The UFC’s return to Edmonton this past weekend was nothing short of spectacular, as the event broke records and delivered thrilling performances that will be etched in the annals of mixed martial arts history. UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Albazi not only showcased world-class talent but also set a new benchmark for financial success in North America.
The event, held at Rogers Place on November 2, 2024, shattered the previous record for the highest-grossing UFC Fight Night in North American history. With an impressive gate of $2,600,463 USD (equivalent to $3,632,196.36 CAD), the event demonstrated the immense popularity of MMA in Canada and the drawing power of the UFC brand[1]. The packed arena, with an attendance of 16,439 enthusiastic fans, created an electric atmosphere that elevated every bout on the card.
#UFCEdmonton breaks the record for the highest-grossing UFC Fight Night in North American history with a $2,600,463 (USD) / $3,632,196.36 (CAD) gate.
Attendance: 16,439
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) November 3, 2024
In the main event, former two-time flyweight champion Brandon Moreno made a triumphant return to the octagon, dominating Amir Albazi in a five-round masterclass. Moreno’s performance was nothing short of brilliant, as he outclassed Albazi in every aspect of the game. The judges’ scorecards of 49-46, 50-45, and 50-45 reflected Moreno’s dominance throughout the fight.
What made Moreno’s victory even more impressive was his record-breaking achievement during the bout. The Mexican sensation surpassed Demetrious Johnson’s UFC record for most significant strikes (1059) in the flyweight division, crossing the 1,100 mark in the fifth round. This feat not only cements Moreno’s place in UFC history but also highlights his evolution as a striker.
The event wasn’t short on other notable performances. Youssef Zalal submitted Jack Shore with an arm-triangle choke in the second round of their featherweight clash, earning himself a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus. This victory tied Zalal with Shavkat Rakhmonov for the longest active UFC submission streak at three.
In a historic moment, Cody Gibson became the first fighter in UFC history to legally cut his opponent with a 12-to-6 elbow during his bantamweight bout against Chad Anheliger. This moment will likely be discussed in MMA circles for years to come, as it marks a significant shift in the application of the controversial 12-to-6 elbow rule.
The night also saw impressive finishes from Charles Jourdain, Jasmine Jasudavicius, and Dustin Stoltzfus, each earning themselves $50,000 Performance of the Night bonuses. These performances, along with the main event, contributed to the overall success of the card and justified the record-breaking gate.
The success of UFC Edmonton goes beyond just the numbers. It represents a significant milestone for the promotion in Canada and showcases the country’s passion for mixed martial arts. The record-breaking gate and attendance figures send a clear message to the UFC brass that Canadian fans are hungry for more high-level MMA events.
Looking ahead, this event sets a new standard for UFC Fight Nights in North America. It proves that with the right combination of compelling matchups, local talent, and strategic promotion, the UFC can create must-see events outside of their pay-per-view model.
As the dust settles on this historic night in Edmonton, the MMA world eagerly anticipates what the UFC has in store for its next visit to Canada. If UFC Edmonton is any indication, fans can expect more record-breaking events, unforgettable performances, and the continued growth of the sport in the Great White North.
