The UFC has officially announced a middleweight bout between Brendan Allen and Edmen Shahbazyan for June 7 at UFC Vegas 118. Both fighters are ranked middleweights looking to climb the division ladder. The matchup pits Allen's grappling and submission skills against Shahbazyan's striking power. The post does not provide additional details on the fighters' current rankings or recent form, but the fight is now confirmed as part of the Vegas card.
The UFC has made it official: Brendan Allen and Edmen Shahbazyan will collide at middleweight on June 7 at UFC Vegas 118.
Allen, nicknamed "All In," enters the bout ranked fifth in the middleweight division. The 30-year-old American carries a 26-7 record and trains out of Kill Cliff FC. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, Allen has built his reputation on a well-rounded game that leans heavily on grappling. He lands 3.59 significant strikes per minute at a 53 percent accuracy rate, and his submission threat is consistent, averaging 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes alongside 1.56 takedowns in the same span.
Shahbazyan, known as "The Golden Boy," brings a 16-5 record into the matchup. The 28-year-old Xtreme Couture product shares Allen's six-foot-two frame and 75-inch reach almost exactly. Shahbazyan edges Allen in striking volume, posting 3.8 significant strikes per minute, though his accuracy sits at 48 percent. He also averages 1.62 takedowns per 15 minutes, showing more wrestling activity than his striking-heavy reputation might suggest.
Why it matters
- Allen holds a top-five divisional ranking, meaning a loss would carry significant ladder consequences for him.
- A win for Shahbazyan would mark a statement return and push him back into contention after a difficult stretch in his career.
- Both fighters are physically identical in size and reach, making the stylistic contrast — Allen's submission pressure against Shahbazyan's striking output — the defining factor.
- The bout adds meaningful stakes to the UFC Vegas 118 card at the 185-pound limit.
