Edmen Shahbazyan

Edmen Shahbazyan(Armenian: Էդմեն Շահբազյան, born November 20, 1997) is an Americanmixed martial artistcompeting in the middleweight division of theUltimate Fighting Championship(UFC).
Edmen Shahbazyan fights out ofGlendale, California. His older brother, Leon, is also a professional fighter.Edmen started training in martial arts at the age of 9 and trained at his former gym Glendale Fighting Club since the age of 12.As a teenager, he served as a training partner forRonda Rousey.Shahbazyan initially attendedGlendale High School, but transferred toHerbert Hoover High Schoolfrom where he graduated.During his time in Hoover High, he wrestled and reached theCIFState Wrestling Championship tournament.Shahbazyan is ofArmenian descentand has prominently displayed his heritage and support for Armenia.
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 onDana White's Contender Series 13ofDana White's 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 theUFC.
Edmen was formerly managed by Ronda Rousey's One Fight Management.
Shahbazyan debuted in the UFC on November 30, 2018, atThe Ultimate Fighter 28 FinaleagainstDarren Stewart. He won the fight via split decision.
Shahbazyan's next fight was againstCharles ByrdatUFC 235.He won the fight by first-round knockout.
Shahbazyan facedJack Marshmanon July 6, 2019, atUFC 239.He won the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the first round.
Shahbazyan was expected to faceKrzysztof Jotkoon November 2, 2019, atUFC 244.However, Jotko withdrew from the bout and was replaced byBrad Tavares.After initially knocking Tavares down via a punch, Shahbazyan won the fight via a head kick KO in the first round.
Shahbazyan was expected to faceDerek Brunsonon March 7, 2020, atUFC 248.However it was announced on February 20 that the bout had been rescheduled and would take place on April 11, 2020, atUFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Harris.Due to theCOVID-19 pandemic, the event was postponedand eventually scheduled for August 1, 2020, atUFC Fight Night: Brunson vs. Shahbazyan.Shahbazyan lost the fight via technical knockout in round three.
During the walkout Shahbazyan carried a flag ofNagorno-Karabakh. This was done in support afterwarfare and subsequent ethnic cleansingtook place in the area during that time. After the bout, theConsul General of Azerbaijan in Los AngelesNasimi Aghayevsent 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 faceJack Hermanssonon May 15, 2021,  atUFC 262.However, for unknown reasons the bout was postponed and took place atUFC Fight Night: Font vs. Garbrandton May 22, 2021.He lost the bout via unanimous decision after being dominated by Hermansson's grappling in rounds 2 and 3.
Shahbazyan facedNassourdine Imavovon November 6, 2021, atUFC 268.He lost the fight via TKO due to elbows from crucifix position in round two.
Shahbazyan facedDalcha Lungiambulaon December 10, 2022, atUFC 282.He won the fight via technical knockout in round two.This win earned him thePerformance of the Nightaward.
Shahbazyan facedAnthony Hernandezon May 20, 2023, atUFC Fight Night 223.He lost the fight via technical knockout in round three.
Shahbazyan was scheduled to faceDuško Todorovićon March 23, 2024, atUFC on ESPN 53.However, Todorović pulled out due to a serious knee injury and was replaced by A.J. Dobson.Shahbazyan won the fight by knockout at the end of the first round.
Shahbazyan facedGerald Meerschaerton August 24, 2024 atUFC on ESPN 62.After landing a body blow and repeated ground strikes, he lost the fight via an arm-bar submission in the second round.
Shahbazyan faced Dylan Budka on February 15, 2025 atUFC Fight Night 251.He won the fight by technical knockout in the first round.This fight earned him anotherPerformance of the Nightaward.