On November 4, 2023, the Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, played host to UFC Fight Night 246, a riveting showcase of mixed martial arts that highlighted a diverse slate of fights with strategic implications, unexpected outcomes, and a showcase of endurance. With a total of 13 bouts on the card, fighters from various divisions stepped into the octagon, striving to secure victories and elevate their standings within the competitive landscape of the UFC.
In the most anticipated bout of the evening, former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno faced off against Amir Albazi in a five-round clash. Moreno returned to the octagon with an explosive performance that left no doubt about his capabilities after taking a brief hiatus. The judges agreed, bestowing a unanimous decision victory upon him following a relentless display of striking and grappling control. This match marked an impressive rebound for Moreno, who improved his record to 22-8-2 (MMA) and reinforced his status as a formidable contender in the flyweight division.
Moreno’s calculated aggression saw him landing significant strikes throughout the contest, establishing a rhythm that kept Albazi on the defensive for most of the fight. The victory not only added another decision win to his record but also positioned him among the elite in UFC history, tying him for the fourth-most wins in flyweight competition. This performance undoubtedly sends a strong message to other contenders that the former champion is back and hungry for the title.
Another notable performance came from Erin Blanchfield, who extended her series of victories in the UFC with a decisive win over her opponent. Blanchfield, who now holds a record of 7-1 within the organization, showcased her tactical prowess, which has become her signature. As a successful fighter in a rapidly growing division, her ability to secure wins, particularly by decision, signals her resilience and skill.
Meanwhile, former champion Rose Namajunas faced another setback, dropping her record to 2-2 since moving up to the women’s flyweight category. Namajunas has endured criticism as many of her losses have come by decision, highlighting the challenges she faces in adapting to a new weight class. This raises questions about her future in the sport as she seeks to regain her competitive edge.
The undercard of UFC Fight Night 246 also featured several fighters who made headlines with impressive performances. Brendson Ribeiro secured his first decision victory of his career, showcasing versatility in a sport often dominated by knockout or submission finishes. In contrast, Caio Machado faced disappointment in his light heavyweight debut, suffering a loss that marked a troubling trend where all of his career losses have come via decision.
In terms of submission game, Jasmine Jasudavicius shined brightly with both of her UFC stoppage victories attributed to her grappling skills. The loss faced by Ariane Da Silva, which marked the first submission defeat of her career, adds a layer of intrigue to the division as fighters continually strive to improve their defensive tactics against submissions.
Several fighters continued to establish their legacies or face difficult roads ahead. Aiemann Zahabi extended his winning streak to five fights, highlighting an ongoing assertion within the bantamweight class that he is a competitor to be reckoned with. His achievement ties him with other top fighters in the division, proving the depth of talent present in the UFC’s bantamweight roster.
Conversely, Pedro Munhoz’s recent struggles depict the unforgiving nature of professional fighting, as he has suffered through a challenging series of fights characterized mostly by decision losses. This trend raises eyebrows regarding his future prospects within the sport, reminding fans of the thin margins that differentiate success and failure in MMA.
UFC Fight Night 246 not only served as a platform for established fighters to reaffirm their dominance but also allowed emerging prospects to shine. The blend of decisions and stoppages throughout the evening underscored the high level of competition in the octagon. As fighters and fans alike look ahead to future events, the performances displayed in Edmonton will undoubtedly resonate, shaping narratives and rivalries in the months to come. The night encapsulated the unpredictable essence of MMA, promising more thrilling bouts on the horizon as fighters continue to chase glory within the sport.