Sherdog’s Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings

It may not have been the no-doubt victory he desired, but Amir Albazi proved he could hang with the flyweight division’s best at UFC on ESPN 46.

Albazi earned his fifth straight promotional triumph in controversial fashion, taking a split-decision over Kai Kara-France in Saturday’s headliner at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. It was a significant step up in competition for the Iraq native, who had yet to face a ranked opponent prior to Kara-France. Not only did Albazi prove he could keep his head in a closely contested bout, but he nearly finished the fight with a rear-naked choke in Round 3. With victories in 17 of his 18 professional appearances, “The Prince” is a fighter to watch in the coming months as he makes his debut in the flyweight Top 10 at No. 3.

Elsewhere, Tim Elliott returned to action for the first time in 15 months to cruise to a three-round verdict over Victor Altamirano on the UFC on ESPN 46 preliminary card. That makes four victories in five outings for the unorthodox Elliott, who maintains his No. 15 spot on the 125-pound bubble.

Note: Previous rankings listed in brackets.

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