Tag: Amir Albazi

UFC on ESPN+ 104 live results: Brandon Moreno vs. Amir Albazi

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

For the first time since July 2019, the Octagon heads back to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, as UFC on ESPN+ 104 returns to Rogers Place.

This will be the first UFC event to take place under the newest set of the Unifed Rules of MMA which now sees 12-to-6 elbows as legal, as well as the elimination of the rule where one hand on the mat signifies a grounded fighter.

The main event is a five-round flyweight bout that could serve as a title eliminator as former UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno takes on Amir Albazi. Moreno is looking to end a two-fight losing skid and get back into a title fight while Albazi comes in riding a six-fight win streak. He has a perfect 5-0 mark during his UFC tenure and is looking to secure his first shot at UFC gold.

Derrick Lewis was poised to take on the undefeated Jhonata Diniz, but chose to withdraw on extremely short notice after missing Friday’s ceremonial weigh-ins due to an unspecified health issue.

In the co-main event, it’s another potential title eliminator bout as Erin Blanchfield battles former UFC women’s strawweight champion Rose Namajunas in a women’s flyweight bout. Also on the main card is a light heavyweight bout pitting Caio Machado vs. Brendson Ribeiro; a middleweight fight between Marc-Andre Barriault and Dustin Stoltzfus; and Mike Malott vs. Trevin Giles in welterweight action.

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> Women’s Flyweights- Jamey-Lyn Horth (6-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Ivana Petrovic (7-1, 1-1 UFC)

They trade to start. Petrovic with a high kick as she is pressing forward. Horth lands a right hand and they clinch against the fence. Horth lands a knee. Petrovic still has advantage against the fence. Horth gets the underhook but Petrovic is able to score a takedown. Petrovic gets inside the full guard of Horth. Petrovic lands and stands and Horth gets to her feet. They clinch against the fence. Horth has the back as they go to the mat. Horth looking for a choke. Petrovic slides out. Petrovic with some elbows from the top. Petrovic gets the crucifix position and lands some punches. 10-9 Petrovic.

They trade kicks and Petrovic grabs the leg and scores a takedown. Petrovic in the guard of Horth and Horth is looking for a triangle choke. She now goes for an arm. Petrovic with a pair of elbows. Petrovic escapes and they get to their feet in the clinch. Horth lands a right hand as they break. Horth with a body kick. They trade and Petrovic lands a leg kick then some jabs. Petrovic with some kicks after Horth lands. Petrovic with a late takedown but Horth sprawls. 10-9 Horth, 19-19.

Horth lands a right hand. They trade kicks. They clinch and Petrovic pushes it to the fence. They separate. Horth lands a right hand and then another. They trade punches. Horth with a pair of right hands. They tie back up and Petrovic has the neck. Petrovic looked for some form of choke but let go. Horth scores a takedown and has the back. Petrovic escapes to the top and lands a pair of hammerfists. Horth sweeps to her feet. They clinch and Petrovic lands on the break. They trade kicks. Horth with a combination and lands a right hand. Petrovic tries a takedown but Horth defends with a knee. Horth with a right hand and gets a takedown but Petrovic ends up on top and lands. Close fight. 10-9 Horth, 29-28 Horth.

Official Result- Jamey-Lyn Horth def. Ivana Petrovic by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)

They were back-and-forth rounds, so the fight could’ve gone either way. I don’t know about giving Horth all three rounds. Neither looked like they were going to be a contender soon, but a solid win for Horth.

> Bantamweights- Chad Anheliger (13-7, 2-2 UFC) vs. Cody Gibson (20-10, 2-5 UFC)

Anheliger lands two right hands. Anheliger with a leg kick. Gibson lands a stiff jab. Anheliger with a heavy leg kick. They trade and Gibson pushes it against the fence. Gibson has the back and gets a takedown and gets a hook in. Gibson spins into the half-guard. Gibson lands after letting go of a choke attempt. Gibson gets the mount and Anheliger gives up his back on a scramble. They scramble to the feet but Gibson gets it back down. They scramble and Gibson grabs the neck. Gibson with a one-arm guillotine choke but Anheliger gets out. Gibson looks for a choke but Anheliger survives. 10-9 Gibson.

They trade and Gibson gets a takedown. Gibson has the mount and lands some elbows then some punches from the back. Gibson looks for a choke. Anheliger hangs on and eats an elbow from Gibson as he lets go. Gibson with big shots from the top. Gibson with an arm-triangle choke locked in. Anheliger gets out but Gibson has the back. They scramble and Gibson ends up in side control. Gibson looking for another arm-triangle choke. They stand. They go back to the mat. Gibson with big punches from the back. 10-8 Gibson, 20-17 Gibson.

Anheliger lands a jab. Anheliger with a combination. Gibson lands and Anheliger lands a counter right hand. Gibson gets a takedown. Gibson is inside the guard of Anheliger and lands some elbows. Anheliger with some punches from the bottom. They scramble to their feet. Gibson has the back standing. Gibson drags it down. Gibson still on the back. Gibson landing punches to end it. 10-9 Gibson, 30-26 Gibson.

Official Result- Cody Gibson def. Chad Anheliger by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

Gibson was dominant in this one and looked really good. Anheliger had no answer for the wrestling and ground work by Gibson. I’m surprised there was only one 10-8 round scored. A good win for Gibson.

> Bantamweights- Serhiy Sidey (10-2, 0-1 UFC) vs. Garrett Armfield (10-4, 2-2 UFC)

Sidey with a calf kick. Sidey with a leg kick as Armfield lands. Armfield with a right hand. Sidey with some kicks. Armfield lands a left hook. They trade and Sidey with a knee to the body. Sidey with a series of jabs. They trade kicks. Sidey lands a solid combination. Armfield lands a right hand. Armfield with a combo to the body. Armfield goes for a takedown but Sidey looks for an anaconda choke. Armfield gets out. Armfield gets a takedown. They scramble to their feet. Sidey looks for a late takedown and lands some knees. 10-9 Sidey.

