Levan Chokheli
Georgia
Instant win in UFC debut
Chokheli defeated Leon Shahbazyan via TKO (punches) at 0:23 of Round 1 at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Chokheli fought much better fighters than Shahbazyan in his three-plus years in Bellator, and it showed here in his UFC debut. Entering as upwards of a -400 favorite, Chokheli fired off two damaging legs kicks moments after the opening bell rang before crushing Shahbazyan with a left hook to the liver which essentially ended the fight on the spot. It was a flawless effort. Levan, who won't be 30 years of age until October, now has a dozen career wins via knockout. He has the look of a rock-solid addition to the UFC's welterweight division.
Chokheli fought much better fighters than Shahbazyan in his three-plus years in Bellator, and it showed here in his UFC debut. Entering as upwards of a -400 favorite, Chokheli fired off two damaging legs kicks moments after the opening bell rang before crushing Shahbazyan with a left hook to the liver which essentially ended the fight on the spot. It was a flawless effort. Levan, who won't be 30 years of age until October, now has a dozen career wins via knockout. He has the look of a rock-solid addition to the UFC's welterweight division.
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More Fantasy News
Gets UFC opportunity
Chokheli has been added to the UFC and will make his debut at UFC Vegas 119 on June 20 against fellow newcomer Leon Shahbazyan, Giorgi Kokiashvili of Setanta Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
Chokheli will get his UFC opportunity at the age of 29, but unlike most debutantes, he does have some higher-level MMA experience, going 4-3 under the Bellator banner from 2021-2024. After a win over Alexandre Goncalves in May of 2025, he'll officially get the call and be facing a fellow newcomer. Shabazyan is a submission specialist, with 11 of his 12 pro victories coming via tapout. Chokheli will concede slight advantages in both height and reach.
Chokheli will get his UFC opportunity at the age of 29, but unlike most debutantes, he does have some higher-level MMA experience, going 4-3 under the Bellator banner from 2021-2024. After a win over Alexandre Goncalves in May of 2025, he'll officially get the call and be facing a fellow newcomer. Shabazyan is a submission specialist, with 11 of his 12 pro victories coming via tapout. Chokheli will concede slight advantages in both height and reach.