UFC Fight Night: Derek Brunson vs. Edmen Shahbazyan preview

Rising middleweight prospect Edmen Shahbazyan is taking a huge step toward legitimacy against the tried and tested Derek Brunson on Saturday, Aug 1.

This volatile clash between two contenders is sure to leave the fans happy, and BetAmerica has the call for this edition of UFC Fight Night.

Shahbazyan is the real deal

Shahbazyan may be 22-years-old, but his recent performances suggest he has the goods. How he’ll do against the division’s best gatekeeper will be a better gauge of his ceiling, as he slowly makes his way toward a significant fight in the division.

Though Brunson has seen it all in his long career, he is going against a fighter 15 years his junior, and a solid striker to boot.

Brunson has been stopped in five of his seven defeats, and Shahbazyan fits the power-punching mold of the fighters who have folded Brunson.

Shahbazyan sets a fast pace and shows good instincts when to turn up the pressure after he hurts opponents. This is problematic for Brunson, who will have to rely on his wrestling and reach to slow his opponent.

Brunson needs to act fast

This is a three-round fight, so Brunson is going to need to fight ugly the whole way through, unless he can bully Shahbazyan and smother his punches.

Both men are going to look to land some wicked shots out of the gate, but Brunson can’t stand his ground too long against an opponent who has faster hands and formidable power. He’ll have to rely on whatever tricks he has up his sleeve to stump and frustrate an opponent who has an eye on an explosive finish.

While Brunson is a big ask for the unworthy, Shahbazyan has all the tools to make it an early night at the veteran's expense. Expect Brunson to take his chances early, with hopes to take his opponent to the ground, but he will ultimately resort to fighting in retreat, once Shahbazyan begins to connect with authority.

Not known for his nimbleness or agility, Brunson will essentially concede the fight the minute he disengages from the pocket.

Expect an early night

Speedy fighters are not what aging veterans like to see. Mix power with that speed, and it turns into a nightmare.

A flurry of shots will send Brunson down to the mat, and Shahbazyan will deliver a follow-up barrage to end the fight and secure the most significant win of his young career.

MMA free pick: Shahbazyan (-325)

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