Brendan Allen and Edmen Shahbazyan have been officially matched to fight on June 7 at UFC Vegas 118. The announcement confirms the middleweight bout between two established UFC fighters. The post includes a poll asking fans to predict the outcome. This represents a significant matchup in the middleweight division. Both fighters are looking to improve their standing in the competitive 185-pound weight class.
The UFC has officially confirmed a middleweight clash between Brendan Allen and Edmen Shahbazyan, set to take place on June 7 at UFC Vegas 118.
Allen enters the bout as the fifth-ranked middleweight in the UFC, making this a meaningful assignment for both men. The 30-year-old American, who trains out of Kill Cliff FC, carries a record of 26-7 and brings a well-rounded game to the cage. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, "All In" lands 3.59 significant strikes per minute at an impressive 53 percent accuracy, while also averaging 1.56 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes — a combination that makes him dangerous across all phases of a fight.
Shahbazyan, nicknamed "The Golden Boy," comes in at 16-5 and trains alongside elite talent at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas. The 28-year-old is physically identical to Allen — also six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach — and actually edges his opponent slightly in striking volume, posting 3.8 significant strikes per minute, though his accuracy sits at 48 percent. Shahbazyan is less active in the grappling department, averaging 1.62 takedowns per 15 minutes but only 0.4 submission attempts in the same span.
Why it matters
- Allen holds the No. 5 middleweight ranking, so a win for either fighter carries real divisional weight
- The physical mirror-match — identical height, reach, and orthodox stances — puts the emphasis squarely on skills and fight IQ
- Shahbazyan needs a statement win to re-enter the rankings conversation, while Allen is looking to push toward the top of a competitive 185-pound division
- Both fighters are active strikers, which sets up an entertaining stand-up battle with submission threats lurking on the ground
