Moreno Vs. Albazi Betting Odds, Prediction | UFC Betting Sites

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Flyweight standouts Brandon Moreno vs. Amir Albazi will go to war TONIGHT (Sat., Nov. 2, 2024) at UFC Edmonton from Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Two-time 125-pound kingpin Moreno enters his main event slot after a bit of a layoff, a willing rest after a flat performance early in 2024 against Brandon Royval. That bout was by far his worst showing in recent memory, but he still took the No. 1 contender to a split decision. It’s good to have Moreno back in the Flyweight title mix, which could use the injection of excitement.

Similarly, Albazi has been away for awhile. Undefeated (5-0) inside the Octagon, “The Prince” probably would have secured a title shot by now if not for serious health concerns that have sidelined him since July 2023. His return is welcome as well, and he could return right back to the title mix with a victory.

Let’s take a closer look at the betting odds and strategic keys for each athlete:

Moreno Vs. Albazi Betting Odds

Brandon Moreno victory: -175
Brandon Moreno via TKO/KO/DQ: +350
Brandon Moreno via submission: +800
Brandon Moreno via decision: +140
Amir Albazi victory: +145
Amir Albazi via TKO/KO/DQ: +1400
Amir Albazi via submission: +900
Amir Albazi via decision: +225
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Royval 2 Ceremonial Weigh-in

How Moreno Wins

For my money, a Moreno at the top of his game is still the best in the world, but consistency is an issue. When at his sharpest, Moreno shows off excellent boxing skill, thudding kicks, dynamic scrambling and a motor that just doesn’t stop. In the rematch against Royval, conversely, there was a sloppy overhand (still timed well) and very little else.

Hopefully, Moreno has got his mind right and training situation figured out, because at 30 years of age, there should still be plenty left in the tank. If he shows up in top form, this is a very winnable match up for him.

Sprawl-and-brawl is the clear path for Moreno. I’d like to see him mobile and kicking early, forcing Albazi to come to him. When the Iraqi talent swings big, Moreno will want to show off his head movement and combination punching, as countering with more than one strike is among his best assets and should be a deciding factor here.

How Albazi Wins

It’s funny to think Albazi is actually the older man here at 31. Eighteen fights into his professional career, Albazi has certainly proven himself a top talent, an excellent wrestler with serious natural power in his hands. Nine wins via tapout prove his Brazilian jiu-jitsu prowess as well.

Since Moreno has never been finished, planning to impress the judges would be a wise call. To that end, Albazi can win by having big moments. Consistently out-working Moreno will be difficult given his technical advantages, but Albazi’s heavy right hand and powerful double leg could certainly steal some rounds.

Albazi would do well here to try to be first and third. If he can land his jab well at distance, he should be able to draw out counters from the former champion. Then, Albazi can continue to come forward behind that heavy right hand or perhaps even a double leg shot. The key is timing, and Albazi should be feinting often to get a sense of when Moreno will throw and dull his sense of when to counter.

Moreno vs. Albazi Prediction

I don’t see a consistent path to victory for Albazi.

Albazi has better power than most Flyweights, but Moreno shrugged off plenty of peak Deiveson Figueiredo punches without issue. More to the point, “Assassin Baby” is the better boxer by a significant margin. If Moreno extends exchanges and lets his hands fly, he should be getting the better of these exchanges.

In terms of wrestling, Moreno might get taken down occasionally, but holding him down is an entirely different can of worms. Only Alexandre Pantoja has been able to do so with any level of consistency, and Albazi isn’t a back take master like the champion. In fact, scrambling with Moreno too often could easily end up with the Mexican fighter in top position, something Albazi does not want.

Moreno is simply the sharper fighter in all areas. If he shows up ready to roll, he should win this fight cleanly.

Prediction: Moreno via decision (+140)

Remember that MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC Edmonton fight card right here, starting with the ESPN+ “Prelims” matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. ET, before the main card start time at 8 p.m. ET (also on ESPN+).

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