On a night where finishes were scarce, it was no surprise to see Azaitar vs. Miranda end in a decision — but it was still a big win for Abu Azaitar, who was making his promotional debut at UFC Hamburg.
UFC Hamburg went down this Sunday from Barclaycard Arena in Hamburg, Germany. There, the fourth fight of the main card saw the meeting of Brazilian Vitor Miranda and UFC newcomer Abu Azaitar in a scheduled three round contest. Azaitar had drawn a lot of attention heading into the bout, and had more than a few eyes on him.
Azaitar opened with kicks. He came out fast and aggressive. Miranda answered with his own kick, Azaitar fired back a hard right. Azaitar pushed forward with a combo to the body. Miranda was still feeling out Azaitar. Azaitar came with a left, right combo followed by a low kick. Azaitar went to the body again. He launched a hard right; Miranda changed gears and got the take down when Azaitar came in with a punch. Miranda worked from Half guard and looked to move to side control. Miranda worked a few punches and a knees in on the ground. Time running short, Azaitar exploded up to his feet with a flurry a punches to end the round.
To open the second, Miranda whiffed a kick that Azaitar answered with an overhand right. Azaitar looked slower this round but was still throwing with power. He moved forward and continued to throw. Miranda went for the take down and worked into position for an arm triangle. Azaitar defended and escaped. Azaitar moved forward again throwing punches and Miranda landed another take down. Miranda was in half guard then quickly moved to mount. Azaitar exploded again, sweeping Miranda and landing on top. Miranda looked to stay active on his back going for a triangle as Azaitar tried to throw punches. The ref stood them back up and action slowed, and Azaitar attacked with a looping punch. Miranda shot again for the take down and was stuffed. Azaitar made him pay with multiple punches as the round came to a close.
Azaitar opened the final frame with a take down, landing in Miranda’s guard. Azaitar landed some shots to the body. Miranda exploded with an arm bar attempt that Azaitar worked to defend until Miranda gave up the hold and ended up in north south position. Miranda worked back into guard then quickly into side control. Miranda landed some elbows to the body and head but there wasn’t much to them. Miranda went to transition to mount and Azaitar swept, landing on top and dropping punches onto his opponent. Miranda gave up his back but he quickly made it back on top. The two continued to exchange as the horn sounded to end the fight.
Successful UFC debut for @abu_azaitar at #UFCHamburg pic.twitter.com/Ygl5KkHnlH
— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) July 22, 2018
The end marked the eighth decision on the night at UFC Hamburg to that point. Still, it was a solid debut win for Azaitar, who looks to be a welcome addition to the fold.
Abu Azaitar def. Vitor Miranda by unanimous decision (30-27 30-27 29-28)
