Age and experience
With 10 pro bouts behind him, Shahbazyan is an experienced 21-year-old. Of course, his time in the cage doesn’t compare to that of the more experienced Tavares. When the Hawaiian first fought professionally on June 29, 2007, Shahbazyan was a few months away from celebrating his 10th birthday.Shahbazyan broke into the pro ranks on Feb. 25, 2017, with a 43-second knockout at an event called CXF 6 - Meryl Streep Showcase. That was the start of an impressive winning run for the pride of California. Tavares, for his part, was barely 20 years old when he made his pro debut. Twenty-two fights later, he had amassed a 17-5 record. He is now 31 years old and will turn 32 on Dec. 21.
Octagon appearances
With an impressive five consecutive finishes, Tavares joined The Ultimate Fighter 11 in 2010. He made his way to the semifinals but lost to Court McGee. Nonetheless, he earned a spot in the finale opposite Seth Baczynski, whom he had fought and defeated inside the house. Tavares would beat Baczynski again and go on to compile a UFC record of 12-5.Shahbazyan has only made three Octagon appearances to date. Nevertheless, he has been impressive, having gone 3-0 with two first-round stoppages.
Stoppage rate
Before entering the UFC, not a single one of Shahbazyan’s seven wins went the distance. Overall, he has an 80 percent stoppage rate, with eight victories by KO or TKO and one by submission. The only time he has gone three full rounds was in his Octagon debut when he fought Darren Stewart to a split decision.Tavares also has his share of finishes. He possesses five wins by KO or TKO and two by submission, making for a 41 percent finishing rate. Phil Baroni and Krzysztof Jotko are just two of his stoppage victims.