Having reflected on his narrow victory over Kai Kara-France, UFC flyweight contender Amir Albazi believes that the commentary team played a part in the backlash to the result.
After building a perfect 4-0 promotional record, Albazi earned a chance in the main event spotlight for the first time, sharing the Octagon with former interim champion Kara-France in this past weekend’s UFC Fight Night headliner.
While “The Prince” had his hand raised and has subsequently risen four places to #3 in the 125-pound rankings, the reaction to the victory isn’t what he’d have envisioned pre-fight.
The decision, which saw two judges score the contest in favor of Albazi and one back “Don’t Blink,” has caused considerable controversy. A number of fans, fighters, and pundits were quick to criticize Chris Lee and Sal D’Amato for their verdicts.
But having rewatched his fifth Octagon outing, Albazi has reached a conclusion other than questionable judging to explain the polarizing debate.
Albazi ‘Didn’t Like’ Commentary For Main Event Win
During a recent interview with ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto, Albazi looked back on his tight victory over New Zealand’s Kara-France inside the Apex facility last Saturday.
Having reiterated that his performance across rounds one through three was enough to justify the win, the Iraqi fighter suggested that some biased commentary on the side of Kara-France helped to create the controversy.
“I don’t think it was a controversial decision. I think it was a close fight,” Albazi said. “The highest level we are at right now, (so) of course it’s gonna be a close fight… I still think I won (rounds) one, two, and three. I came into the fourth feeling like I had done enough.
“I think a lot of people are also looking at commentary, what the commentary said. That’s another part I didn’t like,” Albazi continued. “They were kind of like, not giving me credit for what I was doing and giving Kai too much credit for stuff I don’t believe. They said he defended my takedowns, but let’s be real here. The moment I tried to take you down, I got you down. I didn’t want to take you down, I wanted to punch you in the face. That’s actually what happened.”
The commentary team at the event consisted of play-by-play caller Brendan Fitzgerald and color commentators Laura Sanko and Michael Bisping.
While the debate surrounding Albazi’s headline triumph continues to rage on, “The Prince” will no doubt be turning his attention to the next step in his UFC career soon enough. And if he has his way, that’ll manifest itself in a title shot on Abu Dhabi soil this October.
After a big win tonight, @AmirAlbazi makes his case for a title shot 🏆 #UFCVegas74 pic.twitter.com/u3wnWwqnYe
— UFC (@ufc) June 4, 2023
- Read Also: Amir Albazi Admits He Didn’t Follow The Gameplan Against Kai Kara-France
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