Edmen Shahbazyan Vs. A.J. Dobson: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

Two graduates of the Dana White Contender Series clash on the main card of UFC Vegas 89 this weekend. Americans Edmen Shahbazyan and A.J. Dobson collide in a middleweight bout seeking clarity for their UFC careers. After early successes, Shahbazyan has struggled to get wins in the promotion and comes into the bout off a 1-5 record. A.J Dobson, who has stepped in to replace Shahbazyan's original opponent, is 1-2 in his last three visits to the octagon but won a crucial decision in his last visit to the octagon. Shahbazyan is the bookies' favorite ahead of the fight.

MMA: UFC Middleweight

Where to watch: ESPN/ESPN+

Venue: UFC Apex

Date: 24.03.2024 06:30

"The Golden Boy" debuted in the UFC in 2018 after successfully scaling through the DWCS 13. Four consecutive wins in the promotion for Edmen Shahbazyan portended great things, but then a 2020 main event loss to Derek Brunson derailed the train. Not able to deal with a first pro loss, Shahbazyan lost two more on the bounce to Jack Hermansson and Nassourdine Imavov. The 26-year-old earned a performance of the night bonus in a win over Dalcha Lungiambula at the end of 2022 but lost again last year.

• Age: 26
• Height: 6'2"
• Weight: 185 lbs (84kg)
• Reach: 74"
• Record: 12-4

I was pretty excited. He's a guy that's headlined before. He's in the video game. He has a really good team behind him. It's a really good opportunity for me to show that my skills are up to par and I belong. I think this is going to be the best Edmen ever. People can look at his record and say whatever they want, but he's still a part of a really good team. He's been putting in work. He's gotten to see that champion-level camp with Sean. So I think I'm going to get the best Edmen, and I'm prepared for that.

A.J. Dobson

The 32-year-old secured his first promotional win last August with an upset over Tafon Nchukwi. The contender series alumni debuted in the UFC in 2022 and lost his first two fights in the UFC to Jacob Malkoun and Armen Petrosyan that year. With a maiden promotional victory in his resume on the third attempt, A.J. Dobson is positive of bagging another victory against his compatriot.

• Age: 32
• Height: 6'1"
• Reach: 76"
• Weight: 185 lbs (84kg)
• Record: 7-2-1 (NC)

Edmen Shahbazyan is a 1.53 odds favorite on Betwinner, which prices the underdog at 2.487. A decision for A.J. Dobson is available at 4.5 odds on 1XBET, which prices a win by KO/TKO for the favorite at 2.5. Betting yes for fight to go the distance on Bet365 is listed at 2.30 odds, with the No priced at 1.57.