Multiple sources confirmed the matchup to MMA Fighting following an initial report from LA Times reporter Manouk Akopyan.
The bout will serve as a chance at redemption for both fighters coming off recent losses.
Following a stunning first-round submission over Kelvin Gastelum this past July, Hermansson fell to Marvin Vettori in a main event clash in his most recent outing. Overall, Hermansson has gone 5-2 in his past six fights with his only losses coming to Vettori and top five ranked middleweight Jared Cannonier.
As for Shahbayzan, the former Contender Series veteran will look to bounce back after suffering the first professional defeat of his career when he suffered a TKO loss to Derek Brunson in August 2020.
Prior to that setback, Shahbazyan had been on an impressive run to start his UFC career with four straight wins in the promotion including a vicious head kick knockout against always durable middleweight contender Brad Tavarez.
Now Shahbazyan will clash with Hermansson in a key fight at 185 pounds as part of the UFC 262 card headed to Houston in May. A lightweight title fight between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler is expected to headline the show.
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