Amir Albazi, ranked No. 4 in the UFC Flyweight division, announced he will not compete at UFC Vegas 108 this August 2 in Las Vegas. Albazi was scheduled to headline the event against Tatsuro Taira but was forced to withdraw because he was not medically cleared to fight, a decision made for his safety by the UFC and the Nevada Athletic Commission.
The UFC Amir Albazi fight withdrawal came as a surprise to fans and the MMA community, given Albazi had completed his full training camp and was preparing intensely for the bout. He shared the news on social media, expressing both heartbreak and determination to return stronger in the future.
Albazi Explains Setback and Expresses Gratitude
In a heartfelt statement, Albazi said,
“I’m heartbroken to announce that I won’t be fighting on August 2nd. I finished my whole training camp and did everything I could, but I wasn’t medically cleared in time. The UFC and the commission made the call for my safety. I respect their decision even though I wanted to step into that cage and take care of business. I’ll be back stronger and better. This is just a setback, not the end. Thank you to my fans, my team, and everyone who supports me through the ups and downs.” —Amir Albazi, UFC Flyweight Fighter
The fighter acknowledged the disappointment but emphasized his respect for the commission’s decision and reassured supporters that he views this as a temporary hurdle rather than a career-ending event.
Albazi’s History of Overcoming Major Challenges
This withdrawal is a tough moment for Albazi, who has previously faced significant obstacles throughout his career. The 31-year-old endured a lengthy 16-month break between 2023 and 2024, coping with serious health issues that included heart surgery as well as a severe injury that nearly resulted in paralysis. While it remains unclear if these past medical problems influenced the Nevada Athletic Commission’s ruling, the timing certainly compounds his frustration.
Albazi entered this scheduled fight following his first UFC defeat, which ended an impressive six-fight win streak. That loss came against former Flyweight champion Brandon Moreno at UFC Edmonton in 2024, and now Albazi faces another hurdle on his path back toward title contention.
Upcoming UFC Vegas 108 Card Adjustments and Event Highlights
With Albazi out, the UFC Vegas 108 event will proceed at the APEX facility in Las Vegas featuring a revised main event. No. 6-ranked flyweight contender Tatsuro Taira will instead face Hyun Sung Park, an undefeated lightweight phenom, in a matchup expected to deliver fast-paced action across five five-minute rounds.
Additionally, the co-main event will pit promising lightweight prospect Chris Duncan against the experienced Polish fighter Mateusz Rebecki. Both fighters have much to gain with a victory potentially positioning them for entry into the UFC’s Top 15 rankings.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Albazi and the Flyweight Division
Amir Albazi’s medical withdrawal slows his momentum but does not diminish his prospects in the Flyweight division. The fighter’s earlier career resilience suggests he will continue to work toward returning stronger and reclaiming his place among the elite contenders. The UFC will keep fans updated on his recovery and future fight schedule as plans develop.
For now, UFC Vegas 108 attendees and viewers can expect a dynamic fight night filled with competitive matchups in the Flyweight and Lightweight divisions, keeping the energy and anticipation high at the APEX in Las Vegas.