Alessandro Costa was not Amir Albazi’s originally scheduled opponent at UFC Vegas 66. Nor his second, for that matter.
The #8-ranked flyweight in the promotion, Albazi was supposed to have faced Alex Perez, and later Brandon Royval. After both pulled out of the fight, “The Prince” was instead paired up with promotional newcomer and DWCS alum Costa.
The fight was slow starting off with both fighters being patient and waiting for their opportunity. Albazi was throwing the jab frequently. Costa eventually tried to open up and that forced Albazi to clinch up. With Costa’s back against the cage, his takedown defense was solid and he got back in space. Another takedown stuffed from Costa and that time it was in space. Neither guy landed hardly anything in the first round. Too much respect from both guys in the opening round.
In the second round, the offense picked up quickly. Both were throwing and Albazi dropped Costa with a right cross. Hanging in the guard of Costa not much was being done by both guys. Albazi kept a closed guard limiting Albazi but not trying to get up. Albazi was landing enough ground and pound to avoid a stand-up. Costa ends the round on his back in an obvious loss on the round.
In the final round, there was some urgency from Costa. Albazi was landing some front kicks and timed Costa coming in with a nice double-leg takedown. Costa this time was able to get back to his feet, unlike in round two. In an exchange, Albazi dropped Costa with a nice uppercut. The follow-up shots sent the ref in, and Albazi had the victory by KO.
Official Result: Amir Albazi def. Alessandro Costa by knockout (uppercut and punches), Round 3, 2:13
