Amir Albazi questions Alex Perez being rebooked after withdrawing from their fight
LAS VEGAS – Amir Albazi is skeptical of Alex Perez withdrawing from their originally scheduled bout at UFC Fight Night 216.
Albazi (15-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) was booked to face Perez in Saturday’s event at the UFC Apex, but Perez pulled out for undisclosed reasons. Perez was replaced by Brandon Royval, who also withdrew because of a broken wrist.
What bothers Albazi is that Perez has already been scheduled for another fight. He takes on Kai Kara-France at UFC 284 on Feb. 11 in Perth.
“Alex Perez, there I don’t know,” Albazi told MMA Junkie and other reporters at UFC Fight Night 216 media day on Wednesday. “I don’t know if it’s a valid excuse. Personally I didn’t like to see him booked up again, so I’m thinking what’s going on? Brandon Royval, I get it. I know he’s a tough guy. He probably injured his hand, and I don’t want to fight against someone that’s compromised. I’d rather fight with Brandon Royval when he’s fresh and I’m fresh, and we get that fight going.”
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Albazi ended up drawing Contender Series alum Alessandro Costa (12-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) on the main card. Although he’s going from a ranked opponent to a newcomer, Albazi knows not to take him lightly.
“I expect still a hard fight,” Albazi said. “The guy has nothing to lose, all the pressure is on me. I’m there to showcase my skills. I know the pressure is on me, so I’m just going out there to perform. I’m going out there to outclass a guy that has nothing to lose.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 216.
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