Shahbazyan vs. Budka: High Stakes at UFC Fight Night in Vegas

LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Edmen “The Golden Boy” Shahbazyan is set to face Dylan “The Mindless Hulk” Budka at UFC Fight Night 251 on Saturday, Feb. 15, at UFC Apex. This featherweight bout highlights a card that promises a gripping night of mixed martial arts.

Shahbazyan (13-5 MMA, 6-5 UFC) aims to bounce back from a disappointing submission loss to Gerald Meerschaert in August 2024. The 27-year-old fighter has had an inconsistent record lately, alternating wins and losses in his last four appearances. Before his recent setback, he secured a first-round TKO victory over AJ Dobson in March 2024.

On the other hand, Budka (7-4 MMA, 0-2 UFC) finds himself fighting for survival in the UFC, as he seeks to claim his first victory in the promotion. Despite a strong showing in September 2023, where he won via unanimous decision against Chad Hanekom on Dana White‘s Contender Series, Budka has suffered two losses since his debut. He faced a second-round stoppage from Cesar Almeida in April 2024 and lost by decision to Andre Petroski in September 2024.

Betting odds reflect Shahbazyan’s experience and skill, with oddsmakers favoring him at -385 against Budka, who is listed as the underdog at +290, according to FanDuel. Fight fans can expect Shahbazyan and Budka to make their entrance to the cage around 8:10 p.m. ET.

The pair’s matchup comes on the heels of an exciting fight card that features notable fighters. Shahbazyan is a heavy favorite, with a path to victory likely through a knockout or technical knockout, as reflected by odds of +135 for a KO/TKO finish. Budka’s path to victory, on the other hand, appears tempting for risk-takers at +1600 for a KO/TKO win and +650 for a decision victory.

In another highly anticipated bout, Andre Petroski faces Rodolfo Vieira, while Ismael Bonfim goes up against Nazim Sadykhov. Both fights also feature intriguing narratives as competitors look to assert themselves in the competitive landscape of the UFC.

Live coverage for the event will kick off at 4:00 p.m. EST, with fans able to stream the action through various platforms. For those unsure about availability in their region, using a VPN can help bypass geographical restrictions.

In the world of mixed martial arts, every fight is a pivotal moment, and both Shahbazyan and Budka are aware of the stakes involved this Saturday in Las Vegas.