As the intensity of UFC Fight Night 251 builds in Las Vegas, all eyes will be on the featherweight bout between Edmen Shahbazyan and Dylan Budka. Slated for Saturday, February 15, at the UFC Apex, this match promises to be a pivotal moment for both fighters. With the stakes high, Shahbazyan, a promising talent with a shaky recent performance record, faces Budka, who is desperately seeking redemption in the UFC octagon.
Edmen Shahbazyan enters the fight with a mixed bag of results under his belt. With a professional record of 13 wins and 5 losses (6-5 in the UFC), he is currently struggling to regain his footing in the highly competitive middleweight division. After a disappointing submission loss to Gerald Meerschaert in August, Shahbazyan desperately aims to turn the tide and recapture his earlier form, which saw him defeating AJ Dobson via TKO last March. At just 27 years old, he possesses the potential to reinvigorate his career, but that potential needs to translate into performances if he hopes to reclaim his status as a contender.
On the other side of the octagon, Dylan Budka steps into the fight with a less favorable 7-4 record (0-2 in the UFC). His journey in the UFC has been tumultuous and filled with setbacks, as he looks to secure his inaugural victory on the organization’s roster. Following a unanimous decision win against Chad Hanekom during Dana White’s Contender Series in September 2023, expectations were high for Budka. Unfortunately, his subsequent performances have left much to be desired, culminating in a second-round stoppage defeat to Cesar Almeida during his debut and, most recently, a unanimous decision loss to Andre Petroski. With his position precariously hanging by a thread, Budka’s November bout will be crucial for both his career and mental state.
The odds reflect Shahbazyan’s experience, with sportsbooks leaning heavily in his favor, listing him at -385 compared to Budka’s +290. Such figures indicate not only the perspective of the gambling community but also the weight of expectations on Shahbazyan’s shoulders. The critical question remains: can he handle the pressure of being the favored fighter? Conversely, Budka needs to channel his underdog status effectively, using the seemingly insurmountable odds as motivation to deliver an upset.
As fight night approaches, the tension among fans and analysts builds. The matchup between Shahbazyan and Budka isn’t just about individual records; it represents a turning point for both athletes. For Shahbazyan, it could mean the beginning of a resurgence, while for Budka, it may be a defining moment in a pursuit of a more stable career within the UFC. Scheduled to walk to the cage around 8:10 p.m. ET and streamed on ESPN+, this bout is not to be missed. Both fighters have much at stake, and the outcome will undoubtedly reverberate through the division for weeks to come.