The UFC has officially confirmed a middleweight bout between Brendan Allen and Edmen Shahbazyan for UFC Vegas 118 on June 7. The matchup pits two ranked middleweights against each other in what should be a crucial divisional contest. Allen has been on a strong run in recent fights, while Shahbazyan looks to rebound and climb back into title contention. The bout is expected to be a featured fight on the card. Further details about the event will be announced closer to the date.
The UFC has officially confirmed a middleweight matchup 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 carrying a 26-7 record. The 30-year-old American trains out of Kill Cliff FC and brings a well-rounded offensive game 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 an impressive 53 percent accuracy, 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 at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas. The 28-year-old American shares identical physical dimensions with Allen — six-foot-two, 75-inch reach, orthodox stance — making this a true mirror matchup in terms of size. Shahbazyan is slightly busier on the feet, averaging 3.8 significant strikes per minute, though his striking accuracy sits at 48 percent. He also generates 1.62 takedowns per 15 minutes, giving him a credible wrestling threat of his own.
Why it matters
- Allen's fifth-place ranking means a strong performance could push him firmly into title contention at 185 pounds
- Shahbazyan needs a decisive win to reestablish himself as a legitimate divisional threat after a difficult stretch
- Both fighters share near-identical physical profiles, placing the outcome squarely on tactics and execution
- The grappling dimension adds layers to what could otherwise look like a striking-heavy contest on paper