They trade kicks to start the second. They trade jabs. Armfield lands a right hand. Armfield lands a combination. Sidey with a body kick as Armfield lands a combo. Sidey with a body kick. They trade jabs. They trade them again. Armfield with a combination. They trade jabs. Sidey with a jumping knee and they trade jabs. Armfield with a heavy leg kick. Armfield with a combination. Sidey lands a pair of right hands. Armfield with a right hand then a jab. Sidey with a double jab. Armfield with a combination. Armfield lands late. 10-9 Armfield, 19-19.

Sidey with a jab and body kick. Armfield scores a takedown. Sidey is looking for a guillotine choke. Armfield escapes and gets on the back of Sidey as Sidey stands. Armfield looking for a choke. They go to the mat. Sidey spins into the guard of Armfield. They almost scramble up but Armfield keeps it down and is on top. He gets the back of Sidey with the hooks in. They work to their feet. Sidey lands a knee and a body kick but Armfield gets a takedown. Sidey looked for the neck but Armfield escapes and controls from the top. Armfield gets the back as he lands. 10-9 Armfield, 29-28 Armfield.

Official Result- Serhiy Sidey def. Garrett Armfield by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

I’m not sure about that decision. I thought it was clear Sidey won the first and Armfield won the final two, though Sidey landed some good shots in the second. It was a good fight though.

> Heavyweights- #13 Alexandr Romanov (16-3, 5-3 UFC) vs. #15 Rodrigo Nascimento (11-2 1 NC, 4-2 1 NC UFC)

Romanov immediately goes for the takedown and pushes it to the fence. He gets the back of Nascimento. Romanov controlling from the back and slams Nascimento to the mat. Romanov with some knees. They get to their feet and Romanov gets it back down. Romanov landing from the top. He lands some punches and elbows. 10-9 Romanov.

They trade and Romanov pushes it to the fence. Romanov with a pair of knees. They’re just holding on. They separate. Romanov shoots for a takedown but Nascimento sprawls, though Romanov switches to the back. They crawl to the fence. Romanov lands a pair of knees. They stand and Romanov still has the body. They go to the mat. They separate and Romanov lands a pair of jabs. Nascimento with a left hand. Romanov lands a combination. Romanov lands then Nascimento lands a left hand. Timeout is called for a groin strike by Nascimento. They get back to action and trade punches. 10-9 Romanov, 20-18 Romanov.

They have an awkward exchange to start. Nascimento with some leg kicks. Romanov with a leg kick. Nascimento lands a combination. They trade inside the pocket. Romanov with a flurry as they tie up. Romanov with a left hand. Nascimento with a jab. They trade in close range. Nascimento lands a jab. Romanov with a right hand. Romanov lands a combo. Romanov with a Superman punch. 10-9 Romanov, 30-27 Romanov.

Official Result- Alexandr Romanov def. Rodrigo Nascimento by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

This was an ugly fight and the less said about it, the better. Romanov has a good record but isn’t impressive, and Nascimento looked to regress this fight.

> Featherweights- Jack Shore (17-2, 6-2 UFC) vs. Youssef Zalal (15-5-1, 5-3-1 UFC)

They trade leg kicks. Zalal with a calf kick then works the jab. Shore lands a solid right hand. Shore grabs the single leg and almost gets the takedown as he pushes it to the fence. Shore is able to lift Zalal and put it on the mat but they get up. They separate and both land combinations. Zalal with a jab. Shore lands a combo. Shore looks for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. Shore gets it to the mat late and they both land. 10-9 Shore.

Zalal lands a big knee and that drops Shore to the mat. He jumps on top and locks in an arm-triangle choke. It’s in tight and Shore taps! What a finish from Zalal to pick up the win.

Official Result- Youssef Zalal def. Jack Shore by submission (arm-triangle choke) at :59 of Round 2

Zalal has been impressive since returning to the UFC, and this is his sixth straight win overall. He’s ready to mix it up with the level of competition just outside of the rankings, and maybe in the 12-15 range of the rankings.

> Bantamweights- Charles Jourdain (15-8-1, 6-7-1 UFC) vs. Victor Henry (24-6 1 NC, 3-1 1 NC UFC)

Henry with a leg kick. They trade kicks. Henry with a high kick. Jourdain with a hard calf kick. Jourdain with a left hook. He lands a high kick and then a combination. Jourdain with a jab then a leg kick. Henry lands a leg kick. Jourdain trips Henry up and went for a guillotine choke but Henry pops out. Jourdain trips Henry again, but then Henry trips Jourdain to the mat and jumps on top. They get up and Jourdain lands an elbow. Jourdain with a body kick then a left hand. Henry trips it to the mat and is on top. 10-9 Jourdain.

Jourdain with a leg kick. Jourdain lands a combo ending with a stiff right hand. They trade wildly inside the pocket. Jourdain with a calf kick then a pair of left hands. Jourdain with a head kick. Henry gets a takedown and immediately takes the back of Jourdain. Jourdain tries to roll out but Henry stays on the back. Jourdain looks for a guillotine choke as he scrambles to his back. They stand and Jourdain still has the choke locked in and they go to the mat and the choke is still in tight and Henry taps. What a finish from Jourdain!

Official Result- Charles Jourdain def. Victor Henry by submission (guillotine choke) at 3:43 of Round 2

This was fun while it lasted with lots of good ground work. Jourdain getting that guillotine choke locked in and keeping it on was impressive and this was a great win for him.

