Amir Albazi Open to Tatsuro Taira Matchup Upon UFC Return

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.

Pantoja has successfully defended his title three times since Albazi’s last fight, most recently against Steve Erceg at UFC 301 this past May. It has been hard for Albazi to sit on the sidelines watching the rest of division.

“It’s been so hard to deal with this,” Albazi told