Edmen Shahbazyan is in a tough spot heading into UFC 268. The young middleweight contender is on a two-fight losing streak against top contenders.

Edmen Shahbazyan lost to Derek Brunson by TKO in 2020 and dropped a decision to Jack Hermansson earlier this year. The tough run is not going to deter him though.

“It is what it is,” Edmen Shahbazyan said (transcription via MMAJunkie). “My last two fights, I fought two top guys. And it’s not like I went in there from the beginning and got dominated. I was doing well until the mid-rounds. I don’t really care what people criticize me for. It is what it is. … I’m still young. I’m still 23. I’m getting better.”

He added, “Mentally I’m in a great place. The last two fights, of course, didn’t go my way. I fought top dogs my last two fights, and I use it all as a learning experience. … I’ve worked harder from it, and I’m coming back now.”

Edmen Shahbazyan is taking on Nassourdine Imavov in an opportunity to get back to winning ways. He believes it’s the perfect opponent to get back on track.

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“Definitely it’s a fight I can look great in,” Shahbazyan said. “Stylistically, if you look at it, he’s pretty much a standup fighter, too. It mixes in well with me. I think it matches up very well for me.”

The fight should be a lot of fun as Edmen Shahbazyan is an excellent striker with a point to prove. UFC 268 is his opportunity to get back on track for the title.