Ronda Rousey's pupil is punished by the UFC after displaying the flag of a separatist regime

E. Shahbazyan appears in the image with the flag of the Republic of Artsak in the background. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

In addition to suffering his first defeat in his MMA career, Edmen shahbazyan ended up suffering another blow after his fight in UFC Las Vegas 5, held on the last day 1. Pupil of Ronda Rousey, the fighter was punished by the organization after climbing into the octagon displaying the flag of the Republic of Artsaque, site of a separatist regime and confrontation between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The action caused Edmen to lose part of his scholarship for the presentation. The information was confirmed by the fighter's trainer, Edmond Tarverdyan,

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The controversy regarding the flag is based on the recurring conflicts between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which have been disputing the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh for years. The region officially belongs to Azerbaijan, but has mostly Armenian citizens.

Shahbazyan is born in the United States but brings with him Armenian roots. In this way, Edmen came with the flag as a way to represent his origins.

The athlete's attitude ended up being misinterpreted by the consul general of Turkey – Azerbaijan's neighboring country – in the United States, Nasimi Aghayev. The Turkish representative then made an official complaint to Ultimate, disapproving Shahbazyan's action, which influenced the company's decision to punish the 22-year-old.

Edmen's main coach, Edmond Tarverdyan confirmed the information and also informed that the employee responsible for entering the octagon was released by the company.

In the fight that took place after the incident, Shahbazyan ended up losing by knockout to the experienced Derek Brunson. Considered a prodigy by the legendary Ronda Rousey, the young man suffered his first career defeat in 12 fights.