgunned in a similar fashion. But he showed heart and tenacity for all 30 minutes of both of those bouts. Medina fought at 205lbs. for the Contender Series and 185lbs. for his debut. Medina might give up some size but he’s a hard-nosed fighter and a good competition to see who stays with the promotional giant.

Caio’s next fight: Jose Medina

Ariane Da Silva

Ariane Da Silva got caught in an arm triangle in the last round of her bout with Jasmine Jasudavicius on the main card of UFC Edmonton. Ariane’s striking looked great for most of the fight but the skill gap on the ground was vast. Da Silva came into the fight ranked at #13 in the UFC’s women’s flyweight division, while her opponent was ranked at #14.

It’s a tough loss to stomach for Da Silva especially being a finish. The women’s flyweight division is incredibly active at the moment and snagging a ranked name could prove difficult.

Ariane Da Silva should fight Tereza Bleda in her next fight. Bleda is 7-1 and at just 22 years old, the fresh blood in the division. Tereza was an OKTAGON flyweight champion before she won a contract on the 2022 season of the Contender Series. Her first fight in the UFC was against Natalia Silva who is now ranked at #6 in the flyweight division. Bleda was finished by a spinning back kick in the third round but put on a good showing.  She bounced back in her last fight defeating Gabriella Fernandes in June of 2023. Tereza was scheduled for another step up in competition in the form of #15 ranked flyweight, Casey O’Neil at UFC 305. Unfortunately, Bleda had to withdraw from that bout, but this step up in competition still makes sense for her.

Ariane’s next fight: Tereza Bleda

Marc-Andre Bariault

Marc-Andre Bariault lost another fight turned barn burner brawl on Saturday when Dustin Stoltzfus KO’d him in a frantic exchange. Bariault has now lost three fights in a row and been stopped in the first round of two of those bouts.

Bariault is now 5-8, 1 NC in the UFC and his last win was over Eryk Anders in June of last year. With that in mind, Bariault is in a bit of danger of being cut. It’s likely the 34-year-old middleweight will get at least one more chance.

For that fight, Marc-Andre should take on Bruno Silva. Silva was last in action at UFC 308 when he lost an incredibly lackluster decision to Ismail Naurdiev. At points during the fight, the 10-fight UFC veteran in Silva looked like a shell of his former self. Silva has lost his last four fights against Brendan Allen, Shara Magomedov, Chris Weidman and Ismail Naurdiev. Perfect fight for both men to try and gain some confidence, loser would likely be sent packing.

Marc Andre’s next fight: Bruno Silva 

Trevin Giles

Trevin Giles let the victory slip right through his fingers on Saturday night against Mike Malott. Giles was piecing up Malott for some of the fight, with his boxing, but his lack of volume triggered him to lose a unanimous decision. Giles is now 7-7 in the UFC and 2-4 since moving down to welterweight in January of 2022.

Because Giles has now lost three fights in a row and been stopped in two of them, he is also on the hot seat. Welterweight is crowded to say the least, and Giles could use a staple win.

For his next fight, Trevin should take on Alex Morono.  Alex has lost three of his last four fights. Morono was last in action last month when he was on the wrong side of a split decision opposite of Daniel Rodriguez. Good fight for Giles as he had a lot of trouble with his output in his last fight. Morono is a name as well. It would be a long night if Giles were to struggle with output against an awkward aggressive fighter like Morono. It’s a good fight to make.

Trevin’s next fight: Alex Morono

The post What’s Next: UFC Edmonton Losers appeared first on Cageside Press.

Albazi started a bit slow through the first two rounds. Him being economical in his offense wasn’t anything new, but he did look a bit rusty as the commentary team alluded to. This slow start allowed Moreno to find his groove quickly and he was clearly the more confident fighter early. Albazi ultimately was never able to catch up and Moreno completely shut his game down.

Despite his two-fight skid being two split decisions that could’ve gone his way, there was some uncertainty regarding what state Moreno would be in after his somewhat uncommonly sluggish outing back in February . Yes, he lost to the very elite of the division and arguably won those fights, but they were back and forth wars.

These types of high octane bouts can age fighters pretty fast and there was some concern that, all of a sudden, Moreno could come out and look old. And that’s not even mentioning his insane quadrilogy with Deiveson Figueiredo that came before this losing streak.

On media day, Moreno mentioned that he was feeling the pressure of the life as champion and having to headline a card on his home soil. He said he needed the time off and that he felt rejuvenated now. Impossible not to believe him after what we saw tonight. The Mexican, who very much could have been on the Sphere card back in September, clearly benefited from the additional time off. Being 0-2 against the current champion and having lost to Brandon Royval this year works against as far as the title picture goes. But he is still a fan favourite that will most likely find himself in a number 1 contender fight next.

