Edmen Shahbazyan

Edmen Shahbazyan (Armenian: Էդմեն Շահբազյան), born November 20, 1997) is an American mixed martial artist of Armenian descent, competing in the middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Background

Edmen Shahbazyan fights out of Glendale, California. His older brother, Leon, is also a professional fighter. Edmen started training in martial arts at the age of 9 and has been training at his current gym Glendale Fighting Club since the age of 12. As a teenager, he served as a training partner for Ronda Rousey.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Shahbazyan made his professional debut in mixed martial arts on February 25, 2017 at CXF 6. He faced Selah Williams and won by technical knockout in the first round. Edmen continued fighting for mixed martial arts promotions in California and compiled a 6–0 record, winning all fights by first-round knockout.

Shahbazyan was invited to participate in Dana White's Contender Series 13 of Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series. Edmen faced Antonio Jones, winning by technical knockout only 40 seconds into the first round. His performance led to White offering him a contract to fight in the UFC.

Edmen is managed by Ronda Rousey's One Fight Management.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Shahbazyan debuted in the UFC on November 30, 2018 at The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale against Darren Stewart. He won the fight via split decision.

Shahbazyan's next fight was against Charles Byrd at UFC 235. He won the fight by first-round knockout.[

Shahbazyan faced Jack Marshman on July 6, 2019 at UFC 239. He won the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the first round.

Shahbazyan was expected to face Krzysztof Jotko on November 2, 2019 at UFC 244. However, Jotko withdrew from the bout and was replaced by Brad Tavares. He won the fight via a head kick KO in the first round.

Shahbazyan was expected to face Derek Brunson on March 7, 2020 at UFC 248; However it was announced on February 20 that the bout has been rescheduled and will take place on April 11, 2020 at UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Harris. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was eventually postponed. The bout eventually was scheduled on August 1, 2020 at UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs. Shahbazyan. He lost the fight via technical knockout in round three.

During the walkout Shahbazyan carried a flag of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, an internationally unrecognized regime. This was done in support after minor clashes took place in the area during that time. After the bout, the Consul General of Azerbaijan in Los Angeles Nasimi Aghayev sent a protest regarding the incident to the UFC. As an outcome Shahbazyan apologized to the UFC for breaking the rules and causing controversy, and also lost his Reebok sponsor money.

Shahbazyan was scheduled to face Jack Hermansson on May 15, 2021 at UFC 262. However, for unknown reasons the bout was postponed and took place at UFC Fight Night: Font vs. Garbrandt on May 22, 2021. He lost the bout via unanimous decision after being dominated by Hermansson's grappling in rounds 2 and 3.

Shahbazyan faced Nassourdine Imavov on November 6, 2021 at UFC 268. He lost the fight via TKO due to elbows from crucifix position in round two.