Derek Brunson pulled off the upset against Edmen Shahbazyan at UFC Vegas 5 and here’s what fellow fighters had to say.
You’ve got to love these types of main events when the UFC chooses to put a veteran like Derek Brunson across the Octagon from a rising star like Edmen Shahbazyan. A win for either man shines the spotlight so bright on the victor and gets the matchmakers salivating on who to match these contenders up with next.
Coming into the bout with Shahbazyan, being the underdog didn’t seem to bother Derek Brunson as he knew what was needed to get the job done inside the Octagon. Brunson looked to remind the world of how dangerous he is inside the Octagon and that nobody is going to make a career off his name.
Edmen Shahbazyan has had quite the rise in his MMA career, leading to his first UFC main event against Brunson. Training with Ronda Rousey and winning his UFC contract from Dana White’s Contender Series has shown the world that it was only a matter of time before he clinched a main event fight.
What a performance from Derek Brunson – what a way to get the TKO victory in the third round and hand Edmen Shahbazyan his first professional loss.
Check out how the pros reacted to the main event between Derek Brunson and Edmen Shahbazyan.
Nice one Brunson.
Really showed your level of experience in this fight.
Enjoy your time with your kids 🙌🏾✨— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) August 2, 2020
Early but sound call from herb dean. Brunson was just gonna punish him big time. No need for a young prospect to take unnecessary damage.
— michael (@bisping) August 2, 2020
Told you guys don’t count out brunson #bullyknows #bullysbicks
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) August 2, 2020
Good stoppage by herb. This will be a big learning lesson for edmen
— Brian Kelleher (@brianboom135) August 2, 2020
Brunson looked good, in great shape. Smart first round, took over in 2nd and then got the finish. What a performance. @DerekBrunson should be proud. Head up @edmenshahbazyan what a great night of fights.
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) August 2, 2020
Damn nasty ground an pound Brunson, really liked the way he mixed up the boxing n wrestling #ufcvegas5
— Arnold billy allen (@Arnoldbfa) August 2, 2020
Brunson showing so much growth and patience tonight. Showcased why hes one of the best in the division.
Would love to see him fight Hermansson next maybe? #UFCVegas5
— Megan Anderson (@MeganA_mma) August 2, 2020
Brunson showed up tn in a big way. For me, I feel the UFC has him as a gate keeper, but he’s a dangerous and durable one. Great fight from both men. Shabahzyan will be back. He’s very young. #ItsMyBirthdayBish #UFCVegas5
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) August 2, 2020
