Flyweights
#8 FLW | Amir Albazi (15-1, 3-0 UFC) vs. Alessandro Costa (12-2, 0-0 UFC)If nothing else, it is good to see Albazi keep up an active schedule after some long layoffs during his time in the UFC. “The Prince” might be a bit more of a finished product than expected—he just turned 29 but has been a pro since 2009—but he has shown an ability to fight a smart fight and pick his spots, particularly with an effective grappling game. Albazi has not been tested much in his first three UFC fights, so it is basically time for him to get a move up the division against a tougher opponent. To that end, this was initially supposed to be a big spot for Albazi against Brandon Royval, but with the latter injured, he now faces a late-notice replacement and UFC newcomer in Costa. A graduate of the most recent season of Dana White’s Contender Series, Costa is a solid addition the UFC’s flyweight roster and falls in the same mold as Albazi’s recent UFC opponents, taking a low-output, high-power approach that cuts opposite of the 125-pound norm. That led to a flat decision win on DWCS where both men were overly patient. Costa did not earn a contract, but “Nono” showed what he can do in his lone fight since, scoring a knockout in just 12 seconds. Costa does provide some danger with his knockout power, particularly since he is a solid grappler who might be able to neutralize Albazi’s best weapons in spots. However, this should be another fight where Albazi slowly takes over and impresses once again. The pick is Albazi via second-round submission.
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Cannonier vs. Strickland
Tsarukyan vs. Ismagulov
Albazi vs. Costa
Erosa vs. Caceres
Dober vs. Green
Oleksiejczuk vs. Brundage
The Prelims