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Report: Brandon Moreno vs. Amir Albazi Set For UFC's Return To Mexico On February 24

Originally posted on MMA News | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated 12/2/23

The UFC is reportedly planning to make its long-awaited return to Mexico in 2024, and it looks set to bring along one of the South American country's biggest names mixed martial arts with it.

Former two-time flyweight champion Brandon Moreno (21-7-2) hasn't competed on home soil since 2019, when he fought Askar Askarov to a split draw in the first fight of his ongoing second stint in the UFC.

The subsequent years saw "The Assassin Baby" complete a memorable journey to the top at 125 pounds, where two victories over Deiveson Figueiredo cemented himself as one of the division's best.

His newfound stardom will likely be on full display on February 24, when Moreno is set to share the cage with fellow contender Amir Albazi (17-1) in Mexico City.

News of the matchup was first mentioned by ESPN Deportes' Carlos Contreras Legaspi in a YouTube livestream. Eurosport Nederland's Marcel Dorff later confirmed the booking, alongside news that Moreno and Albazi will compete across five rounds in the event's co-headliner.

5-rounder

Brandon Moreno takes on Amir Albazi on February 24th in Mexico City, Mexico. Done deal and set to be the co-main event.

Three days ago @CCLegaspi mentioned in his podcast the UFC was working on this fight. It's a done deal now. #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN #UFC2024 pic.twitter.com/9QkORCwYjr
— Marcel Dorff (@BigMarcel24) December 2, 2023

Moreno & Albazi Collide In Potential UFC Flyweight Title Eliminator

When Moreno and Albazi make the walk early next year, they'll do so with an opportunity at the flyweight championship in their sights.

Moreno held the title earlier this year, having regained it from Figueiredo in their tetralogy at UFC 283 in Rio de Janeiro. But the Mexican once again fell short of a successful defense, with Alexandre Pantoja edging out a split decision after a memorable war at UFC 290 this past July.

After the conclusion of his first title rule, "The Assassin Baby" bounced back by stopping Kai Kara-France. He'll now look to repeat that feat, this time at the expense of a contender who also boasts a victory over the New Zealander.

Albazi has risen the 125-pound ladder courtesy of a perfect 5-0 record under the UFC banner. Following wins over the likes of Zhalgas Zhumagulov and Francisco Figueiredo, the Iraqi most recently entered the championship picture by emerging victorious from a tight main event against Kara-France.

Having moved to within touching distance of the belt, "The Prince" will now look to stake his claim by spoiling an ex-champ's return home on Feb. 24.

Alhamdulilah. I just signed a new contract with the UFC and fight news will be coming out soon.

I want to thank @danawhite @mickmaynard2 and Hunter Campbell for letting me live my dream. Thanks to my manager @aliabdelaziz for making this happen pic.twitter.com/BfYcfduDRW
— The Prince (@AmirAlbazi) November 28, 2023