Albazi vs Costa: Same Records on Paper, Opposite Paths to Victory
On paper, Amir Albazi and Alessandro Costa look like twins: 17 wins apiece, nine first-round finishes apiece and barely any size difference. Look closer and they're built for completely different fights. The #9 flyweight meets the Brazilian at UFC Fight Night: Prochazka vs Stirling at ABHA Arena in Doha on Saturday, Nov. 21.
Albazi, 33, nicknamed "The Prince," represents Iraq and has competed in the UFC since July 2020. He's a submission fighter first: nine of his 17 wins (53%) came that way, against five knockouts and three decisions. Costa, 30, known as "Nono," debuted in December 2022 and has split his finishes right down the middle, seven by KO/TKO and seven by submission, with three decisions. Both men do most of their work standing: 85% of Albazi's significant strikes and 78% of Costa's land at range. In total, Costa has landed 322 significant strikes in the UFC to Albazi's 251.
Where the numbers diverge:
- Output: Costa lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute at 46% accuracy; Albazi lands 2.47 at 34%.
- Damage taken: Albazi absorbs 3.88 per minute, more than he lands; Costa absorbs 3.71.
- Power: Costa averages 0.88 knockdowns, nearly three times Albazi's 0.30.
- Grappling: Albazi averages 1.18 takedowns and 0.44 submission attempts per 15 minutes; Costa stops 87% of takedown attempts.
- Defense: Albazi avoids 59% of significant strikes, Costa 57%; Albazi's takedown defense sits at 63%.
- Fight length: Albazi's UFC fights average 14:30, Costa's 9:29.
Size won't settle much. Albazi stands 65 inches to Costa's 64, and his 68-inch reach is one inch longer. Albazi lands only 3% of his significant strikes in the clinch, so getting to his best weapon means manufacturing takedowns against a man who stops 87% of them. If it stays standing, Costa's volume and power give him the statistical edge. The key question: can Albazi get this fight to the mat before Costa's output takes over on the feet?
Prelims start at 6 p.m. local time, with the main card at 9 p.m., so get there early if you want the whole night. Get your seat: Albazi vs Costa tickets in Doha.