Leon Shahbazyan Signs with UFC, Set to Debut Against Levan Chokheli

Armenian middleweight fighter Leon Shahbazyan has signed a contract with the UFC. His debut in the world’s leading MMA promotion is expected to take place on June 20 at an event in Las Vegas.

Shahbazyan’s first opponent will be Georgia’s Levan Chokheli. The bout will be held in the welterweight division. For both fighters, this will be their UFC debut.

Leon Shahbazyan enters this stage of his career on an impressive winning streak. He has fought his last four bouts in Tuff-N-Uff and won all four by first-round submission. Shahbazyan currently holds a professional record of 12 wins and 4 losses.

Levan Chokheli has a record of 14-3. The Georgian fighter previously competed in Bellator, where he earned four wins in seven fights.

This is important news for Armenian MMA, as another fighter with Armenian roots is joining the UFC roster. The day could also become especially significant for the Shahbazyan family, as Leon’s brother, Edmen Shahbazyan, is set to face Brendan Allen today.

Leon Shahbazyan now gets the chance to establish himself in the UFC and make a statement in his very first fight at the highest level.