This Saturday night, UFC fans are in for an electrifying main event as flyweight sensation Amir Albazi makes his highly anticipated return against former champion Brandon Moreno at UFC Fight Night in Edmonton, Alberta. Albazi’s comeback story is one of resilience, overcoming health scares, and battling setbacks that threatened to end his career. With all eyes on Rogers Place, Albazi aims to prove his place among the division's elite, marking his return after 16 challenging months away from the Octagon.
Health Battles and a Tough Road to Recovery
For Albazi, this fight week feels extraordinary, having come through a grueling journey back to full health. His road to recovery began with a shocking revelation of a life-threatening heart condition, supraventricular tachycardia, which forced him to step away from fighting. After undergoing surgery, he was ready to face Moreno earlier this year, but another setback struck: a severe neck injury, causing him to lose mobility in his left arm and requiring a second surgery.
Reflecting on his absence, the 31-year-old shared, “Mentally, it was incredibly hard. I’ve had injuries before, but nothing that kept me away from training for this long. I had to rebuild everything from the ground up — every milestone, from just cycling to shadowboxing, was a massive achievement.”
A Fighter’s Spirit: Faith and Focus
Throughout the ordeal, Albazi drew strength from his faith and remained focused on growth, using the downtime to polish areas of his game that had taken a backseat. “I used all that time to improve. I never saw it as wasted,” Albazi shared, determined to bring his newly honed skills to Saturday’s bout. For him, this fight marks more than a return; it’s a chance to stake his claim as one of the flyweight division's top fighters.
During his layoff, the flyweight division saw contenders rise and fall, adding urgency to his comeback. Watching fellow fighters earn title shots only fueled his desire to reassert himself. “The hardest part was seeing others go up and down the rankings and not being able to do anything. But these guys haven’t fought me yet,” he said with a grin.
Facing Moreno: A Challenge and an Opportunity
This fight against Moreno is more than a bout — it's Albazi's opportunity to put any doubts to rest. Following his split-decision win over Kai Kara-France, some critics questioned his ranking, but Albazi views Moreno as the perfect opponent to solidify his standing. “Brandon has been a champion and is one of the toughest in the division. To finish him would stamp my name on this weight class,” he declared.
Albazi’s confidence is unshakeable, despite Moreno’s reputation as a durable warrior who has never been finished. Drawing inspiration from last week’s unexpected outcome in Abu Dhabi, Albazi remains undaunted. “Nothing is impossible; everyone can get finished. It’s about the mentality you bring,” he asserted, ready to defy the odds and deliver a statement performance.
What’s Next for Albazi in the Flyweight Division?
With the flyweight division experiencing a resurgence, Albazi has his eyes set on the future. Should he emerge victorious against Moreno, he’ll be watching the title fight between Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Asakura closely. Yet for now, his focus is solely on Saturday night, fully aware of the impact a victory would have on his career trajectory. “I want to focus on Brandon Moreno. After that, if it’s Pantoja or Asakura, I’ll be ready. I’m here to be the best.”
As fight night approaches, the anticipation builds for a showdown that promises intense action, fierce determination, and the spirit of a fighter unwilling to be sidelined. Don’t miss a moment of this battle between two of the flyweight division's finest, live from Rogers Place in Edmonton on November 2, 2024, with prelims at 5 p.m. ET and the main card on ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET.