In the past 20 years, countless emerging UFC hunters have been advertised as future faces of their divisions-Misschien no more than Edmen 'The Golden Boy' Shahbazyan.
When the former title holder and Bonified MMA -Superster Ronda Rousey promoted her Star student as a future UFC champion, many believed her.
However, a series of annoying defeats left 'The Golden Boy' in a trick spot; Continue training under Rowdy's custody or stops his own path at Xtreme Couture? Edmen Shahbazyan chose the latter.
Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty images
Edmen Shahbazyan was UFC 'Golden Boy' for a series of brutal losses
Shahbazyan started training with Rousey just 15 years old and by the time he entered the UFC in 2018 with a perfect professional record, many expected 'The Golden Boy' to quickly work his way to title.
His UFC official period started a flying start with a three-first round Finishes in his first four fighting-included a sensational high-kick Ko about Brad Tavares in 2019.
Unfortunately, Rousey's exceptional student was pushed too quickly.
First he was eliminated by Derek Brunson, then he was surpassed by Jack Hermansson, before he was stopped by Nassourdine Imavov with really vicious ground and pounds.
It was at the time that Shahbazyan decided that a change was needed.
In 2022 he chose to break the ties with Rousey and moved to Las Vegas – a movement that he described to MMA who fights as 'long -term'.
“When I went from my last two fighting, I feel that a change was definitely needed and it was already too late. I looked at my options to see where I can feel that I can unleash my full potential, and I believe Vegas had the best.
“I had to change, it was time [and] It was absolutely time for me, “Shahbazyan explained.
“It could have been done earlier, but now I am just happy to be here and get the new work. I didn't speak [to them] Since I left.
“I have a good relationship from my end [with them]. I have no problem. All the respect because I respect what they did for me, but on my side I am good. “
Shahbazyan won his next fight via TKO in the second round.
Edmen Shahbazyan returns to promotion this weekend at UFC Vegas 102
After obtaining the return KO victory at the end of 2012, Shahbazyan would lose his next fight and then beat AJ Dobson in the first round, and the most recently suffered a second round entry at Gerald Meerschaert.
His return to the Octagon is set for this coming weekend when he accepts Dylan 'The Mindless Hulk' Budka on the main map of UFC Vegas 102: Cannonier vs Rodrigues.
Budka is currently 0-2 under the UFC banner, with back-to-back defeats for Cesar Almeida and Andre Petroski in 2024.
Although it is by no means a 'lay-up' for Shahbazyan, fans expect 'The Golden Boy' to quickly work on his colossal opponent with around 94% of the tapology users who choose Rousey on the side of the former training partner of Rousey.
UFC Fight Night: Cannonier VS Rodrigues will go live in Las Vegas on Saturday 15 February.
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