Edmen Shahbazyan vs Anthony Hernandez 5/20/2023 Expert Picks, Tips and Odds
UFC fans can look forward to a thrilling co-main event at this weekend’s UFC Fight Night, where middleweights Edmen Shahbazyan and Anthony Hernandez will face off. Both fighters come into the bout riding on a recent wave of success and will be eager to maintain their winning streak. Fans can sneak into the upcoming matchup by looking at the preview, prediction, and odds ahead of Saturday night’s event.
On May 20, 2023, Edmen Shahbazyan is set to square off against Anthony Hernandez at UFC Vegas 73. As we look ahead to the bout, oddsmakers have set the initial money line, with Shahbazyan opening as the underdog at +200, while Hernandez is the favorite at -250. Fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exciting matchup between these two skilled fighters.
At only 23 years old, Edmen Shahbazyan is regarded as one of the most promising up-and-coming fighters in the UFC. With a record of 12-3, Shahbazyan’s specialty lies in his striking ability, which has led him to knock out his opponents in 83% of his fights. Meanwhile, his opponent Anthony Hernandez, also known as “Fluffy,” has a record of 10-2 and is primarily a grappler, having won 70% of his matches by submission.
In the upcoming UFC Vegas 73, Edmen Shahbazyan, known as “The Golden Boy,” will face Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez. Shahbazyan, aged 25, boasts an impressive record of 12 wins and three losses in his career. He is an orthodox fighter with a height of 6’2″ and weight of 185 lbs, with a wingspan of 74″. On the other hand, Hernandez, aged 29, weighs in at 185 lbs and stands at 6’0″. He is also an orthodox fighter with a reach of 75″ and has a record of 10 wins, two losses, and one no contest.
Shahbazyan is known for his striking ability, connecting on an average of 3.59 significant strikes per minute, while Hernandez is landing 4.03 significant strikes per minute. Shahbazyan lands 50% of his strikes, compared to Hernandez’s 59%. Regarding defense, Shahbazyan takes 3.87 significant strikes per minute, while Hernandez absorbs 3.50. Shahbazyan has an effective strike defense rate of 46%, and Hernandez has a rate of 47%.
Edmen Shahbazyan vs Anthony Hernandez 5/20/2023 Expert Picks, Tips and Odds
When Edmen Shahbazyan faces off against Anthony Hernandez, it’s expected that Shahbazyan will focus on striking while Hernandez will look to take the fight to the ground. Hernandez has a significant advantage in grappling, averaging 6.49 takedowns per 15 minutes, which could give him the upper hand if he can get Shahbazyan down and control him on the ground or submit him.
In his last fight against Marc-Andre Barriault, Hernandez won via arm triangle submission in the third round. Barriault landed 60% of his significant strikes from distance, while Hernandez connected on 46% of his considerable strikes attempted at length. Hernandez had a 65% important strike accuracy, landing 39 of 60 strikes, with 31 aimed at the head. Barriault landed 25 of 53 significant strikes, with 16 targeted at the head. Regarding total strikes, Barriault was 34 of 62, while Hernandez landed 58 of 84.
Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Anthony Hernandez. While Shahbazyan is the narrow betting favorite at +200, Hernandez’s grappling skills and ability to dictate where the fight takes place make him my pick to win at -260. He has the tools to neutralize Shahbazyan’s striking and come away victorious, whether by stoppage or decision.
The Pick: Anthony Hernandez to win
Event: UFC Strawweight Fight Night 233
Date: Saturday, May 20, 2023
Time: 10:00 PM ET
Location: UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada
TV: ESPN+
