Niko Price knocks out Leon Shahbazyan in first round
Price came back from retirement and ended the bout early with a first-round stoppage at UFC Vegas 122 in Las Vegas, leaving his future open.
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What happened
Niko Price returned from retirement at UFC Vegas 122 on October 10, 2026, at Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. He stopped welterweight prospect Leon Shahbazyan with a first-round TKO by punches. Afterward Price said the door is cracked for a return and has not committed to retiring for good.
Why it matters
The win was a fairytale ending for Price's career, according to the reports. He has not ruled out fighting again.
Timeline
- Oct 10, 7:02 PM ET: Niko Price stops Leon Shahbazyan with a first-round TKO by punches at UFC Vegas 122
- Oct 11, 10:30 AM ET: Price says he is elated by the ending and the door is cracked for a return
- Oct 11, 10:52 AM ET: Price comments on his retirement options following the win
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