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.”

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.