> Bantamweights- Aiemann Zahabi (11-2, 5-2 UFC) vs. Pedro Munhoz (20-9 2 NC, 10-9 2 NC)

They trade jabs. Munhoz with a jab then a leg kick. Zahabi lands a right hand and a leg kick. They trade and Munhoz works the jab. Zahabi with a right hand. They trade jabs. Munhoz lands a series of jabs. Munhoz with a left hook. Zahabi lands a kick and Munhoz with a right hand. Zahabi lands to the body. Munhoz lands a combination. Zahabi with a left hook. Munhoz lands a leg kick. Munhoz lands a right hand and is pressuring while landing the jab. Zahabi with a head kick. 10-9 Zahabi.

They trade and Zahabi lands a right hand. They trade and Munhoz lands a right hand. Zahabi lands an elbow. They continue to throw inside the pocket but Munhoz is missing most of what he throws. Zahabi with a stiff jab. Zahabi with more jabs. They trade jabs and Zahabi lands a big right hand. Zahabi lands a combination. Munhoz still throwing and landing the jab. Zahabi with a right hand. Munhoz looks for a takedown but Zahabi sprawls. They trade left hands. Munhoz looks for a takedown but Zahabi defends and lands a knee to the body. 10-9 Zahabi, 20-18 Zahabi.

Munhoz lands a combination. Munhoz with a jab. Zahabi lands a left hand. They trade in close range. Munhoz lands a left hand. Zahabi with a jab and they have a heavy exchange in the center. Zahabi lands a hard right hand. Munhoz fires back and Zahabi lands another big right hand. Munhoz with a combination. Zahabi with two hard jabs. Munhoz with a quick flurry. Munhoz with more volume but Zahabi landing with more impact. Zahabi lands a stiff jab. Munhoz with a combination. They trade jabs. Zahabi with another big right hand. Munhoz’ face is a mess. Munhoz with a jab. 10-9 Zahabi, 30-27 Zahabi.

Official Result- Aiemann Zahabi def. Pedro Munhoz by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

The story of the fight was Zahabi landing with all sorts of damage, and Munhoz’ face showed it by the end. This was the biggest win of Zahabi’s career and his fifth straight win, and he may get a ranked opponent next.

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> Welterweights- Mike Malott (10-2-1, 3-1 UFC) vs. Trevin Giles (16-6, 7-6 UFC)

Malott with a body kick. Giles lands a leg kick. They trade in close range. Malott with a body kick after Giles lands a combo. Giles with a leg kick. Giles with a leg kick as Malott lands a jab. Malott lands a pair of leg kicks then two body kicks. Malott with a high kick. Malott with a leg kick. He lands another before landing a combination. Malott with a spin kick then back to landing the leg kick. 10-9 Malott.

Malott with a switch kick to the body. Malott with a leg kick. Malott with a left hand then a body kick. Malott lands a right hand. Giles with a jab then a combination. Malott scores with two body kicks. Giles with a combo and Malott lands a pair of body kicks. Both land jabs as Malott continues to land leg kicks. Malott lands a solid right hand. They both land in close range. Malott with a high kick. 10-9 Malott, 20-18 Malott.

They trade leg kicks. Malott with a high kick. Giles lands a right hand. Malott with a jab. Giles with a head kick. Malott with a pair of leg kicks. He lands a head kick. Giles with a snap jab. Malott with a series of kicks. Malott lands a solid left hand. Giles with a right hand. Malott with a pair of body kicks. Malott with a high kick as Giles lands a right hand. Malott pressing forward. Giles lands a right hand. Giles with a jab. Malott lands a calf kick then a high kick. 10-9 Malott, 30-27 Malott.

Official Result- Mike Malott def. Trevin Giles by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Malott didn’t look as good as he did before the loss to Neil Magny, but he did enough to score the win. Giles should’ve been more active as he could’ve won this, but allowing Malott to land the leg kicks gave it away.

> Middleweights- Marc-Andre Barriault (16-8 1 NC, 5-7 1 NC UFC) vs. Dustin Stoltzfus (15-6, 2-5 UFC)

Stoltzfus lands a jab and trips Barriault up with a leg kick. Stoltzfus grabs the neck and leg on the mat. Nothing is happening. Stoltzfus gets into the half-guard. Stoltzfus with a right hand from the top. Stoltzfus looking for a D’Arce choke. Barriault escapes but Stoltzfus remains in the half-guard. They get to their feet and start blasting away at each other with punches inside the pocket. They’re both landing and Stoltzfus lands a right hand that knocks Barriault out cold! Wow, what a finish by Stoltzfus!

Official Result- Dustin Stoltzfus def. Marc-Andre Barriault by knockout (punch) at 4:28 of Round 1

This was a must-win fight for both and Stoltzfus got the job done in a wild finish after an ugly first few minutes. He saves his UFC career for now, and this was a fun ending.

> Women’s Flyweights- #13 Ariane da Silva (17-9, 6-6 UFC) vs. #14 Jasmine Jasudavicius (11-3, 5-2 UFC)

Nothing happening in the first minute. They trade punches. da Silva lands a right hand. They trade right hands. da Silva lands a combination. da Silva with a high kick. Both really feeling each other out. Jasudavicius lands a right hand. da Silva lands a right hand after a quick exchange. da Silva with a combination. da Silva with another combo. da Silva lands a head kick and Jasudavicius is able to turn it into a takedown. Jasudavicius lands late. 10-9 da Silva.

They trade to start the second. da Silva with a combo. They trade jabs. da Silva with a combo inside close range. da Silva lands a solid right hand. Jasudavicius scores a takedown. Jasudavicius gets the crucifix position and lands some. Jasudavicius gets to the half-guard and lands. Jasudavicius with some elbows. Jasudavicius with more elbows and is teeing off with punches. Jasudavicius pouring it on late with lots of punches but da Silva makes it to the end. 10-9 Jasudavicius, 19-19.

