40 Facts About Amir Albazi

Early Life and Background

Amir Albazi's journey to the UFC is a tale of resilience and determination. His early life was marked by significant challenges that shaped his character and fighting spirit.

1. Birth and Early Life: Amir Albazi was born on October 27, 1993, in Baghdad, Iraq.
2. Family Background: His family fled Iraq due to Saddam Hussein's regime, moving to Syria first and then to Sweden when he was just seven years old.
3. Settling in Sweden: The family settled in Bredäng, a district in Stockholm where immigrants and refugees made up 60% of the population. This cultural melting pot would significantly influence his life and career.
4. Challenges in Sweden: Growing up in Sweden was not without its challenges. Amir faced bullying and cultural shock, which often led to violent outbursts. He got into many fights as a child, struggling to understand the language and being mocked for his foreign background.

Introduction to Martial Arts

Amir's interest in martial arts began as a way to channel his energy and frustrations. This interest quickly turned into a passion that would define his career.

5. Interest in Martial Arts: Amir's interest in mixed martial arts began overnight when he watched an old UFC fight on television. Impressed by the sport, he looked up the cheapest MMA gym and signed up the next day. This marked the beginning of his journey into professional fighting.
6. Early Training: Amir started training in martial arts at the age of 14. He initially trained in various disciplines before fully committing to mixed martial arts.

Professional Career Beginnings

Amir's professional career took off with a series of impressive victories, showcasing his talent and determination.

7. Professional Debut: Amir made his professional MMA debut in 2009, competing in the World Ultimate Full Contact promotion. His first fight was against Pavlo Kulish, which he won via submission in just 59 seconds.
8. Winning Streak: He went on an impressive 8-bout win streak to start his career, showcasing his technical proficiency and adaptability inside the cage.
9. Transition to Bellator: As his skills developed, Amir transitioned to Bellator, where he extended his win streak to 10 bouts. He defeated notable opponents like Jamie Powell and Iurie Bejenari during this period.
10. First Loss: Amir's first loss came in the Middle Eastern promotion Brave CF against Jose "Shorty" Torres. However, he rebounded from this loss by defeating Ryan Curtis in BRAVE CF 29.

UFC Journey

Amir's entry into the UFC marked a significant milestone in his career. His performances in the octagon have been nothing short of spectacular.

11. UFC Debut: Amir made his UFC debut on short notice on July 18, 2020, against Malcolm Gordon at UFC Fight Night: Figueiredo vs. Benavidez 2. He won the fight via submission inside 4 minutes and 42 seconds of the first round.
12. Early UFC Career: Following his debut, Amir was scheduled to face Raulian Paiva on October 31, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Hall vs. Silva. However, Paiva pulled out due to a knee injury, and Albazi was removed from the card.
13. Rescheduled Fight: Amir was then scheduled to face Zhalgas Zhumagulov at UFC on ESPN: Smith vs. Clark on November 28, 2020. However, Zhumagulov pulled out due to visa issues, and the bout was rescheduled for UFC 257 on January 24, 2021. Albazi won the bout via unanimous decision.
14. Withdrawal from Fight: He was scheduled to face Ode' Osbourne at UFC on ESPN: Makhachev vs. Moisés on July 17, 2021, but withdrew from the bout due to undisclosed reasons.
15. Current Rank: As of February 27, 2024, Amir Albazi is ranked #3 in the UFC Flyweight rankings.

Personal Life and Education

Beyond the octagon, Amir has a rich personal life and educational background that contribute to his well-rounded character.

16. Career Record: Amir Albazi has a professional record of 17 wins and just 1 loss, showcasing his resilience and talent across multiple platforms.
17. Training Environment: Currently, Amir trains at London Shootfighters, a respected gym known for producing top-level fighters. This environment allows him to hone his skills alongside other talented martial artists.
18. Education: In addition to his martial arts career, Amir graduated from the University of Roehampton with a degree in sports science in 2013.
19. Personal Goals: In an interview with BBC, Amir stated that he wants to become the first Arab UFC champion. He plans to eventually return to Iraq and develop MMA there, contributing to his community and promoting the sport.
20. Cultural Influence: Growing up in a culturally diverse environment in Sweden has significantly influenced his martial arts journey. He balances his Iraqi roots with his Swedish upbringing, making him a unique figure in the UFC.

Achievements and Challenges

Amir's career is marked by numerous achievements and the ability to overcome significant challenges.

