The UFC returns to the ‘Great White North’ this evening for a solid Fight Night packed with local talent, headlined by former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno taking on top contender Amir Albazi.
Whilst fans are bitterly disappointed to hear that Derrick Lewis has pulled out of his main card fight against Jhonata Diniz, many are still looking forward to seeing how the two new rule changes will impact proceedings.
Dana White previews new rules ahead of record-breaking Fight Night in Edmonton
MMA fans watching UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Albazi card should keep in mind that tonight will be the first event in which the two new rule changes, which came into effect on November 1, are set to be enforced.
Those two new rule changes were a key part of UFC CEO Dana White’s final preview, as he revealed that the Edmonton card will also be a record-setting event for the promotion.
“I’m here in Edmonton, Canada – Tomorrow night’s Fight Night breaks the record for North American gate for a Fight Night and for those of you watching tomorrow, [remember] the rules change.
“The 12-to-6 elbow is now legal [from] tomorrow and the grounded fighter rule where you put one hand down on the ground, that’s gone… You can’t do that anymore and 12-to-6 is legal [at] tomorrow night’s Fight Night, a record-breaking event in North America.”
For those who might want a bit more clarity; the 12-to-6 elbows, also known as the ‘North-South elbow’ will now be deemed a legal strike as long as it doesn’t land on the back of an opponent’s head.
As per the California State Athletic Commission and in regard to the second rule change: “A fighter shall be considered grounded and may not be legally kneed or kicked to the head when any part of their body other than their hands or feet is in contract with the canvas (ground).”
Thankfully, veteran referee Mike Beltran has participated in a quick video demonstration of the two new rules to give fans a better idea of how they could impact UFC fights moving forward.
UFC fighters competing in Edmonton react to the two new rule changes
Whilst all 26 athletes competing tonight will be able to mix the two new rule changes into their gameplans, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they will.
Mike Mallott argued against the idea that the new rules are game-changers, telling reporters during media day: “Dude, it’s a fight in a cage – I’m not overthinking it as far as each individual rule.”
Both Amir Albazi and Brandon Moreno stated that they’re also not thinking about the new rules, although they won’t shy away from throwing the now-legal strikes if the opportunity presents itself.
“I’ll definitely have my eye on it, especially the downed opponent,” stated Albazi, with Moreno also noting that “Amir is a good grappler and if he gives me the opportunity to hit him in the face with a knee, I will.”
“I like the 12-to-6 elbows,” said Erin Blanchfield, with Canada’s own Jasmine Jasudavicius teasing that “I’ve definitely been implementing it [in training],” with veteran Pedro Munhoz reiterating that “Yeah, we’ve been training some of that [for] the new rules.”
UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Albazi goes down tonight, November 2, live from Rogers Place.