The UFC has officially confirmed a middleweight bout between Brendan Allen and Edmen Shahbazyan for UFC Vegas 118 on June 7. The announcement gives fans a matchup between two contenders looking to advance in the middleweight division. Allen has been on an impressive run in recent years and will look to continue his momentum against Shahbazyan. Shahbazyan, once considered a top prospect, seeks to reestablish himself as a contender with a victory over the surging Allen. The bout represents a significant opportunity for both fighters to make a statement in the crowded 185-pound weight class.
The UFC has officially confirmed a middleweight contest between Brendan Allen and Edmen Shahbazyan, set to take place at UFC Vegas 118 on June 7.
Allen, known as "All In," enters the bout ranked fifth in the middleweight division and riding a strong run of form. The 30-year-old American trains out of Kill Cliff FC and carries a 26-7 record into the fight. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, Allen is a well-rounded threat, averaging 3.59 significant strikes per minute at 53 percent accuracy while also posing a consistent grappling danger with 1.56 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Shahbazyan, nicknamed "The Golden Boy," is a 28-year-old orthodox fighter out of Xtreme Couture who holds a 16-5 record. He shares identical measurements with Allen at six-foot-two and a 75-inch reach. Shahbazyan is slightly more active on the feet, landing 3.8 significant strikes per minute, though his accuracy sits at 48 percent. He also averages 1.62 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a credible threat in the clinch and on the mat.
Why it matters
- Allen's fifth-place ranking means a convincing win could push him closer to title contention in a loaded 185-pound division.
- Shahbazyan entered the UFC as one of the sport's most hyped prospects and a strong performance here would signal a full return to contender status.
- Both fighters are nearly identical in size and stance, placing a premium on output, timing, and grappling exchanges.
- The near-mirror physical profile — same height, reach, and orthodox stance — sets up a technically demanding contest with little margin for error on either side.