They trade to start the third. Jasudavicius lands a right hand. Jasudavicius gets a takedown. Jasudavicius working from top half-guard and landing left hands. Jasudavicius looks for a D’Arce choke. It is in tight and da Silva taps! Jasudavicius picks up the submission win.

Official Result- Jasmine Jasudavicius def. Ariane da Silva by submission (D’Arce choke) at 2:28 of Round 3

Jasudavicius continues to impress and move up the rankings with another strong win. She keeps improving and should face a top-ten opponent next.

> Light Heavyweights- Caio Machado (8-3-1, 0-2 UFC) vs. Brendson Ribeiro (15-7, 0-2 UFC)

They’re trading leg kicks in the first minute. Ribeiro with a body kick. Machado lands a left hand. Machado with a high kick. Ribeiro lands a body kick. Machado with a body kick. Machado with a head kick. Ribeiro lands a high kick. Ribeiro with another high kick. Machado lands a leg kick. Machado with a body kick. Ribeiro lands a flurry of punches but Machado shakes it off. Machado with an inside leg kick. Timeout for a groin strike. They get back to action and Ribeiro with a body kick. Ribeiro lands a right hand. 10-9 Ribeiro.

Machado lands a body kick. Ribeiro with a leg kick. Machado with a body kick as Ribeiro lands a right hand. Machado with a combination. Machado with some kicks and circles away. Machado lands a left hand. Machado with a combo. They trade kicks. Machado with a pair of body kicks. Ribeiro lands a right hand. Ribeiro with a high kick. Machado with a left hand. Both miss as they swing big. Ribeiro landed a right hand late. 10-9 Machado, 19-19.

Machado with a body kick. Machado with a high kick. Machado lands a left hand. Ribeiro with a combination. Machado lands a left hand and Ribeiro stumbles back. Machado with a quick flurry. Ribeiro with a body kick. Ribeiro lands a head kick and Machado grabs the leg before a brief clinch. Machado with a body kick. They trade and both hurt each other for a moment. Machado with a combination. Machado lands a right hook. Machado with a body kick. Machado with a spinning back fist. Ribeiro lands a standing hammerfist and a spinning elbow. 10-9 Machado, 29-28 Machado.

Official Result- Brendson Ribeiro def. Caio Machado by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

That was a boring fight. Nothing much else to say.

> Women’s Flyweights- #3 Erin Blanchfield (12-2, 6-1 UFC) vs. #5 Rose Namajunas (13-6, 11-5 UFC)

Namajunas landing the jab early. She lands a leg kick. Blanchfield with a body kick. Blanchfield with another body kick. Namajunas with a combo. Namajunas with a leg kick. Namajunas back with the jab. Blanchfield lands a right hand. Namajunas with a combo. She lands another one. Blanchfield with a left hand. Namajunas with a jab. Blanchfield lands inside the pocket. Blanchfield with a right hand. Namajunas with a left hand. Namajunas lands a leg kick. She lands a combo. 10-9 Namajunas.

Namajunas with a left hand. She lands a combo. Namajunas with a left hand. Blanchfield with a leg kick and lands a combo. Namajunas with two stiff right hands. Blanchfield looks for a takedown against the fence. Namajunas reverses and gets a takedown. They work up and separate. Namajunas lands a right hand. Blanchfield with a body kick. They trade inside the pocket. Namajunas with a right hand and then another. Blanchfield rushes in with some punches and pushes it to the fence but they break. 10-9 Namajunas, 20-18 Namajunas.

Namajunas with a jab. She lands a right hand. They trade punches. Blanchfield with a leg kick. Namajunas with a body kick. She lands a jab. Blanchfield with a combo inside the pocket. They trade. Namajunas looks for a takedown but Blanchfield defends and Blanchfield pushes it against the fence. Blanchfield gets a takedown. Blanchfield working from the half-guard. Blanchfield landing and keeping Namajunas pinned on the bottom. Blanchfield with some elbows but Namajunas is defending. Blanchfield with some punches. 10-9 Blanchfield, 29-28 Namajunas.

Blanchfield pressing forward and they trade kicks. Blanchfield with a leg kick. Blanchfield lands a combination. Namajunas with a right hand. Blanchfield with a jab. Blanchfield lands a right hand. Namajunas with a quick combo. She lands a right hand. They trade and Blanchfield clinches and pushes it to the fence. They break apart and trade. They trade right hands. Blanchfield with a right hand. Namajunas lands a left hook. Blanchfield looks for a takedown but Namajunas defends. They break and Blanchfield lands. 10-9 Blanchfield, 38-38.

They have a frantic exchange to start the fifth as both land. Namajunas looks for a takedown but Blanchfield defends and lands an elbow on the break. Blanchfield scores the takedown. Blanchfield working from the half-guard and had neck control. She lets go and lands some left hands. Blanchfield gets the crucifix position. She lands some elbows to the body. Blanchfield landing punches and hammerfists. Blanchfield gets the back of Namajunas. They get to their feet. Blanchfield lands a knee as she has body control. Blanchfield goes for a late takedown but Namajunas defends. 10-9 Blanchfield, 48-47 Blanchfield.

Official Result- Erin Blanchfield def. Rose Namajunas by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)

The fourth round was the key round, as it could’ve gone either way, and the other four rounds were split. I was surprised they all gave it to Blanchfield. She should be in a title fight next, but it’ll be a wait, so I suspect she’ll fight one more time in the meantime, and it wouldn’t surprise me if it’s Alexa Grasso, who Blanchfield brought up.

