Ronda Rousey's former protégé 'turns the lights out' on opponent in first round at UFC Vegas 102

Edmen shahbazyan is a former prodigy of Ronda Rousey. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Former pupil of Ronda Rousey, Edmen shahbazyan had a spectacular performance and knocked out Dylan Budka still in the first round in ufc vegas 102, in a duel valid for the Ultimate middleweight category (up to 83,9 kg). With a high-level performance in just 95 seconds, the American became one of the favorites to win the Performance of the Night bonus.

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This was the fighter's seventh triumph in the world's largest MMA organization, in which he also has five losses. The athlete generated a lot of expectations among fans and members of the media around the world when he fought his first fights in the Ultimate, in 2019. Since suffering his first setbacks, he has been trying to recover in the company. Now, he has three wins in the last five fights.

Edmen Shahbazyan landed a beautiful counterattack

Edmen Shabazyan won in the first round. Photo: Instagram.

From the moment the fight began, Shahbazyan occupied the center of the octagon and began to seek distance, while avoiding intense attacks from Dylan Budka, which in turn, was trying to end the bad phase after defeats to Andre Petroski and Cesinha Almeida.

In these early moments, the main blows landed by the athletes were at long range. At a certain point in the fight, Shahbazyan landed a strong kick to his compatriot's waistline. Realizing the need to get closer to his opponent, Budka advanced and tried to land two jabs in succession. At this point, Edmen landed a very precise right hand straight as a counterattack, to Dylan's chin.

After that, Budka was visibly stunned and fell to the ground, close to the fence. After taking a series of blows on the ground, referee Chris Tognoni stopped the fight, when the clock still showed one minute and 35 seconds of confrontation.

# UFCVegas102 Official Result: Edmen shahbazyan (@EdmenShahbazyan) defeats Dylan Budka by TKO at 1:35 in Round 1.

Complete Main Card Results ➡️ https://t.co/b7oNvAxboL

- UFC News (@UFCNews) February 16, 2025

In the interview with Daniel Cormier Inside the octagon, the Golden Boy revealed that he recently became a father for the first time and also stated that high-level performance is related to this new reality.

When addressing more technical aspects, he praised coach Eric Nicksick, who recently became famous for participating in the corner of Sean Strickland No. UFC 312 and make controversial statements about the fighter's performance in the days following the event.

Youssef Zalal dominates Calvin Kattar

Youssef Zalal used the jab a lot against Calvin kattar. Photo: Instagram.

In the co-main fight, the Moroccan Youssef Zalal took a huge step forward in his career by defeating Calvin kattar, currently ranked tenth in the featherweight category (up to 65,7 kg), by unanimous decision of the judges. Still without a position in the category ranking, the impeccable performance should generate a change in level for the athlete in the new update of the classification next Tuesday (18).

With the victory, Zalal reached his seventh consecutive triumph, while Kattar suffered his fourth consecutive defeat.

Throughout the 15 minutes of combat, he showed impressive movement, avoiding open exchanges and frustrating Kattar, who chased his opponent throughout the octagon but was unsuccessful in trying to connect big blows, especially in the first two rounds.

Youssef Zalal in victory against Calvin kattar No. ufc vegas 102. Photo: Instagram

In addition to efficient movement, calf kicks and quick, accurate jabs were fundamental to the Moroccan's good performance. With the exception of some good strikes connected by Calvin kattar in the third round, he managed to win without taking too many risks. At the end of the three rounds, Youssef Zalal was declared the winner by unanimous decision, with all judges scoring the fight 29 points to 28 in his favor. In the interview inside the octagon, he challenged Brian ortega, also suggesting a duel with five rounds.

JOB DONE ✅

Youssef Zalal Fait son enters the top 10 in battant Calvin kattar by unanimous decision! # UFCVegas102pic.twitter.com/7z31xfyABJ

— La Sueur (@LaSueur_off) February 16, 2025