The UFC returns from its stint on "Fight Island" for the first event in the United States since the end of June, as UFC Fight Night takes place at The Apex in Las Vegas on Saturday, with Derek Brunson squaring off with fast-rising contender Edmen Shahbazyan in the headliner.
Initially, the main event was scheduled to be former women's bantamweight champion Holly Holm facing Irene Aldana. But Aldana had to bow out last week due to testing positive for COVID-19. The UFC bumped up Brunson-Shahbazyan to the top of the bill. They were supposed to meet at UFC 249 but got shifted to a card in April, which ultimately got canceled.
Brunson (20-7) comes into his first bout of 2020 looking to gain some momentum. He has gone 4-4 in his last eight fights, winning no more than two in a row. He's coming off of a pair of victories against Elias Theodorou and Ian Heinisch.
Shahbazyan (11-0), who is managed by former UFC women's bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey's company, received the opportunity to be in the UFC when he was invited to compete on the second season of Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series. He seized the moment by stopping Antonio Jones in 40 seconds. The showing netted Shahbazyan a UFC contract, and he hasn't looked back since, going 4-0 with his last three fights all ending via stoppage.
There are different stakes for both guys heading into this all-important showdown. A Brunson win keeps him in the title picture while Shahbazyan looks to continue his rapid ascent in the 185-pound division.
Here's everything you need to know about Brunson vs. Shahbazyan.
What time is UFC Fight Night: Derek Brunson vs. Edmen Shahbazyan?
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 1
- Prelims: 7 p.m. ET | 4 p.m. PT
- Main card: 9 p.m. ET | 6 p.m. PT
- Brunson vs. Shahbazyan fight: 11:30 p.m. ET (approximate)
Brunson vs. Shahbazyan will take place Saturday, Aug.1, with the main card beginning at 9 p.m. ET. Brunson and Shahbazyan are expected to hit the Octagon around 11:30 p.m. ET, although the exact time depends on the length of the earlier fights.
Where is UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs. Shahbazyan?
Brunson vs. Shahbazyan will take place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. There will be no fans in attendance because of the coronavirus.
How to watch UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs. Shahbazyan TV, streaming info
In the United States, the prelims, beginning at 7 p.m. ET, will be on ESPN+. The main card, also ESPN+, starts at 9 p.m. ET.
In Canada, the prelims (7 p.m. ET) are on TSN5 and main card (9 p.m. ET) will be available on TSN3 and TSN5.
In the UK, the prelims (Midnight Sunday BST) and main card (2 a.m. Sunday BST) will be available on BT Sport 1.
In Germany, Austria, Italy and Spain, the main card (3 a.m. CEST Sunday) will be available on DAZN, the global sports streaming service.
You can learn more about how to watch in other countries at UFC.com.
How much does UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs. Shahbazyan cost?
In the U.S., Brunson vs. Shahbazyan will be available on ESPN+. It is not a PPV event, but it does require a subscription to the ESPN+ platform.
In Germany, Austria, Italy and Spain, the main card will be available on DAZN, the global sports streaming service.
Pricing options for UFC content varies globally, depending on region and platform.
UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs. Shahbazyan odds
According to BetMGM, Brunson vs. Shahbazyan is a lopsided affair. Shahbazyan is a heavy favorite at -358, meaning that you would need to bet $358 to win $100. Brunson is a significant underdog at +275, meaning you would need to wager $100 to win $275.
Derek Brunson record, bio
Name: Derek Brunson
Nationality: American
Born: Jan. 24, 1984
Height: 6-1
Reach: 77 inches
Total fights: 27
Record: 20-7
Edmen Shahbazyan record, bio
Name: Edmen Shahbazyan
Nationality: American
Born: Nov. 20, 1997
Height: 6-2
Reach: 74 inches
Total fights: 11
Record: 11-0
UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs. Shahbazyan full fight card
Main card
- Derek Brunson vs. Edmen Shahbazyan; Middleweight
- Joanne Calderwood vs. Jennifer Maia; Women's Flyweight
- Vicente Luque vs. Randy Brown; Welterweight
- Lando Vannata vs. Bobby Green; Lightweight
- Kevin Holland vs. Trevin Giles; Middleweight
Preliminary card
- Frankie Saenz vs. Jonathan Martinez; Bantamweight
- Ed Herman vs. Gerald Meerschaert; Light Heavyweight
- Ray Borg vs. Nathan Maness; Bantamweight
- Eric Spicely vs. Markus Perez; Middleweight
- Jamall Emmers vs. Timur Valiev; Featherweight
- Chris Gutiérrez vs. Cody Durden; Bantamweight