D. Brunson defeated E. Shahbazyan by knockout in UFC Las Vegas 5. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Relentless. In the main fight of UFC Las Vegas 5, held this Saturday (1), Derek Brunson silenced the critics and put an end to the invincibility of the promise Edmen shahbazyan, pupil of the star Ronda Rousey. With a dominant performance, the veteran overpowered his rival and scored a knockout at the beginning of the third round.
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The result represented a personal achievement for Brunson, who, at 36 years old, beat another promising opponent in the middleweight division (under 83,9kg). In August last year, the North American was responsible for ending the unbeaten run of Ian Heinisch in the organization.
At just 22 years old, Shahbazyan suffered his first defeat in 12 contests. Pupil of the former bantamweight champion (up to 61,2kg.), Ronda Rousey, the fighter had good moments in the fight, but couldn't handle the pressure against a great opponent in Ultimate. Edmen had won four consecutive victories since his UFC debut.
With the triumph, Derek reached his third consecutive victory and remains one of the main challenges in the top 10 of the division led by Israel adesanya.
The fight
The confrontation began with Brunson risking a punch to Shahbazyan's waist. Edmen tried to find the distance and tried to avoid his rival's blows. Halfway through the round, the young man landed a good cross on Derek's face, who responded in kind. After two minutes, the veteran managed a takedown and quickly got to his back. Edmen managed to get up, but was surprised by a cross. Shahbazyan responded with a series of punches and forced his compatriot to walk back. The fight remained open and busy with the athletes exchanging attacks in the center of the Octagon. In the final minute, the midfielders continued thundering blows until the bell sounded.
In the second stage, Derek returned, taking the initiative with a low kick and a jab. Edmen responded with a powerful kick to the waistline. Brunson continued to show a lot of aggression and took down his opponent again. Shahbazyan got back to his feet, but was still under pressure from his opponent. In the middle of the stage, the fighters started to exchange franks and the confrontation seemed to be heading towards the end. The veteran remained dangerous and connected with a clean knee to the young man's face, who did not attack. Brunson managed to corner his compatriot against the bars and threw crosses at his opponent's face. Edmen showed resistance, but remained at a disadvantage. Near the final minute, Derek managed to take another takedown on his opponent and managed to get to his back. The veteran started to hit his rival from top to bottom and choked his opponent, who ended up saved by the bell.
Before the start of the last stage, the company's doctor evaluated Shahbazyan to see if the athlete was capable of returning to the fight. Edmen showed courage, came back, but ended up being knocked out in the opening seconds of the third round.
UFC Las Vegas 5 results
MAIN CARD
Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Derek Brunson derrotou Edmen shahbazyan by technical knockout at 26s of R3
Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Jennifer maia finished Joanne calderwood with an armbar at 4m21s of R1
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Vincent Luque derrotou Randy Brown by knockout at 4m56s of R2
Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): Bobby Green derrotou Lando vannata in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): Jonathan martinez defeated Frankie Saenz by knockout 57 seconds into R3
Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Nathan Maness defeated Johnny Muños Jr. via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Jamal Emmers defeated Vince Cachero in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Bantamweight (up to 61,2kg): Chris Gutierrez tied with cody durden (28-28, 28-28, 28-28)
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