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Brendan Allen is looking to affirm his status as a true contender at middleweight, while Edmen Shahbazyan sees a chance to make up for lost time when these two clash in the co-main event of this weekend’s UFC Fight Night card at the Apex in Las Vegas.
Allen is the favorite at -220 in the UFC odds, while Shahbazyan is a +170 underdog. Allen faces off against an improving Shahbazyan, whose recent success indicates he may be ready for Allen’s world-class BJJ skills.
Read on for our Allen vs. Shahbazyan predictions and free betting picks for Saturday, June 6.
Allen vs Shahbazyan fight prediction: Shahbazyan moneyline (+170)
Over his last three fights, Edmen Shahbazyan has shown greater resilience against wrestlers and sharpened his striking.
Brendan Allen upset contenders Marvin Vettori and Reinier de Ridder, but the BJJ practitioner tends to struggle facing sharp strikers, absorbing punishment to set up his grappling.
If Shahbazyan’s defensive improvements are real, his power and striking proficiency can carry him to an upset. Shahbazyan is the pick.
Allen vs Shahbazyan best bet: Shahbazyan By KO, TKO, or DQ (+295)
Allen has been stopped by Sean Strickland and Chris Curtis in the past, neither of whom is known for their power.
Shahbazyan has remained relevant despite his grappling deficiencies because of his explosiveness and finishing ability.
If he keeps the fight standing and forces Allen to take risks pursuing takedowns, he’ll have repeated opportunities to land a fight-changing shot. I’m taking Shahbazyan by KO/TKO/DQ.
COVERS INTEL: Allen’s path to victory has to involve scoring takedowns and competitive striking. He has never won a fight where he was outstruck and denied a takedown.Brendan Allen vs Edmen Shahbazyan odds
 |
||
|---|---|---|
| Method of Victory | Allen | Shahbazyan |
| To win outright | <<-180>> | <<+140>> |
| To win by KO/TKO | <<+475>> | <<+260>> |
| To win by decision | <<+325>> | <<+600>> |
| To win by submission | <<+210>> | <<+2250>> |
| Total rounds | Over 1.5 <<-190>> |
Under 1.5 <<+145>> |
Odds as of 6-6.
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Brendan Allen vs Edmen Shahbazyan tale of the tape
| Allen | Shahbazyan | |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | Age | 28 |
| 6-foot-2 | Height | 6-foot-2 |
| Middleweight | Weight Class | Middleweight |
| 75 inches | Reach | 75 inches |
| 26-7 | Record | 16-5 |
| 6 | Wins by KO | 13 |
| 14 | Wins by submission | 1 |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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