As for Albazi, he was coming off a 17-month layoff after having to go through several scary surgeries to fix injuries that he said could have left him paralyzed. So the mere fact he made it back to the octagon after having to go through all that adversity is something to be applauded. Having to fight Moreno after such a layoff isn’t an easy thing to do. His win streak now comes to an end as he was previously undefeated in the UFC. He should take some time off after such a beating.

With the flyweight division heating up and a lot of people thinking he should have lost his last fight to Kai Kara-France, this loss might push Albazi to the back of the line at 125 lbs.

The first ever UFC Mexican champion gets to hold his spot near the top of the division, while the surging contender will go back to the drawing board.

The post Moreno vs. Albazi: What Did We Learn? appeared first on Cageside Press.

Moreno (21-8-2) had said he was done for the year following a loss to Brandon Royval in February, but he couldn’t stay away very long. The #2 ranked flyweight hoped a big victory could propel him into a title fight or a #1 contender bout.

Albazi (17-1) came into UFC Edmonton off a layoff that lasted over a year due to a heart condition that he had to have surgery for. Complications followed the procedure, and he was shelved until the Moreno fight.

Round 1 Moreno came out throwing lunging left hooks to get behind the guard of Albazi. Albazi did a lot of reading in the first round early on, but he didn’t have time to digest much. Moreno used his patented jab attack to find the range and then started to set traps for Albazi. One was a big right hand landing as Albazi got lulled into looking for the jab.

Round 2 Moreno came out more aggressive throwing combos ending with kicks. One high kick hurt Albazi for a moment, but Moreno didn’t chase the finish opting to be patient. Albazi was able to recover quickly.

Albazi was able to score a takedown, but Moreno wasted no time popping back up to his feet. Moreno looked real sharp and Albazi was clearly rusty off the long layoff, but he warmed up as the round went on.

Moreno put together combos, and continued to land on Albazi who seemed to be waiting a lot so far in this fight.

Round 3 Moreno came out firing, Albazi did too, but Moreno wasn’t just throwing combos. He was throwing fight ending shots at the end of his combinations looking to put Albazi out.

Albazi almost landed a clean knee to the chin as Moreno reached with a right hand, but it didn’t land. Moreno instead made him pay for it with a combo and a left hand. Albazi seemed to start getting comfortable, but Moreno would then do something to make it clear that he was leading this dance.

Albazi started to feel the effects of a compromised right eye and Moreno noticed. He began to target the eye almost exclusively.

Round 4 Albazi came out firing and Moreno was more than willing to match him. Combinations both ways, but Moreno continued to get the better of Albazi.

Albazi continued to show urgency, but anytime he got going Moreno did something to stop him in his tracks. It was all Moreno all the time in round 4.

Round 5 and it was very clear Albazi would need to do something spectacular to finish this fight. Moreno came out like it was him that needed the finish, and Albazi tried to match him, but he wasn’t able to.

Moreno rushed him and Albazi put his hand out with fingers extended causing an eye poke. Moreno took just about 30 seconds before he said he was ready to go.

A big shot rocked Albazi shortly after the time out, and Moreno went after him, but not recklessly. Albazi recovered and Moreno went back to his game plan. Albazi shot for takedowns a lot more in round 5.

With less than 30 seconds in the fight Albazi pointed to the ground, and Moreno said let’s go! Both men threw, but Moreno got the better of the exchanges forcing Albazi backwards. Moreno tried a highlight rolling at Albazi and throwing a kick, but ran out of time for a finish.

Clinic put on by the former UFC flyweight champion as he looks to get back to a title shot.

Official Result: Brandon Moreno def. Amir Albazi via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 50-45, 50-45)

The post Brandon Moreno Puts On Clinic Against Albazi, Wants His Title Back appeared first on Cageside Press.

Brandon Moreno headlined the show against Amir Albazi, with the potential of a title shot against the winner of Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Asakura on the line. Both men were returning to action following layoffs; Moreno’s had been self-imposed, while Albazi dealt with injury and a heart condition.

In the co-main event, ex-strawweight champ Rose Namajunas and contender Erin Blanchfield found themselves in similar circumstances. With Manon Fiorot almost certainly a lock to face flyweight champ Valentina Shevchenko next, Blanchfield vs. Namajunas felt like a battle to see who was second in line.

The UFC Edmonton card was also supposed to feature Derrick “The Black Beast” Lewis in a striker-friendly booking with Jhonata Diniz (swapped in for original opponent Alexandr Romanov). However, on Friday, Lewis was a no-show at the ceremonial weigh-in and was later announced as out of his fight due to a non-weight cutting related medical issue.

Following UFC Edmonton, be sure to tune in for the card’s post-fight press conference to stay on top of all the latest developments. A live stream is available above.

The post UFC Edmonton: Moreno vs. Albazi Post-Fight Press Conference Live Stream appeared first on Cageside Press.