Edmen Shahbazyan hopes quick TKO win at UFC Fight Night 251 is start of middleweight climb

LAS VEGAS – Edmen Shahbazyan beat Dylan Budka with a first-round TKO Saturday on the main card at UFC Fight Night 251 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Take a look inside the fight with Shahbazyan, who was a 6-1 favorite and bounced back from a loss to Gerald Meerschaert.

Edmen Shahbazyan def. Dylan Budka

Result: Edmen Shahbazyan def. Dylan Budka via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:35
Updated records: Shahbazyan (14-5 MMA, 7-5 UFC), Budka (7-5 MMA, 0-3 UFC)
Key stats: Shahbazyan got hit with just one punch.

Shahbazyan on the fight’s key moment

“I wish it would have went longer, but it was awesome getting the victory, especially stuff we’ve been practicing all of camp. Whenever you’re practicing and then that works in the fight, it’s the best feeling. I’m just so thankful.”

Shahbazyan on his potential

“(Being a father is) awesome. It’s like I have more purpose in life, more motivation in life. I’m just blessed – so thankful. … I believe in myself. My family believes in me. My coaches, training partners all believe in me. So there’s definitely a lot more to grow from and get better. Whatever you saw me in the beginning in the UFC, yeah, it was a great run. But I feel like I’m so much better now. I’ve gained so much knowledge, so much experience, I’m just going to keep getting better and better.”

Shahbazyan on what he wants next

“Probably June, (I’d like to be back). I want to get three to four fights this year. If it happens, I would love to run my last loss (to Gerald Meerschaert) back. I feel like I rushed in that fight and made a mistake after hurting him. I rushed, but I hope that fight happens – hopefully in June.”

To hear more from Shahbazyan, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 251.