21. Amateur Competitions: Amir actively participated in several amateur MMA competitions throughout his early career. He competed in notable events like Fightstar Championship and Ultimate Challenge MMA (UCMMA).
22. Amateur Achievements: During his amateur career, Amir received multiple awards for his performances. He accumulated a remarkable record, achieving victories through both submissions and knockouts. These accomplishments highlighted his technical proficiency and adaptability inside the cage.
23. Professional Promotions: Amir has competed in various professional promotions, including the World Ultimate Full Contact, Bellator, and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). His transition to high-profile organizations like the UFC has been marked by impressive performances and recognition for his fighting skills.
24. Notable Opponents: In the UFC, Amir has faced formidable opponents like Brandon Moreno and Kai Kara-France, showcasing his capability in the competitive Flyweight division. These fights have cemented his reputation as a tough and determined fighter.
25. Health Issues: Amir has faced significant health issues, including an operation on his heart and another to deal with an arm he could no longer lift. These challenges have not deterred him from pursuing his career in MMA.
26. Injury Withdrawal: In 2024, Amir announced that he has withdrawn from his scheduled February bout against Brandon Moreno due to undisclosed reasons. This decision highlights the constant companion of injuries in a fighter's career.

Financial and Social Impact

Amir's success has not only brought him financial rewards but also a strong fan base and media presence.

27. Net Worth: As of 2024, Amir Albazi's net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million. His earnings from fights, sponsorships, and other MMA-related activities contribute to this figure.
28. Fan Base: Amir has built a strong fan base through his determination and resilience. His journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a top-ranked UFC fighter has inspired many fans around the world.
29. Media Presence: Amir has been featured in various media outlets, including interviews with the BBC and Sherdog. These interviews provide insight into his personal life, career struggles, and future goals.
30. Community Involvement: Amir is committed to giving back to his community. He plans to return to Iraq and develop MMA there, contributing to the growth of the sport in his homeland.

Fighting Style and Legacy

Amir's unique fighting style and his impact on the MMA community make him a standout figure in the sport.

31. Martial Arts Style: Amir's fighting style is a blend of traditional martial arts and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. His proficiency in these disciplines has been crucial in his success in the UFC.
32. Impact on Iraqi Community: As the first Iraqi fighter in the UFC, Amir has made a significant impact on the Iraqi community. His achievements serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many young athletes from Iraq.
33. Role Model: Amir is often cited as a role model for young athletes, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds. His journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a UFC fighter is a testament to the power of determination and hard work.
34. UFC Career Highlights: Amir's UFC career is marked by several highlights, including his debut victory over Malcolm Gordon and his unanimous decision win over Zhalgas Zhumagulov at UFC 257.
35. Future Plans: Despite his current success, Amir remains focused on his future plans. He aims to continue improving his skills, potentially becoming the first Arab UFC champion, and contributing to the growth of MMA in Iraq.
36. Cultural Adaptation: Amir's experience adapting to different cultures has been instrumental in his success. He has navigated the challenges of growing up in Sweden while maintaining his Iraqi roots, making him a unique figure in the UFC.
37. Mental Resilience: Amir's mental resilience has been crucial in overcoming the challenges he has faced. From dealing with bullying and cultural shock to managing health issues, he has consistently shown the ability to channel his energy and anger into his fighting career.
38. Impact on MMA Community: Amir's impact on the MMA community extends beyond his fighting skills. He has inspired a new generation of fighters from diverse backgrounds, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, anyone can achieve their goals in the sport.
39. Personal Philosophy: Amir's personal philosophy is centered around perseverance and self-expression. He believes that martial arts provided him with a way to channel his emotions and frustrations, leading him to where he is today.
40. Legacy: As Amir continues to climb the ranks in the UFC, he leaves a lasting legacy. His journey from Baghdad to becoming one of the top-ranked Flyweight fighters is a testament to the power of resilience and determination, inspiring countless individuals around the world.

Amir Albazi: A True Fighter

Amir Albazi's journey from Baghdad to the UFC is nothing short of remarkable. Born in Iraq, he fled persecution, faced bullying in Sweden, and found solace in martial arts. His dedication led him to an impressive 17-1 professional record, with notable victories in Bellator and the UFC. Despite health issues and injuries, Amir's resilience never wavered. Training at London Shootfighters, he aims to become the first Arab UFC champion and inspire others. His story isn't just about fighting; it's about overcoming adversity, embracing cultural diversity, and giving back to his community. Amir's impact on the MMA world and his commitment to his roots make him a true fighter in every sense. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations, proving that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.