Anthony Hernandez beat Edmen Shahbazyan via a TKO in their middleweight clash at UFC Vegas 73. Shahbazyan and Hernandez fought in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night Dern vs. Hill. Meanwhile, in the main event, Dern aced a unanimous decision win over Angela Hill. Hernandez dominated Shahbazyan and secured the win at the beginning of the third round. The latter seemingly suffered an injury.
Shahbazyan, 25, had high expectations of him when he first surfaced in the UFC, owing to his training with former UFC champion Ronda Rousey. However, a three-fight losing skid prompted him to change camps. ‘The Golden Boy’ picked up a win in 2022 after losing all three fights in the 2020-2021 period.
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Shahbazyan had his work cut out for him in Anthony Hernandez. The 29-year-old had a 4-2 UFC record and won four out of his last five before UFC Vegas 73. He was also on a three-fight winning streak and hoped to go four in a row against Shahbazyan. Following the fight, fans chimed in to react to the performances and Shahbazyan’s injury.
Fans react to Shahbazyan vs Hernandez at UFC Vegas 73
Shahbazyan started off the UFC Vegas 73 co-main event with a strong first round. However, he could not carry the momentum into the later rounds. ‘Fluffy’ Hernandez took over the second round and completely dominated the 25-year-old. He was constantly hunting for submissions and delivering vicious ground and pound.
Shahbazyan did well enough to survive till the third. However, the story was no different and referee Herb Dean decided he had seen enough as Hernandez picked up where he left off and dominated Shahbazyan on the ground. Thus, Anthony ‘Fluffy’ Hernandez extended his win streak to four fights with a TKO win. Shahbazyan was complaining to his corner about a broken rib. This may have impacted his performance in the later rounds.
"I think I broke my rib" 😳@EdmenShahbazyan is a warrior #UFCVegas73 pic.twitter.com/SsjFVUiHd5
— UFC (@ufc) May 21, 2023
Fans on Twitter had some strong reactions to Shahbazyan’s performance.
Four in a row for @ilovebamf! 😤
He leaves our #UFCVegas73 co-main with a TKO over Edmen Shahbazyan pic.twitter.com/2DQuHBKyLJ
— UFC (@ufc) May 21, 2023
Edmen got no gas tank and no ground game
— Rosin (@Rosinn) May 21, 2023
I can't believe Edmen lasted that long, Hernandez adamant on that one particular submission #UFCVegas73
— Sterlin Fernandes (@SterlinMMA) May 21, 2023
Edmen is now back to square one.
After declaring he plan to become the youngest UFC champion, dude is now ❌❌❌✅❌ in last 5.
Derek Brunson derailed the hypetrain and the rest has become history.#UFCVegas73— MMA SQUABBLER (@MMASquabbler) May 21, 2023
Hernandez endurance is just absurd. That was a crazy pace & he didn't show any let up. Props to Shahbazyan, who gave it all he got, but he's gotta improve his gas tank. Great fight.
— Alex_Walsh (@alexwalsh6) May 21, 2023
Edmen is done. Got lucky last fight, but now again same issue
— Leon_K (@Leon_BeKind) May 21, 2023
He broke him, literally. Amazing gas tank and performance. Give him 50K
— O’Malley Burner Acct (@SuspectMMA) May 21, 2023
Cut this fucking guy.
— haha cock (@MadDogcok) May 21, 2023
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Hernandez is a MW Tony Ferguson.
— Maldonado Pepey (@Maldonadopepey) May 21, 2023
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Shazhbazyan has now lost four out of his last five bouts despite being one of the most highly-rated prospects a few years ago. What did you think of the UFC Vegas 73 co-main event? Who do you want to see Hernandez fight next? What do you think is next for Shahbazyan? Tell us in the comments below.
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