Brandon Moreno Edges Ryan Benoit In TUF 24 Finale Opener

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A “Baby Face” and “The Assassin Baby” got the main card of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 24 Finale started under the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) banner. Ryan Benoit (9-5) went toe-to-toe with Brandon Moreno (13-3) inside the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

It wasn’t easy, but Moreno got the job done.

Immediately, Benoit went for a leg kick. Moreno backed his opponent up with a one-two combination. Benoit’s head kick was blocked and he was taken down near the cage. “Baby Face” was able to return to his feet. Moreno moved in with a combination. Benoit answered with a right hand. “The Assassin Baby” secured another takedown. The fight returned standing and blood trickled down the nose of Benoit. A hard body kick found the mark for “Baby Face.” The two traded leather. Moreno connected with a left hand at the end of the exchange and the round ended shortly after.

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Benoit shot in right at the start of the second round. Moreno pushed himself off the fence. A counter left hand landed for “The Assassin Baby.” He followed it up with a combination. A spinning back kick was blocked by Benoit. “Baby Face” dropped Moreno with a left hand to the jaw. Moreno got back up quickly. He completed a takedown. Benoit got back up, but he was dumped to the canvas again. The round ended with Moreno in top control.

Benoit avoided a high kick in the beginning of the final frame. A right hook landed for “Baby Face.” He avoided a takedown attempt. He landed a right hand. He ducked under for a takedown, but thought better of it. A hard left hook landed for Benoit. He threw a superman punch and the two men traded strikes as the final horn sounded.

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Once the score totals were read, Moreno was awarded with a split decision victory.

Final Result: Brandon Moreno def. Ryan Benoit via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)