Leon Shahbazyan vs Chokheli Prediction 20 June 2026
⭐️ On the preliminary card of UFC Fight Night 279, set to take place at the Apex sports complex in Las Vegas, two welterweight newcomers are set to square off. Georgian striker Levan Chokheli, renowned for his knockout power, faces off against American submission specialist of Armenian descent, Leon Shahbazyan. This bout promises a classic clash of styles, as Chokheli’s striking prowess goes head-to-head with Shahbazyan’s grappling and submission skills.
Leon Shahbazyan Player Overview
30-year-old Leon Shahbazyan from Glendale is a ground game specialist whose grappling and submission skills stand out: 11 of his 12 wins have come via submission. Shahbazyan first tried to break into the UFC back in 2019 on Dana White’s Contender Series, but fell short against Phil Rowe, losing by TKO in the third round. Undeterred, he continued his career on the regional circuit, where he managed to win five out of seven bouts. Currently, he rides an impressive streak of four consecutive first-round submission finishes-an explosive run that ultimately earned him the coveted UFC contract.
Levan Chokheli Player Overview
29-year-old Levan Chokheli is a standout product of Georgia’s striking school, hailing from Tbilisi, and his record speaks volumes: 11 of his 14 career wins have come by knockout. Turning professional in 2016, Chokheli quickly established himself as a dangerous puncher. Since 2021, he has competed under the Bellator banner, where he racked up four wins and suffered three defeats across seven bouts. Following the closure of Scott Coker’s promotion, Chokheli opted not to join PFL, choosing a different path instead. His most recent outing came at Phoenix FC 4 in May 2025, where he finished Alexandre Goncalves in the second round. In early June 2026, the Georgian athlete inked a deal with the UFC, instantly earning an opportunity to showcase his skills on the sport’s grandest stage.
Match Results: Levan Chokheli
⭐ Editorial Prediction
We believe Levan Chokheli has an excellent chance to claim victory in his debut bout against Leon Shahbazyan. The Georgian fighter’s main assets are his power and technical skills-11 knockouts in 14 wins speak for themselves, and that kind of finishing ability is a constant threat to any opponent. Shahbazyan, for his part, is a submission specialist with four consecutive first-round finishes, but questions remain about his overall level. He looked impressive on the regional circuit, but the UFC is a different world, with opponents who won’t tap at the first sign of trouble and who are ready to dictate the pace themselves.
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