> Flyweights- #2 Brandon Moreno (21-8-2, 9-5-2 UFC) vs. #3 Amir Albazi (17-1, 5-0 UFC)

Moreno with a jab. He lands a left hand. Albazi with an inside leg kick. Albazi lands a right hand. Moreno with a left hand and body kick. Moreno lands a right hand. Moreno with a jab. Albazi lands a leg kick. Albazi with another leg kick. Moreno lands a left hand. They trade. Moreno lands a right hand and Albazi slips. Albazi with a leg kick. They trade uppercuts. Moreno with a combo ending with a pair of leg kicks. 10-9 Moreno.

Moreno with a pair of leg kicks. Moreno lands a jab then a head kick. Albazi might be hurt. Moreno lands a jab. Moreno with a straight right hand. Moreno with a jab. Moreno lands to the body. Albazi gets a takedown but Moreno scrambles right back up. Moreno lands a body kick. Albazi lands a jab. Moreno lands a stiff jab. Moreno lands a combo. They trade and Moreno lands a combo. Moreno with a left hand. Moreno lands a body kick. 10-9 Moreno, 20-18 Moreno.

They trade as Moreno keeps landing the jab. Moreno with a combination. Moreno lands to the body. Albazi with a jab. Albazi lands a combination. Moreno with a right hand. Moreno stuns Albazi with a right hand. Albazi connects with a right hand. Moreno with a leg kick. Moreno lands a series of shots. They trade leg kicks. Moreno backing Albazi up as Albazi claimed an eye poke. Moreno with a left hook. Albazi lands a right hand. Albazi looks for a single leg but Moreno punches his way out. They trade. 10-9 Moreno, 30-27 Moreno.

They’re trading and Moreno lands a combo. Moreno with a jab. Albazi lands a quick combo. Moreno with a left hook. They trade jabs. Albazi with a left hook. They trade inside the pocket. Albazi with a front kick up the middle. Moreno with a combo and Albazi lands the jab. Moreno with a right hand. Moreno with slightly more volume this round. Both continue to land as the round ends. 10-9 Moreno, 40-36 Moreno.

Moreno landing the jab and some combos early. Moreno lands a right hand. Albazi looks for a takedown but Moreno defends. Timeout is called for an eye poke. They trade as they get back to action. Moreno wobbles Albazi with a left hand and he rushes in as Albazi circles away. Moreno with a left hook. They tie up and Albazi pushes it to the fence. They separate. Albazi is busted open. Moreno with a left hook. Moreno continuing to pick Albazi apart. Moreno with a jab. Moreno lands an elbow and rocks Albazi with a right hand. Moreno lands two left hands. Moreno with a jab and a high kick. Moreno with a head kick in a wild ending. 10-9 Moreno, 50-45 Moreno.

Official Result- Brandon Moreno def. Amir Albazi by unanimous decision (49-46, 50-45, 50-45)

An absolutely flawless performance from Moreno. He looked like a world champion in there. I think he’s next up for a title shot.

UFC on ESPN 46 live results: Kai Kara-France vs. Amir Albazi

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The Octagon is back inside Las Vegas’ UFC Apex this weekend with UFC on ESPN 46, kicking off a busy summer stretch which will see events every Saturday through August as of now.

Kai Kara-France vs. Amir Albazi headlines in a five-round clash of top ten flyweights — the first non-title flyweight bout to headline a UFC card since 2017. Kara-France is fighting for the first time since July as he looks to get back into the win column after suffering a loss to Brendan Moreno in an interim title fight. Albazi looks to remain undefeated in the UFC and extend his five-fight win streak.

Also on the main card is a featherweight clash between Alex Caceres and Daniel Pineda, a lightweight bout that sees Jim Miller add to his all-timer record of most UFC fights when he takes on newcomer Jesse Butler, a flyweight battle between Tim Elliott and Victor Altamirano, as well as a welterweight bout pitting Abubakar Nurmagomedov against Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos.

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> Light Heavyweights- Philipe Lins (16-5, 2-2 UFC) vs. Maxim Grishin (32-9-2, 2-2 UFC)

Lins throwing the left hand and calf kick right away. Lins lands a left hand and they clinch back to the fence. They separate. Grishin lands a leg kick. Lins lands before they tie up and push to the fence. Grishin with a few foot stomps. They reverse position and Lins lands an uppercut. Lins is dropping down and looking for a takedown. They break and Lins lands a leg kick. They trade inside the pocket. They clinch back up against the fence. Lins backs away and lands some big punches including a big uppercut that stunned Grishin. Grishin lands a body kick. Grishin lands a spinning elbow and Lins lands some big shots at the end. 10-9 Lins.

They’re trading big shots to start the second. They’re clinched against the fence and Lins tries for a takedown but Grishin defends and is attacking the arm for a kimura. Lins gets them down to their knees. They get up and Grishin lands a big elbow as they separate. They both land big right hands. Grishin lands a body kick. Lins tries a takedown but they break and clinch once again at the fence. Lins lands a knee and Grishin lands more foot stomps. Lins lands a right hand as they break. Lins lands a body kick. 10-9 Lins, 20-18 Lins.

They trade to start the third and Grishin lands some leg kicks. Lins lands a big punch. Grishin lands an elbow as they’re in close range and they tie up. They’re leaning on each other and not a lot is happening. They break and Lins lands some big punches before they clinch back up. They separate. They clinch back up as Lins is attacking the leg. They end the fight there. 10-9 Lins, 30-27 Lins.

Official Result- Philipe Lins def. Maxim Grishin by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Bantamweights- Da’Mon Blackshear (12-5-1, 0-1-1 UFC) vs. Luan Lacerda (12-2, 0-1 UFC)

They’re trading to start before tying up against the fence. They sprawl to the ground as Lacerda is attacking the leg. They get to their feet and Blackshear lands a flurry. They trade right hands. Blackshear landing a lot more as they’re on the feet. They go to the mat late. 10-9 Blackshear.

