Edemn Shahbazyan bounced back from a 1-4 run with a big knockout of AJ Dobson at UFC Vegas 89.
After getting into the top fifteen at middleweight with a win over Brad Tavares in 2019, Shahbazyan suffered three straight setbacks wherein his cardio deficiencies were apparent. He made some improvements and won a fight but could not get past cardio machine Anthony Hernandez. Thus, when he knocked out 1-2 UFC fighter AJ Dobson he was jubilant, especially given how hurt he was before he turned the tables.
AJ Dobson got off to a strong start in the first round by rocking Edmen Shahbazyan with two right hands, but Edmen took him down in order to survive. However, when Shahbazyan went to take the back, AJ spun into his guard and got on top. Edmen got back up and pressed forward, suddenly changing the entire fight with a clean left hook. Dobson stumbled and fell, then could only cover up as Shahbazyan pounced on top and landed ground strikes until the referee stepped in.
That wild banger of a fight concluded with Edmen Shahbazyan telling Paul Felder, “I’m in dog shape, I was in dog shape for this fight,” and that he expected three checks for this performance.
Official Result: Edmen Shahbazyan def. AJ Dobson by TKO (punches) Round 1, 4:33
