Flyweight action at UFC 278 served as the featured early preliminary fight, and saw Amir Albazi up against Francisco Figueiredo.
The champ’s brother was coming in off a Performance of the Night-winning effort against Daniel Da Silva back in April. But early on, Figueiredo had to contend with some adversity after Albazi planted him on his back in the opening round. Figueiredo, who had been finding some success with kicks on the feet, was patient and eventually scrambled back up. At range, he found a home for his left hand, but Albazi soon had the Brazilian on his back again, care of a trip takedown.
That was the beginning of the end. Albazi had soon taken Figueiredo’s back, sinking hooks in. In short order, he slipped under the neck and rolled Figueiredo over. The rear-naked choke was in tight, and the Brazilian had no choice but to tap.
With the victory, “The Prince” now has three straight victories inside the octagon, with two stoppages, and two of those wins coming in the 125 pound division. After a year and a half on the sidelines, he’s now re-introduced himself to the UFC audience.
After having a bit of fun with Joe Rogan post-fight, faking the need for a translator, Albazi exclaimed that “The King is back! I know Mick and Dana, you’ve done a great job with this weight class.” Going on to call himself the “Lion of Iraq,” he added that “you want to see me in Abu Dhabi, put me on that show!”
The UFC returns to Abu Dhabi for UFC 280 in October, and Amir Albazi would almost certainly be a welcome addition to that card.
Official Result: Amir Albazi def. Francisco Figueiredo by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 4:34
