Rising UFC contender Amir Albazi celebrated the greatest professional victory of his career by calling for a title shot in Abu Dhabi later this year.
The Iraqi flyweight, 29, came through a closely contested split decision against No 3-ranked challenger Kai Kara-France in the main event at UFC Fight Night at the promotion's Apex on Sunday morning.
Albazi, the division’s No 7 contender, took the bout 47-48, 48-47, 48-47, lifting his professional record to 17-1. He is now 5-0 in the UFC since debuting in Abu Dhabi in 2020, during the inaugural Fight Island series.
Speaking inside the octagon immediately after his latest victory was confirmed, Albazi called for the winner of next month’s title fight between flyweight champion Brandon Moreno and Alexandre Pantoja.
Asked by interviewer Michael Bisping whom he wanted next, Albazi said: “There is no name. There is only one thing I want. And I will get that title. That’s all that matters. Abu Dhabi, October 21. I know they’re coming to Abu Dhabi, it’s 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.”
The UFC returns to Abu Dhabi on October 21 with UFC 294 at Etihad Arena. As of yet, no bouts have been confirmed for the card, although it will feature at least one world title fight.
Islam Makhachev, the current lightweight champion, is tipped to defend the crown he clinched at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi last year, while welterweight belt-holder Leon Edwards has called for his next defence to take place in the emirate.
On his narrow win over former interim title challenger France, which could have conceivably gone either way, Albazi said: “I know it was a close fight. It’s not how I planned this fight to go. I showed my guts. I showed what I can bring to the table. I’m just having fun, maybe a bit too much fun.
“Next time I come in, I like to put on finishes. A win is a win but next time I’ll put on a better show.”
Albazi has actually competed twice in Abu Dhabi, with the latter his unanimous-decision win against Zhalgas Zhumagulov at UFC 257 in January 2021.
THE SCORES
Ireland 125 all out
(20 overs; Stirling 72, Mustafa 4-18)
UAE 125 for 5
(17 overs, Mustafa 39, D’Silva 29, Usman 29)
UAE won by five wickets
RESULTS
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The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
MATCH INFO
World Cup qualifier
Thailand 2 (Dangda 26', Panya 51')
UAE 1 (Mabkhout 45 2')
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
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GRAN%20TURISMO
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The%20specs
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8. Esteban Ocon, Force India 65
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Fighter profiles
Gabrieli Pessanha (Brazil)
Reigning Abu Dhabi World Pro champion in the 95kg division, virtually unbeatable in her weight class. Known for her pressure game but also dangerous with her back on the mat.
Nathiely de Jesus, 23, (Brazil)
Two-time World Pro champion renowned for her aggressive game. She is tall and most feared by her opponents for both her triangles and arm-bar attacks.
Thamara Ferreira, 24, (Brazil)
Since her brown belt days, Ferreira has been dominating the 70kg, in both the World Pro and the Grand Slams. With a very aggressive game.
Samantha Cook, 32, (Britain)
One of the biggest talents coming out of Europe in recent times. She is known for a highly technical game and bringing her A game to the table as always.
Kendall Reusing, 22, (USA)
Another young gun ready to explode in the big leagues. The Californian resident is a powerhouse in the -95kg division. Her duels with Pessanha have been highlights in the Grand Slams.
Martina Gramenius, 32, (Sweden)
Already a two-time Grand Slam champion in the current season. Gramenius won golds in the 70kg, in both in Moscow and Tokyo, to earn a spot in the inaugural Queen of Mats.
Results
Ashraf Ghani 50.64 per cent
Abdullah Abdullah 39.52 per cent
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar 3.85 per cent
Rahmatullah Nabil 1.8 per cent
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Profile of Whizkey
Date founded: 04 November 2017
Founders: Abdulaziz AlBlooshi and Harsh Hirani
Based: Dubai, UAE
Number of employees: 10
Sector: AI, software
Cashflow: Dh2.5 Million
Funding stage: Series A
