The UFC’s middleweight division is about to receive a jolt of motion this spring, as promotion officials have booked a compelling matchup between knockout artist Edmen Shahbazyan and the relentless JunYong Park. The bout is scheduled for UFC Vegas 115 on April 4, 2026, on the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The matchmaking news was first reported by Mike Heck Jr.
Edmen Shahbazyan will fight JunYong Park at #UFCVegas115 on April 4th. (first rep. @MikeHeck_JR) #UFC #MMA #UFCParamount #UFConParamount #UFC2026 pic.twitter.com/7Reyu4atts
— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) February 12, 2026
For Edmen “The Golden Boy” Shahbazyan, this fight represents one other crucial step in his profession reconstruction. Once touted as the long run of the 185-pound division, Shahbazyan has spent the previous few years recalibrating his game, moving camps, and specializing in his cardio and defensive grappling. He stays one of the crucial explosive starters within the division, possessing the sort of kinetic energy that may end a fight throughout the first minute.
THE SOUND OF THIS RIGHT HAND FROM EDMEN SHAHBAZYAN 💥 #UFCVegas102 pic.twitter.com/4WZDAqaofl
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) February 16, 2025
Nevertheless, facing a durability specialist like Park suggests the UFC matchmakers need to test exactly how much Shahbazyan has evolved by way of patience and gas tank management.
On the opposite side of the octagon stands JunYong “The Iron Turtle” Park, a fighter who has quietly change into considered one of the hardest outs within the division. Park is the stylistic antithesis to Shahbazyan; he shouldn’t be known for one-shot power, but slightly for an amazing accumulation of volume and a chin that seems carved from granite. Park thrives in deep waters, often drowning opponents with pressure and crisp boxing within the second and third rounds.
This matchup creates a classic “hammer vs. nail” dynamic. The early exchanges will likely favor Shahbazyan’s speed and power, however the longer the fight goes, the more the momentum should swing toward the South Korean veteran. If Shahbazyan cannot crack the “Iron Turtle” early, he shall be forced right into a grueling dogfight that tests his will. With each men trying to break into the top-15 rankings conversation in 2026, the stakes on the Apex shall be high.
Confirmed Fights for UFC Vegas 115
Virna Jandiroba vs. Tabatha Ricci – Strawweight
Tofiq Musayev vs. Samuel Sanches – Lightweight
Alessandro Costa vs. Stewart Nicoll – Flyweight
Hailey Cowan vs. Alice Pereira – Women’s Bantamweight
Dione Barbosa vs. Melissa Gatto – Women’s Flyweight
Azamat Bekoev vs. Tresean Gore – Middleweight
Tommy McMillan vs. Manolo Zecchini – Featherweight
Thomas Petersen vs. Guilherme Pat – Heavyweight
Edmen Shahbazyan vs. JunYong Park – Middleweight
Additional bouts to be announced