If nothing else, it is good to see Albazi keep up an active
schedule after some long layoffs during his time in the UFC. “The
Prince” might be a bit more of a finished product than expected—he
just turned 29 but has been a pro since 2009—but he has shown an
ability to fight a smart fight and pick his spots, particularly
with an effective grappling game. Albazi has not been tested much
in his first three UFC fights, so it is basically time for him to
get a move up the division against a tougher opponent. To that end,
this was initially supposed to be a big spot for Albazi against
Brandon
Royval, but with the latter injured, he now faces a late-notice
replacement and UFC newcomer in Costa. A graduate of the most
recent season of Dana White’s Contender Series, Costa is a solid
addition the UFC’s flyweight roster and falls in the same mold as
Albazi’s recent UFC opponents, taking a low-output, high-power
approach that cuts opposite of the 125-pound norm. That led to a
flat decision win on DWCS where both men were overly patient. Costa
did not earn a contract, but “Nono” showed what he can do in his
lone fight since, scoring a knockout in just 12 seconds. Costa does
provide some danger with his knockout power, particularly since he
is a solid grappler who might be able to neutralize Albazi’s best
weapons in spots. However, this should be another fight where
Albazi slowly takes over and impresses once again. The pick is
Albazi via second-round submission.
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