Blackshear landing several punches to start the second. They trade kicks. They’re trading in close range. Lacerda tries a takedown but Blackshear ends up on top. Lacerda attacking the leg and looking for a foot lock. Blackshear landing big punches from the back and he keeps landing and it is stopped. Big finish from Blackshear.

Official Result- Da’Mon Blackshear def. Luan Lacerda by TKO (punches) at 3:54 of Round 2

> Women’s Strawweights- Elise Reed (6-3, 2-3 UFC) vs. Jinh Yu Frey (11-8, 2-4 UFC)

They tie up early and push against the fence. Frey gets a takedown and is landing from the top in the half-guard. They get to their feet. They trade and Frey gets a brief takedown. Frey lands a left hand. Frey lands a left hand. They trade punches late as Frey lands some leg kicks. 10-9 Frey.

Reed lands some leg kicks early. Reed lands a right hand. Frey lands a leg kick and follows it with a combo. Frey grabs the single leg and finishes the takedown. Frey working from the top but Reed is staying active on the bottom landing some punches and elbows. They get to their feet and Reed lands a body kick. They clinch and Frey lands a left hand as they break. 10-9 Reed, 19-19.

They’re trading to start the third. Frey pushes it against the fence but they separate. Reed lands a leg kick after Frey lands a combo. They trade before clinching against the fence, but they quickly break. They trade high kicks. Frey lands a right hand. Reed lands a right hand. Reed lands a quick combo. Frey looks for a takedown but Reed defends. Reed lands a right hand. Close fight. 10-9 Reed, 29-28 Reed.

Official Result- Elise Reed def. Jinh Yu Frey by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Lightweights- Jamie Mullarkey (16-5, 4-3 UFC) vs. Muhammad Naimov (8-2, 0-0 UFC)

They trade leg kicks. Mullarkey lands a left hook to the body and follows it with a body kick. They clinch and Mullarkey gets the back against the fence. They separate. Naimov lands a leg kick and Mullarkey gets it down briefly but they get right up. Mullarkey lands a right hand. They’re tied up and Mullarkey is landing while trying to get it down. Mullarkey lands some right hands after they break. Naimov lands a front kick. Mullarkey gets a brief takedown but Naimov is able to scramble up. They separate and both land. Mullarkey lands to the body before they clinch. They trade knees and Mullarkey lands as they break. 10-9 Mullarkey.

Mullarkey lands a right hand. Naimov lands a leg kick as Mullarkey lands the jab. Mullarkey lands a nice right hand. Naimov lands a leg kick and Mullarkey gets the clinch and scores a takedown against the fence. They get to their feet and Naimov lands a spin kick. Naimov then drops Mullarkey with a right hand and finishes it off with some follow-up shots. Big debut win for Naimov.

Official Result- Muhammad Naimov def. Jamie Mullarkey by TKO (punches) at 2:59 of Round 2

> Bantamweights- John Castaneda (19-6, 2-2 UFC) vs. Muin Gafurov (18-4, 0-0 UFC)

Castaneda lands a body kick after they both miss punches. Gafurov looks for the takedown but Castaneda is defending. Castaneda lands a leg kick. Castaneda lands a body kick but Gafurov grabs it, though they separate. Gafurov lands a leg kick. Castaneda lands a head kick and then a right hand and Gafurov goes to the mat. Castaneda gets on top and is landing to the body. They get to their feet and Gafurov gets it down but they scramble up and separate. 10-9 Castaneda.

They trade body kicks. Gafurov lands a high kick. They trade left hands. Gafurov lands a leg kick that trips Castaneda up. They get to their feet and Gafurov is landing a lot of big punches and has Castaneda hurt. Castaneda then starts firing back and lands some good shots. Timeout is called after a clash of heads. Gafurov gets a point taken away as he was leading with his head, which caused the clash of heads. They get back to action and both are throwing. Castaneda lands a head kick. Gafurov gets a brief takedown and has the back as they get to their feet. Gafurov with some knees and foot stomps. Castaneda rolls but Gafurov is able to grab the neck. They get to their feet. Gafurov lands a couple of big punches. They trade left hands but Castaneda’s landed harder. Castaneda gets the back standing. 9-9, 19-18 Castaneda.

Gafurov lands a right hand. Gafurov lands as he rushes in and looks for the takedown. Castaneda lands a knee then a right hand. Both are swinging wildly and missing more than they land. Castaneda gets it down and is working from the top. Gafurov gives up his back and they get to their feet. Castaneda has his hands locked with control. Castaneda gets the back standing. Gafurov grabbed the fence to block a takedown, but Castaneda is able to end up getting one. Castaneda has the back and looks for a choke late. 10-9 Castaneda, 29-27 Castaneda.

Official Result- John Castaneda def. Muin Gafurov by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)

> Heavyweights- Andrei Arlovski (34-21 2 NC, 23-15 1 NC UFC) vs. Don’Tale Mayes (9-5 1 NC, 2-3 1 NC UFC)

Mayes lands first. Arlovski lands a right hand after ducking under a Mayes punch. Arlovski lands a leg kick after landing a couple of punches. Arlovski landing with slightly more volume but not a ton of action going on. Arlovski lands two right hands. Mayes tries a big knee but misses and Arlovski lands some punches. Mayes tried a takedown but Arlovski got away. Mayes lands an elbow and a left hand. 10-9 Arlovski.

Mayes lands a leg kick. Mayes lands a knee and then a punch and we have a timeout for a clash of heads. They get back to action and Arlovski lands a body kick. Mayes lands a short uppercut and Arlovski eats it and lands a right hand at the same time. Arlovski lands a right hand. Mayes drops Arlovski with a right hand and it is stopped. Big finish from Mayes there.

