Edmen Shahbazyan Eyes No. 4 Brendan Allen Upset on 3-Fight Streak
Updated
Updated · UFC · Jun 4
Edmen Shahbazyan Eyes No. 4 Brendan Allen Upset on 3-Fight Streak
3 articles · Updated · UFC · Jun 4
Summary
Saturday’s middleweight bout gives 28-year-old Edmen Shahbazyan his clearest path back into the rankings, with a win over No. 4 Brendan Allen potentially reshaping his UFC trajectory.
A 3-fight winning streak has revived Shahbazyan after he lost 5 of 7, and he says added maturity—especially after becoming a father—has made him more composed and dangerous.
Allen’s grappling and all-around game are the central test, but Shahbazyan says months at Extreme Couture, including work with champion Sean Strickland, have sharpened his takedown defense and patience.
For Allen, the matchup carries downside because he is risking a Top-5 spot against an unranked opponent; for Shahbazyan, it is one of the biggest opportunities since his early UFC rise.
The fight is part of UFC Fight Night: Muhammad vs Bonfim on June 6 in Las Vegas, where Shahbazyan says a statement win would move him "right up there" in an open middleweight division.