UFC Fight Night 246 unfolded last night in the vibrant city of Edmonton, Canada. Despite facing some pre-fight challenges, the night delivered a night of thrilling bouts. The highlight of the evening was the main event, featuring an intense showdown between Brandon Moreno and Amir Albazi. Interestingly, Albazi recreated the iconic Max Holloway gesture of pointing decisively to the canvas.
Max Holloway, the former UFC featherweight champion, created an iconic moment during his fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. In the match’s final moments, Holloway confidently pointed his fingers down to the canvas, challenging Gaethje to engage in an exchange. It was at this moment that the Hawaiian fighter knocked out the ‘Highlight,’ solidifying the moment in UFC history.
At the recent UFC event in Edmonton, Amir Albazi tried replicating the iconic gesture against Brandon Moreno. However, unlike Holloway, Albazi was unable to execute it successfully. As such, Moreno countered with a beautiful hook that forced the Iraqi fighter to retreat. The Mexican flyweight star dominated the fight, accumulating significant damage against Albazi.
Amir Albazi tried out Max Holloway’s point-down gesture at the end of the fight 😅#UFCEdmonton #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/hlL0aHsoYg
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 3, 2024
In the end, Moreno emerged victorious in the match, claiming a unanimous decision that showcased his skill and determination. This triumph marked a significant comeback for the Mexican fighter, who had faced two straight losses before this bout. On the other hand, the Iraqi fighter faced criticism, particularly for his unsuccessful attempt to mimic Holloway’s iconic UFC 300 gesture.
Fight fans react to Amir Albazi’s failed attempt to recreate Max Holloway’s iconic gesture
Amir Albazi is a rising superstar in the UFC flyweight division. The Iraqi fighter made his debut in 2020 and has since delivered exceptional performances. Most recently, Albazi defeated former title challenger Kai Kara-France. With his impressive undefeated record, fight fans anticipated that he would defeat Brandon Moreno in their matchup. However, that did not happen, leading to intense scrutiny of Albazi.
The onlookers of the UFC community seemingly called out Albazi’s failed attempt to recreate Holloway’s legendary UFC 300 gesture. As such, they highlighted that a fighter shouldn’t do that if he cannot back it up. Check out some of the reactions below.
All these points downs since Holloway KO and they all been embarrassing 😂 good idea tho when down all 5 rounds
— BertPicks🏝️ (@BertPicks4) November 3, 2024
Then got hit a bit and backed off …
— Akh1l (@akh1l_sol) November 3, 2024
You can’t do the point and backup after 🤦♂️ https://t.co/kQiM7hCBK1
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) November 3, 2024
Bro did nothing 😭🙏
— BlockBet (@BlockBetGG) November 3, 2024
It wasn’t nearly as good but still better than most of the point-downs we’ve seen since UFC 300 😂 https://t.co/QY9yjQTQ0k
— Full Violence ™ (@Full_Violence) November 3, 2024
Losing fighters are not allowed to pull the “Holloway” 🤣 https://t.co/xLwW7ssYl6
— Consensus Score (@ConsensusScore) November 3, 2024
He tried to bring heat but couldn’t like the Blessed Express
— HMZY (@Hmzy96) November 3, 2024
No one can do it better than the legend max!
— Max Serenity (@Intelligentpnk) November 3, 2024
Point down is only for fighters winning a fight
— PeakyLOTR (@BrockMorrison19) November 3, 2024
what a ass whooping
— koala (@koala128_eth) November 3, 2024
Moreno has to be one of the top 5 best boxers in the UFC.
— Chama_Stan22 (@chamacuh218) November 3, 2024
Brandon got that dog in him
— Zerorubi (@Rufakeee) November 3, 2024
While many lashed out and berated Albazi, others seemingly heaped praises on Moreno. As such, they enjoyed the Mexican fighter’s exquisite display of his striking prowess. That said, it will be interesting to see if Moreno comes into title contention again.