Full Breakdown
Brendan Allen Takes on Edmen Shahbazyan at UFC Vegas 118: A Fight Born from Missed Opportunities
6/4/2026, 11:08:14 PM
The Co-Main Event at UFC Vegas 118
On June 6 2026, UFC Vegas 118 will feature a middleweight co-main bout between No. 4-ranked contender Brendan Allen and unranked knockout artist Edmen Shahbazyan at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. The pairing was unexpected given Allen’s recent ascent into the division’s top five and Shahbazyan’s lack of a ranking.
Background: From a Signature Upset to a Scrapped Du Plessis Matchup
Allen entered the UFC in 2019 and, after a series of victories, earned a high-profile win over former ONE champion Reinier de Ridder at UFC Vancouver in October 2025. The upset propelled Allen into the top-five middleweights and sparked a call-out of former UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis. Allen says the du Plessis fight was “a done deal” in January 2026, but was later postponed after du Plessis reportedly suffered an injury and was slated to fight again only in July 2026. Frustrated by the delay, Allen pursued other opponents, ultimately accepting Shahbazyan’s fight.
Key Figures
- Brendan Allen – 26-7 MMA record (14-4 UFC), No. 4 middleweight contender, known for grappling and striking versatility.
- Dricus du Plessis – Former UFC middleweight champion, scheduled for a July 2026 bout against Kamaru Usman at UFC Oklahoma City.
- Edmen Shahbazyan – 16-5 MMA record (9-5 UFC), on a three-fight win streak, including a stoppage of Andre Muniz at UFC 320.
- UFC – The promotion that arranged the Allen-Shahbazyan matchup after other potential opponents declined or were unavailable.
Timeline of Negotiations
- October 2025 – Allen defeats de Ridder at UFC Vancouver.
- January 2026 – Allen claims a “done deal” with du Plessis is announced.
- April–May 2026 – Du Plessis is said to be injured; the fight is postponed to July.
- Late April 2026 – Allen seeks alternative opponents, including Kamaru Usman; requests are denied.
- May 2026 – Shahbazyan becomes the next available opponent after a scheduled bout with Jun Yong Park falls through.
- June 6 2026 – Allen-Shahbazyan co-main event at UFC Vegas 118.
Data & Statistics
Official Statements & Responses
Allen emphasized his desire to stay active, earn a paycheck, and avoid prolonged inactivity. He noted that “I like money, man. I like money,” and that “I don’t like sitting out. It doesn’t do me no good.” He also expressed disappointment with the UFC’s matchmaking, stating he “has defended my spot many, many times” yet feels “not appreciated.” The UFC has not issued a formal comment on the matchup.
Criticism & Opposition
Allen publicly accused du Plessis of evading the fight, describing him as “a bitch.” He also criticized the division’s opponent availability, claiming “nobody wanted to fight” and that he was forced to take a “dangerous fight against an unranked opponent.” Fans and analysts questioned the logic of a top-five fighter facing an unranked opponent, highlighting the disparity in rankings.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Du Plessis cited an injury that delayed his bout, yet posted training videos shortly thereafter, creating uncertainty about the true cause of the postponement. No official statements from du Plessis or the UFC clarify the situation, leaving the exact reasons for the fight’s cancellation unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Because he’s a bitch,” — Brendan Allen, UFC middleweight contender
- “I like money, man. I like money,” — Brendan Allen, UFC middleweight contender
- “If I can’t take him down in the fight, if I can’t do what I plan to do, then I’m going to beat the shit out of him on the feet, which is what I come to do anyway,” — Brendan Allen, UFC middleweight contender
- “No, I really haven’t felt anything, to be honest,” — Brendan Allen, UFC middleweight contender
- “I've had that problem in the past, focusing on numbers, but this sh*t don't mean nothing," Allen said.” — Brendan Allen, UFC middleweight contender
What’s Next
A victory over Shahbazyan would keep Allen active, maintain his earnings, and preserve his position in the title conversation. Allen has indicated that a subsequent win could prompt the UFC to schedule a “No. 1 contender bout,” potentially against a top-ranked opponent such as du Plessis or Kamaru Usman.