The UFC has officially confirmed a middleweight bout between Brendan Allen and Edmen Shahbazyan for June 7 at UFC Vegas 118. Both fighters compete in the middleweight division and the matchup represents a significant test for both men. Allen has been on a strong run in recent outings, while Shahbazyan is looking to rebuild momentum after setbacks earlier in his career. The post invited fans to predict the outcome of the fight. No additional details about the rest of the UFC Vegas 118 card were provided.
The UFC has officially confirmed a middleweight showdown between Brendan Allen and Edmen Shahbazyan, scheduled for June 7 at UFC Vegas 118.
Allen, known as "All In," enters the bout ranked fifth in the middleweight division and carrying a 26-7 record. The 30-year-old from the United States trains out of Kill Cliff FC and brings a well-rounded skill set to the cage. Fighting out of an orthodox stance at six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, Allen lands 3.59 significant strikes per minute at a 53 percent accuracy rate, while also generating consistent grappling pressure with 1.56 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Shahbazyan, nicknamed "The Golden Boy," holds a 16-5 record and trains with Xtreme Couture. The 28-year-old American shares an identical physical profile with Allen — six-foot-two and a 75-inch reach — and is also an orthodox fighter. He edges Allen in striking volume at 3.8 significant strikes per minute, though his accuracy sits at 48 percent. Shahbazyan has been working to rebuild his standing in the division after a difficult stretch, and a strong performance here would go a long way toward restoring his earlier momentum.
Why it matters
- Allen's top-five ranking means a win for either fighter carries real divisional weight
- The near-identical physical dimensions set up a closely matched striking battle between two orthodox fighters
- Both men pose grappling threats, with Shahbazyan holding a slight edge in takedown rate and Allen the more active submission attacker
- A Shahbazyan victory would represent a significant step in his rebuild, while Allen could strengthen his case for a higher-profile matchup next
