UFC middleweight Edmen Shahbazyan’s switch from “future champ” to “failed prospect” led him to some serious introspection. When he sat down to talk to MMAFighting about his move to a new gym, he credited legendary MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz with his attempt to rebuild his career.
“When I went for the first time to meet up with Ali [Abdelaziz], he said one of the main things if he signed me was he’s not giving me a fight for like seven or eight months. He just wants me to get work and improve and just get better.
Edmen Shahbazyan Has “No Ill Will” for Ronda Rousey Despite Moving Gyms
I love that he said that to me. It just shows he’s caring for you to know that you’re going to be properly trained, properly in shape before I take the next fight. I respect that a lot from Ali.”
Now he calls Xtreme Couture home, after leaving his longtime gym the Glendale Fighting Club, home to Ronda Rousey and Edmond Tarverdyan.
“Going off my past two fights, I feel a change was definitely needed and it was long overdue. I looked at my options to see where I can be that I feel I can unleash my full potential and I believe Vegas had the best thing. I’m away from distractions. I can concentrate on training. Of course, you have the Strip here if you’re going to get wild but if you stay out of the Strip, for a fighter you can train here, go home and rest, come back to train, go home, rest. It’s a fighter’s life here.
Of course the gyms, the high level partners to work with. There’s a lot of good guys out here and constantly coming in because of having fights. It’s great. I look at my last few fights and a change was needed so this was the best choice.
I needed to change. It was time. It was definitely time for me. It could have been done sooner but now I’m just happy to be here and get the new work in. I have not talked [to them] since I left. From my end, I have a good relationship [with them]. I don’t have any problem. All respect cause I respect what they’ve done for me but on my end, I’m good.”
I haven’t talked to [Ronda] in say a few months. I don’t have anything against her, respect from my end. As far as my end, I don’t have no ill will.” Will Edmen Shahbazyan’s move be the deciding factor in reigniting his UFC career? Let us know in the comments.
