UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Albazi
Date: Saturday 11/2 at 5PM ET
Broadcast: ESPN+
Venue: Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Bouts: 14
SPLITS
PREDICTIONS:
MAIN CARD:
Moreno defeats Albazi (DEC)
Seeing this matchup originally, I was tentative as Moreno seemed checked out after the Royval fight outcome. The dude can ride off at this point counting stacks and playing with his legos, but he mentally looks to be groovin and physically dialed in. Albazi looks ready as well for this rebooking but is coming in after a lengthy layoff due to neck injury. If both fighters are at 100%, I dont see Albazi keeping pace with Moreno’s volume into the latter rounds. Albazi’s path will have to include takedowns and control and he’ll probably have his moments, but Moreno’s jab work and ability to adjust in there will win him the bulk of the rounds on his way to a decision.
Namajunas defeats Blanchfield (DEC)
The technique and footwork Rose possesses is going to cause problems for Blanchfield all fight. Blanchfield’s path typically includes her having the ability to close the distance and I just see Rose too slick for her in there to do enough. Rose has looked solid on this flyweight run and clear decisions against Ribas and Cortez further validate the move. Eventually this fight turns to Blanchfield having to find a submission finish with some blitzes but Rose’s composure and fight smarts will be enough to cash those dog tickets.
Lipski (da Silva) defeats Jasudavicius (DEC)
I worry about the judges in this one giving Jasmine 10’s before the rounds even start but neutral playing field, I actually like Lipski. Her volume should match Jasmine’s, but I see her landing more power shots which will add up. Jasmine may have to take her down and control from the top and probably would be smart in this spot, but Lipski’s cardio and improved grappling defense should be present, and her strength should assist with the reversals if it goes that route. Again, the judges and crowd worry me, but I like the dog.
Machado defeats Ribeiro (ITD)
I like this move to LHW for Machado. Watch for him to bring the fight and get inside the reach of Ribeiro. Ribeiro should have the speed early on, but I expect to see Machado pepper him with sloppy combos and take over. Ultimately though this will be a pink slip for the loser and seeing Machado making the move going down a weight class in this spot, I feel like we are truly getting an honest effort.
Barriault defeats Stoltzfus (TKO)
Not too invested in this one but I’ll give the edge to Barriault. This more than likely goes to the cards, but its tough to look past the fact that Stoltzfus’ last four losses have all come by way of finish and Barriault is gonna go ham in there in front of this Canadian crowd.
Malott defeats Giles (ITD)
Did Giles get sent to Canada to job here? Malott kicking off the main card getting this crowd amp’d is all I see. Malott is an uber fast starter and can dump his load but I would suspect him and the team have corrected some of that after his loss to Magny in January. Giles is skilled but a .500 fighter at this level. Malott is going to look for the finish non stop and Giles will eventually get overwhelmed.
PRELIMS:
Munhoz defeats Zahabi (DEC) (Prob hometown cooking but Munhoz always in the fight.)
Henry defeats Jourdain (DEC) (Volume edge to Henry)
Zalal defeats Shore (DEC) (Rinse/repeat Zalal bets)
Romanov defeats Nascimento (ITD) (He’s gotta get the takedown and top control. Should cruise if he does)
Armfield defeats Sidey (DEC) (Armfield usually good to go unless he’s locked in a sub
Gibson defeats Anheliger (DEC)
Horth defeats Petrovic (DEC) (Watch out for incoming subs from Petrovic. Hometown cookin to get the card rolling)
BET CONSIDERATIONS:
Moreno -160
Namajunas +120
Machado/Ribeiro U2.5 -165 (alt)
Malott ITD -120
Romanov -130
Romanov/Nascimento Fight goes distance: NO -170
DFS:
FANTASY PROJECTIONS:
AUTO OPTO LINES:
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