Official Result- Don’Tale Mayes def. Andrei Arlovski by TKO (punches) at 3:17 of Round 2

> Bantamweights- Daniel Santos (10-2, 1-1 UFC) vs. Johnny Munoz (12-2, 2-2 UFC)

Santos lands an immediate kick to the groin of Munoz and we have a timeout. They get back to action and trade before clinching against the fence. Munoz pulls guard and has the body triangle locked in from the bottom. Munoz gets the arm and is looking for an armbar but Santos is able to escape to his feet. Santos lands as Munoz lands a step-in knee. Santos with a spin kick to the body then a leg kick. We have another timeout for a groin strike, this time by Munoz. They get back to action and Santos lands a body kick. Munoz lands a knee to the body then they break. Santos gets a brief takedown and they get to their feet. They scramble to the mat and Santos gets on top as he lands a right hand. 10-9 Santos.

Santos lands a leg kick then a body kick then a left hook before they clinch up. Santos gets on top as Munoz pulls guard and is landing from inside the guard of Munoz. Santos continues to land from the top then stands and lands some leg kicks. Santos gets back into the guard of Munoz. Santos with a flurry of punches. Santos with body punches. He stands and Munoz remains on his back. Munoz is ordered up and tries for a takedown but Santos defends. They go back to the mat and Santos ends the round on top. 10-9 Santos, 20-18 Santos.

We have an immediate groin strike by Santos and another timeout. Santos gets a point taken away. They get back to action and Santos lands a head kick and gets a big takedown as he just threw Munoz to the ground. Santos works from the top and gets to the feet and lands leg kicks. Munoz stands and Santos is being flashy. Munoz jumps up for a standing guillotine. Santos gets out of it and gets Munoz to the mat. Santos is working inside the guard of Munoz and landing punches. Santos stands and Munoz is ordered up. Munoz gets a takedown and is inside the guard of Santos. Santos lands an upkick that allows him to reverse position. Santos stands and lands some leg kicks. 9-9, 29-27 Santos.

Official Result- Daniel Santos def. Johnny Munoz by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)

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> Welterweights- Abubakar Nurmagomedov (17-3-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (23-7, 9-3 UFC)

Nurmagomedov rocks Zaleski early with a combo and Zaleski was covering up. They trade knees in the clinch. They trade knees once again as both are battling for position against the fence. Zaleski lands some punches as Nurmagomedov drops down looking for the takedown. They are separated by Dan Miragliotta. Zaleski lands a couple of leg kicks. He lands a right hand then a body kick. Zaleski with a high kick followed by a right hand. They both land in close range. 10-9 Nurmagomedov.

They’re trading to start the second and Zaleski lands an uppercut. Zaleski lands a leg kick. Nurmagomedov rushes in and grabs the back of Zaleski against the fence. Nurmagomedov landing knees from the back. They break and Zaleski lands some leg kicks and a couple of right hands. Nurmagomedov gets a late takedown. 10-9 Zaleski, 19-19.

Zaleski lands a body kick and then trips Nurmagomedov up with a leg kick. Zaleski lands a couple of heavy leg kicks then a right hand. Nurmagomedov lands a leg kick but Zaleski fires back with a couple of leg kicks. They clinch and Nurmagomedov pushes it against the fence. They quickly break. Nurmagomedov lands a side kick. Nurmagomedov shoots for a takedown and they were tied up in the center and break, and Zaleski lands a right hand. Zaleski lands a big right hand. Nurmagomedov gets the back after a failed takedown attempt. They break as Zaleski defends. Zaleski lands a big body kick then some follow-up punches. Nurmagomedov shoots for a takedown but Zaleski sprawls. Nurmagomedov has the back as they’re on the feet but Zaleski defends and they’re tied up against the fence. Zaleski lands a late flurry. Close fight. 10-9 Zaleski, 29-28 Zaleski dos Santos.

Official Result- Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos def. Abubakar Nurmagomedov by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

> Women’s Flyweights- Karine Silva (15-4, 1-0 UFC) vs. Ketlen Souza (13-3, 0-0 UFC)

Silva rushes in and they clinch against the fence. Silva scores the takedown. Silva working from the top and lands an elbow. Silva with a big right hand from the top. Silva grabs the leg and locks in an ankle lock and Souza quickly taps! It was a kneebar and Souza’s knee popped out of place, what a brutal finish by Silva.

Official Result- Karine Silva def. Ketlen Souza by submission (kneebar) at 1:45 of Round 1

> Flyweights- #11 Tim Elliott (18-12-1, 7-10 UFC) vs. Victor Altamirano (12-2, 2-1 UFC)

Altamirano throws some high kicks right away. Elliott gets it down and is in the half-guard of Altamirano. Both landing punches on the mat. They both land more before getting to the feet. Altamirano lands a kick but Elliott catches it and gets it back down. Elliott working from the top. Elliott lands an elbow from the top. Elliott landing punches from the top as Altamirano is looking for a submission from the bottom. Elliott landing from the top as the round ends. 10-9 Elliott.

They scramble and go to the mat and Elliott ends up on top. Elliott landing punches from the top and Altamirano has no answer. They get to their feet and Altamirano lands a big head kick that rocks Elliott. They go back to the mat and Altamirano is now on top. Elliott being active on his back but Altamirano lands a couple of elbows. They scramble to their feet. Elliott lands a left hand. They scramble back to the mat and Elliott is in the guard and landing from the top. Wild rounds. 10-9 Elliott, 20-18 Elliott.

