The UFC has officially announced a middleweight bout between Brendan Allen and Edmen Shahbazyan for June 7 at UFC Vegas 118. The matchup represents a significant test for both fighters in the 185-pound division. Allen has been on an impressive run in the middleweight rankings, while Shahbazyan looks to rebuild his career trajectory. The post asks fans to predict the outcome by reacting with fire for Allen or heart for Shahbazyan. This bout could have implications for the middleweight rankings.
The UFC has made it official: Brendan Allen and Edmen Shahbazyan will meet at middleweight on June 7 at UFC Vegas 118.
Allen, nicknamed "All In," enters the bout as the No. 5-ranked middleweight in the world. The 30-year-old American out of Kill Cliff FC carries a record of 26-7-0 and has established himself as one of the more well-rounded threats in the 185-pound division. Standing six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, Allen lands 3.59 significant strikes per minute at a 53 percent accuracy rate — among the better marks in the division — and supplements his striking with consistent grappling, averaging 1.56 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Shahbazyan, known as "The Golden Boy," comes in with a record of 16-5-0 and looks to reassert himself as a legitimate contender in the middleweight picture. The 28-year-old trains out of Xtreme Couture and shares an identical frame with his opponent — six-foot-two and a 75-inch reach. He actually edges Allen in striking volume, landing 3.8 significant strikes per minute, though his accuracy sits at 48 percent. Shahbazyan also averages 1.62 takedowns per 15 minutes, suggesting he can be a threat on the mat as well.
Why it matters
- Allen's No. 5 ranking means a win for either fighter carries direct middleweight title-contention implications
- Both men stand six-foot-two with identical reaches, removing any physical edge and putting the emphasis squarely on execution
- Allen's submission rate versus Shahbazyan's relatively low submission attempt average sets up an intriguing grappling dynamic should the fight hit the canvas
- A loss for Shahbazyan would further complicate his path back into the upper tier of the division
