Amir Albazi showed that he belongs in the UFC’s flyweight title conversation with a split-decision win over Kai Kara-France at UFC Vegas 74, then called for his next bout to be for the undisputed flyweight title.
The main event of UFC Vegas 74 was designed to produce a clear contender to potentially challenge for the 125-pound title, but after a super-competitive five-round matchup went all the way to the scorecards, the official verdict gave Albazi the win, but left the judges open to criticism from some notable names.
One man who certainly disagreed with the judges was Kara-France’s City Kickboxing teammate, UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, who slammed the judges online after the event.
Other notable names, including Sergio Pettis, Muhammad Mokaev, and Alexander Volkanovski, all took issue with the scoring of the fight, with many highlighting the decision of Chris Lee to award Round 4 to Albazi, despite Kara-France comprehensively outstriking him in that round, as a major sticking point in the overall outcome.
The judges were in agreement on three of the five rounds, with the other round that split them being the first.
Albazi’s win tied him with Muhammad Mokaev for the longest active win streak in the division, and put him within touching distance of a title shot at 125 pounds. t
“I know it was a close fight. It’s not how I planned this fight to go, you know? But it is what it is,” he told Michael Bisping after his victory.
“I showed my guts, showed what I can bring to the table, and I can stand with these guys, no problem at all. I don’t feel the punches, I don’t feel anything. I’m just having fun – maybe a bit too much fun!
“To be honest, I could take it back to the ground if I want (but) I didn’t follow the gameplan. I had a bit too much fun out there. But the next time I come in, I like to put on finishes. A win is a win, but the next time you see me in there I’m gonna put on a better show and give a finish to you guys.”
And, when asked what he wanted next, Albazi set his sights for the very top as he called for a title shot when the UFC heads to Abu Dhabi in October.
“There is no name. There is only one thing that I want. And I will get that title, that’s all that matters,” he stated.
“Abu Dhabi, October 21. I know they’re coming to Abu Dhabi. That is my people. Give me that fight. Pantoja, Moreno, whoever wins that fight, I want to be next. I want to get my title. I’m next! Let’s go!”
UFC Vegas 74: Official results
MAIN CARD
- Amir Albazi def. Kai Kara-France via split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47)
- Alex Caceres def. Daniel Pineda via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Jim Miller def. Jesse Butler via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 0:23
- Tim Elliott def. Victor Altamirano via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
- Karine Silva def. Ketlen Souza via submission (achilles lock) – Round 1, 1:45
- Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos def. Abubakar Nurmagomedov via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
- Daniel Santos vs. Johnny Munoz Jr. via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
- Don’Tale Mayes def. Andrei Arlovski via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:17
- John Castaneda def. Muin Gafurov via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
- Muhammad Naimov def. Jamie Mullarkey via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 2:59
- Elise Reed def. Jinh Yu Frey via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Da’Mon Blackshear def. Luan Lacerda via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:54
- Philipe Lins def. Maxim Grishin via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)