Elliott coming forward with his front leg pushed out and is landing. They trade punches and Elliott scores a takedown. Elliott landing punches from the top as he remains active inside the guard of Altamirano. Altamirano is also keeping busy from the bottom but not scoring a lot of offense. Elliott lands a knee that may have been illegal as they were getting up, and they separate. Altamirano lands a combo. Altamirano lands a combo and a leg kick but Elliott is able to score a takedown. Elliott working from the top and landing a lot of punches as the fight ends. 10-9 Elliott, 30-27 Elliott.

Official Result- Tim Elliott def. Victor Altamirano by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Lightweights- Jim Miller (35-17 1 NC, 24-16 1 NC UFC) vs. Jesse Butler (12-4, 0-0 UFC)

Butler comes forward and lands a body kick. Miller throwing big punches and lands a massive left hand that knocks Butler out cold. What a finish by the UFC’s all-time wins leader.

Official Result- Jim Miller def. Jesse Butler by knockout (punch) at :23 of Round 1

> Featherweights- #15 Alex Caceres (20-13 1 NC, 15-11 1 NC UFC) vs. Daniel Pineda (28-14 3 NC, 5-5 1 NC UFC)

Pineda lands some leg kicks. Pineda tries for a takedown but Caceres grabs the neck and ends up in the half-guard of Pineda. They get to their feet. Pineda with a heavy leg kick. Pineda tries a takedown but Caceres steps over and takes the back. They go to the ground and Caceres has the mount for a moment but Pineda gets out. They get to their feet. Pineda shoots for the single leg but Caceres is defending. They go back to the mat and Caceres is on top. Pineda scrambles and locks in an armbar but Caceres is able to escape. Caceres gets to his feet. Pineda with a leg kick. Caceres lands a right hand to the body and they clinch against the fence. Caceres lands an elbow as they break. Caceres rocks Pineda with a left hand. They scramble to the mat at the end. Crazy round. 10-9 Caceres.

Pineda lands a big right hand and both land some big punches. Pineda scores a takedown but they get up. Pineda has the back of Caceres. Pineda reverses and they battle for underhooks against the fence. Pineda lands a big elbow then a right hand. Caceres lands a combo as they break. They scramble to the mat and Pineda is in side control. Caceres tries for a triangle choke but Pineda remains in side control. Pineda has the back and gets the hooks locked in. Pineda now has the mount position. He lands a couple of elbows. Pineda ends up in the guard of Caceres and lands a big elbow. 10-9 Pineda, 19-19.

Caceres lands a body kick and Pineda is holding his ribs. Caceres lands a leg kick and Pineda is having trouble staying on the feet. Caceres with some big punches to the body and Pineda is clearly hurt. Pineda still pressing forward. Caceres with a big body kick. Pineda lands a body kick. Caceres landing big shots and Pineda is still hurting but keeps coming forward. Caceres lands a left hand. They roll to the mat and Caceres has the back. Caceres gets the hooks locked in. They get to their feet. Caceres lands to the body. Pineda drops Caceres with a right hand but Caceres gets right up and the fight ends. Great fight. 10-9 Caceres, 29-28 Caceres.

Official Result- Alex Caceres def. Daniel Pineda by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Flyweights- #3 Kai Kara-France (24-10 1 NC, 7-3 UFC) vs. #7 Amir Albazi (16-1, 4-0 UFC)

Albazi lands a left hand. Kara-France lands a right hand. Albazi lands a right hand and goes for the takedown. They break and Albazi lands a combo. Kara-France lands a leg kick. Albazi lands a leg kick. Kara-France lands a right hand. Kara-France landing the jab. Kara-France lands a combo. Kara-France lands a left hook. Albazi scores with a right hand as Kara-France landed the left. Kara-France lands a right hand. 10-9 Kara-France.

Kara-France lands a leg kick. Albazi lands a right hand. Both throwing but neither really lands. Kara-France lands a combo. Albazi scores with a jab. Kara-France lands a leg kick. Albazi shoots for the takedown but Kara-France is defending against the fence, and they break. Kara-France lands a leg kick. Albazi lands a jab. Kara-France lands a right hand. Albazi lands a left hand. Kara-France landing a combination. Albazi lands a left hand. Kara-France lands a left hook. They trade shots at the end. 10-9 Kara-France, 20-18 Kara-France.

Kara-France lands a leg kick. Albazi gets a takedown off the fence. Albazi working from the top and landing right hands as he takes the back. Albazi has the hooks in and is landing from the back. Kara-France lands some backward punches but Albazi has full control. Albazi has the choke locked in but it’s not quite fully in and Kara-France is able to escape. Kara-France stands and Albazi is on his back in the backpack. Kara-France gets him down and is in the guard of Albazi. Kara-France lands an elbow. Kara-France lands some big shots at the end. 10-9 Albazi, 29-28 Kara-France.

Kara-France lands a leg kick. Kara-France with a high kick. Albazi lands a right hand. Kara-France lands a leg kick. Kara-France with a body kick as Albazi lands a right hand. Albazi lands a body kick. Albazi shoots for the takedown and briefly had it down but Kara-France scrambles up and they separate. Kara-France lands a combo. Albazi lands a leg kick but Kara-France is able to get it down. They scramble to their feet and separate. 10-9 Kara-France, 39-37 Kara-France.

Kara-France landing the jab early on. Albazi lands a leg kick. Kara-France lands a right hand. Albazi grabs the back and gets it down for a brief moment. Albazi has back control but lets go. Kara-France lands a combo. Kara-France landing with more volume but Albazi lands an uppercut and then a right hand. They trade in close range. Kara-France lands a big combo. Kara-France with a big flurry at the end. Good fight. 10-9 Kara-France, 49-46 Kara-France.

Official Result- Amir Albazi def. Kai Kara-France by split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47)