Amir Albazi believes Tatsuro Taira is one more win away from a title shot and is willing to be the Japanese prospect’s final test.
An injury-laden year has kept Albazi out of competition since a split-decision win over Kai Kara-France in his first UFC headliner in June 2023. After undergoing heart surgery in November 2023, Albazi was preparing for a clash against former champ Brandon Moreno at UFC Mexico this past February before being forced out due to a neck injury that required immediate surgery. Albazi was replaced on short notice by Brandon Royval, who avenged a 2020 loss to Moreno with a split-decision win.