LAS VEGAS – Edmen Shahbazyan has not lived up to the high expectations some have placed on him so far in his career. But anyone who reminds him of that fact in a negative light will not attract his attention.
Shahbazyan (12-4 MMA, 5-4 UFC) started his career with 11 straight wins, but has since lost four of his past five fights. He'll look to turn the tide Saturday when he faces AJ Dobson (7-2 MMA, 1-2 UFC) in a middleweight bout on UFC Apex (ESPN, ESPN+) at UFC on ESPN 53.
There was a time when Shahbazyan expressed a desire to break Jon Jones' record as the youngest champion in UFC history. Although the narrative has changed rapidly, Shahbazyan will not buckle under public scrutiny.
“That doesn't make sense to me,” Shahbazian told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday's media day. “Everyone has their opinion. You know how MMA fans feel. They're on your side in one fight and completely against you in the next fight. But I guess that's how it is. That's what makes sports work. Saturday – Tune in on Saturday for a good performance.”
At 26 years old, Shahbazyyan is still young, and for his most recent fights he changed gyms to Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, run by coach Eric Nikcik. He is hopeful that this move will start to bear fruit, and believes Dobson will perform well to get back on the winning track.
“I think he’s a good up-and-coming fighter,” Shahbazian said. “But I think my skill set is much higher. With the training I've had and the work I've put in so far, I'm going to go out there and perform.”
For more information on this card, visit MMA Junkie's UFC event hub on ESPN 53.
Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and other content with mixed martial arts fans.
