WhatCulture UFC Awards: Best Of 2019
6. Rising Star - Edmen Shahbazyan
The middleweight division has had a bit of a resurgence in 2019, with more contenders emerging than ever before. One of the most impressive 185lbers to come from this golden generation of up-and-comers is the extremely talented Edmen Shahbazyan.
The 22-year old has looked absolutely sensational in 2019, finishing all three of his fights within the first round. Although his victories over Charles Byrd and Jack Marshman were impressive, it was his win against middleweight mainstay Brad Tavares that really caught everyone's attention. He stalked the Hawaiian around the Octagon, landing all the right shots to line him up for a devastating head kick knockout.
The Glendale Fight Club prospect might be under the tutelage of the much-maligned Edmond Tarverdyan, but that shouldn't put you off him. Where Ronda Rousey had her striking weaknesses, those same problems don't seem to be an issue with Shahbazyan. At such a young age, he still has plenty to learn, which is scary considering he's already on the cusp of becoming a contender.