UFC 268 - Edmen Shahbazyan Returns, Meets Nassourdine Imavov On November 6.

Mandatory Credit: Josh Hedges - Zuffa LLC

A middleweight matchup between striking prospect, Edmen Shahbazyan, and recent victor, Nassourdine Imavov has been added to UFC 268 on November 6. -- with Madison Square Garden in New York City currently tentatively targeted to host the event.

Hoping to snap a two-fight losing skid, Glendale Fight Club trainee, Shahbazyan last featured at UFC Vegas 27 back in May -- suffering a unanimous decision defeat to former Cage Warriors gold holder, Jack Hermansson. 

For MMA Factory mainstay, Imavov, the Dagestan-born finisher returned to the winner's enclosure at UFC Vegas 32 last month -- taking a second round knockout victory over Ian Heinisch. News of the middleweight bout was first reported by French outlet, La Sueur.

Prior to his loss to Hermansson, striking upstart, Shahbazyan dropped an eventual third round knockout loss to division mainstay, Derek Brunson at UFC Vegas 5 last August in his first promotional headliner. 

The 23-year-old Californian suffered the first loss of his professional career, following a run that had seen him best 11 opponents consecutively.

Shahbazyan, an alum of Dana White's Contender Series -- has managed to take home Octagon triumphs against the likes of Darren Stewart, Jack Marshman, and in an eye-catching UFC 244 knockout back in November of 2019 -- Shahbazyan stopped Brad Tavares with a spectacular first round high-kick.

Imavov, a product of MMA Factory head coach, Fernand Lopez, has competed three times under the promotion's banner. 

The 25-year-old debuted opposite Jordan Williams back in October of last year at UFC Fight Island 4 in Abu Dhabi, UAE -- scoring a unanimous decision victory. Prior to his win over Heinisch -- Imavov dropped a majority judging loss of his own against Phil Hawes. 

UFC 268 is scheduled to place on November 6. with Madison Square Garden targeted to host the event. A welterweight title rematch between reigning champion, Kamaru Usman and former interim champion, the #1 ranked contender, Colby Covington has been booked to headline the showcase.