Brendan Allen outlasts Edmen Shahbazyan in bloody UFC Vegas 118 co-main event war. The co-main event of UFC Vegas 118 featured a compelling middleweight clash between Brendan Allen and the resurgent Edmen Shahbazyan on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Brendan Allen entered UFC Vegas 118 as one of the most consistent contenders in the middleweight division, carrying a professional record of 26–7 and a strong reputation for finishing fights. Allen scored one of the biggest victories of his career when he defeated former ONE Championship double champion Reinier de Ridder via TKO (corner stoppage) in Round 4. Before that, Allen earned a solid unanimous decision win over Marvin Vettori, showing improved composure and striking control against a former UFC title challenger. Allen suffered a unanimous decision loss to Anthony Hernandez at UFC Seattle. He also dropped a unanimous decision to Nassourdine Imavov, where he was outstruck over three rounds in a competitive but clear defeat. A win over Shahbazyan would likely keep him firmly in the title conversation and move him another step closer to championship contention.
Just a few years ago, his opponent Edmen Shahbazyan was considered one of the UFC’s brightest prospects before suffering a difficult stretch against elite competition. Now, “The Golden Boy” appears to have rebuilt his confidence and momentum. The 28-year-old entered UFC Vegas 118 riding a three-fight winning streak, including victories over Andre Petroski and André Muniz. Most notably, he stopped Muniz in the first round at UFC 320 reminding fans why he was once viewed as a future contender.
The fight started and Allen came out aggressively from the opening bell, immediately applying pressure with leg kicks and right hands. He pushed Shahbazyan backward and looked determined to set the pace early. Shahbazyan stayed composed and fired back with sharp counters whenever Allen entered range. The exchanges were competitive, with Allen throwing more volume while Shahbazyan looked for cleaner, harder shots. Late in the round, Shahbazyan landed a solid counter that reminded everyone of his knockout power, but Allen’s pressure likely gave him the edge in the opening five minutes.
The second round was the most competitive of the fight. Both men traded heavy shots in the pocket, with neither willing to back down. Allen mixed things up well, attacking with punches, kicks, and knees from the clinch. Shahbazyan found success with his jab and combinations, but Allen’s constant pressure kept forcing him to work. The pace remained high throughout the round as both fighters landed meaningful strikes. By the end of the round, Allen’s varied offense and forward movement appeared to be separating him slightly on the scorecards of the judges.
Knowing the fight could still be up for grabs, Allen increased the pressure in the final round. The exchanges became increasingly violent as both fighters wore visible damage. Allen’s elbows and close-range strikes began taking a toll, opening a deep cut around Shahbazyan’s eye. Despite Shahbazyan continuing to fight back, Allen never stopped coming forward. In the closing moments, he secured a takedown that helped seal the round and remove any doubt from the judges’ minds. When the final horn sounded, Allen had clearly finished stronger.
It wasn’t a perfect performance, but it was a gritty one. Brendan Allen showed why he remains one of the toughest middleweights in the division, overcoming a dangerous and motivated Shahbazyan with pressure, volume, and determination. The fight tested both men, left both bloodied, and delivered one of the most entertaining battles of the night. For Allen, the victory extends his momentum and keeps him firmly in the middleweight title conversation. For Shahbazyan, despite the loss, the performance showed that his resurgence is real and that he remains a dangerous opponent for anyone at 185 pounds.
Check out UFC Vegas 118 results below.
Main Card
Gabriel Bonfim def. Belal Muhammad via unanimous decision (50-45 x3)
Brendan Allen def. Edmen Shahbazyan via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)
Tom Nolan def. Fares Ziam via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Bryce Mitchell def. Santiago Luna via submission (arm-triangle choke) (R3, 4:52)
Iwo Baraniewski def. Junior Tafa via TKO (strikes) (R1, 1:25)
Preliminary Card
Alessandro Costa def. Matt Schnell via TKO (strikes) (R1, 2:28)
Marcus McGhee def. John Yannis via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)
Edgar Chairez def. Bruno Silva via submission (rear-naked choke) (R1, 4:13)
Chelsea Chandler def. Priscila Cachoeira via submission (armbar) (R1, 3:42)
Joanderson Brito def. Jordan Leavitt via submission (ninja choke) (R1, 4:19)
Jeisla Chaves def. Yuneisy Duben via split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)
Ketlen Souza def. Ariane Carnelossi via KO (head kick and punches) (R1, 1:34)
