UFC Vegas 74: UFC Apex; Las Vegas
Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good. There’s nothing that should be taken away from Amir Albazi, but the final decision against Kai KaraFrance doesn’t exactly pass the eye test. Amir Albazi steals a victory with a split decision 48-47 across all three-scorecards.
Kara-France used his rights and jabs like a piston as the fight went on, picking apart the 29-year old Iraqi. And had a 89-320 to 51-144 significant strike advantage. The only time the the New Zealand native was in trouble was the third-round. Coming after “The Prince” secured his only takedown of the fight, as he hunted and almost had a rear-naked choke locked in. However, “Don’t Blink” was able to escape, ending the round landing ground-and-pound of his own.
Albazi for the most part one-punched his way through the fight while keeping France close to the fence. And as the fight headed to the “championship rounds” he wasn’t cutting the cage off effectively either. There’s no doubt that the fight was close, but; once again what a judge values more in scoring plays into it.
Amir Albazi Steals Victory And Wants Belt In Abu Dhabi
Sure, the goal of every fighter is to want, call out for, and get a championship. And Albazi wants it near “his people” in October when the UFC heads back to Abu Dhabi. But off of these results, it’s the furthest thing that’s warranted.
A path that might better clearly figure things out is a rematch on that night with France. France showed he has bounced back from his loss to Brandon Moreno. His takedown defense is still stingy and once he finds his striking range he’s one of the best. Albazi still has more to do, before that opportunity arrives. Despite his now 17-1 record and 5-0 in the UFC.
He can’t just follow a fighter around the cage. If he wants to rely that heavy on a takedown game, he needs to have more than a single-leg along the fence. Dewey Cooper has to find a way to get him to throw his hands more. And he can’t just plod forward. Because at the tip top of the flyweight division he will be exposed.
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