Niko Price Stops Leon Shahbazyan in UFC Vegas 122 Farewell

Niko Price secured a stoppage victory over Leon Shahbazyan at UFC Vegas 122 on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Meta APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. The welterweight veteran delivered an aggressive performance in what was billed as his final UFC appearance, finishing the contest after overwhelming Shahbazyan with strikes. Price opened the fight on the attack, connecting with punches before taking Shahbazyan to the ground.

He avoided a guillotine attempt during the exchange, returned to his feet, and used foot stomps before scoring another takedown. From the ground, Price worked from Shahbazyan's guard and slammed him. Shahbazyan briefly moved into a turtle position before returning to his back, leaving Price in position to continue his offensive assault.

Price maintained the pressure with a series of heavy punches and nearly executed another slam. Shahbazyan appeared hurt as the attack continued, while the referee allowed the fight to proceed despite the sustained offense.

As Price continued throwing punches, Shahbazyan struggled to defend himself. The referee instructed Shahbazyan to fight back, but Price landed additional strikes before the official intervened and stopped the contest, awarding Price the victory. The result gave Price a more prominent send-off after his earlier retirement appearance alongside Michael Chiesa in Seattle in March 2026. According to Cage Side Press, Chiesa's retirement bout took place in his hometown area, leaving Price with less attention and no post-fight interview despite his decade of experience in the Octagon.

UFC matchmakers subsequently offered Price another opportunity for a farewell fight, pairing him with Shahbazyan, the brother of UFC middleweight Edmen Shahbazyan. Price entered the contest with a clear offensive approach and ultimately secured the finish he pursued. After the victory, Price was joined in the Octagon by his wife and daughter. During a post-fight interview with Michael Bisping, he indicated that his departure from competition might not be permanent.

"You might see me again, you never know," Price told Michael Bisping. Price's comments left open the possibility of another appearance following the performance at UFC Vegas 122. The welterweight had initially been expected to conclude his UFC career earlier in 2026, but the matchup with Shahbazyan provided a separate occasion for his farewell.