Georgi Karakhanyan

Georgi Karakhanyan
Born May 31, 1985
Moscow, Russia
Other names Gogo, Insane
Nationality Armenian
Russian
Height 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Weight 145 lb (66 kg; 10.4 st)
Division Featherweight
Lightweight
Fighting out of Riverside, California, United States
Team Millennia MMA
GFC
S.K. Golden Boys Wrestling
Trainer Head Trainer: Romie Aram, Betiss Mansouri, Richard MCcorkell, Saad Adwar
Rank Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Years active 2006-present
Professional boxing record
Total 1
Wins 1
Mixed martial arts record
Total 29
Wins 24
By knockout 4
By submission 14
By decision 6
Losses 4
By knockout 2
By decision 2
Draws 1
Other information
Boxing record from Boxrec
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Georgi Karakhanyan is an Armenian professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Featherweight division of Bellator MMA. A professional competitor since 2006, Karakhanyan has also formerly competed for the World Series of Fighting, DREAM, Tachi Palace Fights, and King of the Cage. Karakhanyan is also the former WSOF Featherweight Champion.

Background

Georgi was born in Moscow to Armenian parents, but is now an American citizen. He was raised in Moscow, Russia. He was introduced to martial arts by his father at the age of six (Georgi’s father has a black belt third dan in Karate Do Shotokan and he’s also a SAMBO expert). Georgi was just eight years old when he first fought in a full contact martial arts competition. He began training in martial arts at a young age, but found his true love in soccer. He competed at both the amateur and professional levels in Russia, Spain and U.S. before coming to the United States and settling in Riverside, California.

Soccer

Georgi’s dreams completely changed after the 1994 World Cup. Inspired by world soccer legends Ronaldo, Romario, Roberto Baggio and Gheorghe Hagi, Georgi made a strong decision to become a professional soccer player. He played in clubs Torpedo Moscow and Spartak Moscow. After Georgi’s family moved to Tarragona, Spain he continued practicing soccer with the professional club Gimnàstic de Tarragona (the largest club in the Provincia de Tarragona and one of the biggest in the Catalunya region). Georgi continued to pursue his passion for soccer after his family moved to the United States. He played with the distinguished soccer club, the San Diego Nomads, a U.S. Olympic Development Program for players under the age of 18. He also trained and played for the professional indoor soccer club, the San Diego Sockers of the MISL.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

After his soccer career, he began his MMA career while living and training at United Brazilian jiu-jitsu with Instructor, Rommel Dunbar in Riverside, California. Georgi made his first professional MMA debut on October 13, 2006 just after six months of training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Although Karakhanyan never dreamt about cage fighting, winning his very first fight against a veteran MMA fighter in the KOTC, gave him enormous confidence and belief that he is on the right path which fueled his desire to give MMA all he had. He joined Bellator to take part in their Season Two Featherweight Tournament and Season Four Featherweight Tournament. On December 2, 2011, Karakhanyan won the Tachi Palace Fights Featherweight Championship.

Bellator

In 2009, Georgi signed with Bellator and was part of the eight-man Featherweight Tournament of Bellator Fighting Championships: Season Two in 2010. In the first round, he took on the veteran fighter Bao Quach at Bellator 13. Karakhanyan won the fight via knockout (knee) at 4:05 of the first round, knocking Quach unconscious. In the semifinals, Georgi faced highly acclimated wrestler and World Greco-Roman Wrestling Champion Joe Warren (Ranked #8 Featherweight in the world) at Bellator 18 and lost the fight via unanimous decision. Joe Warren ended up winning the tournament and became the Bellator Featherweight Champion.

In 2011, Georgi returned for Bellator Fighting Championships: Season Four and faced Patricio Freire (Ranked #9 Featherweight in the world) in the first round. Karakhanyan lost via TKO (punches) in the third round. Patricio would also end up winning the tournament.

Tachi Palace Fights

On December 2, 2011 at TPF 11: Redempton, Karakhanyan made his Tachi Palace Fights debut against former Tachi Palace Fights Featherweight Champion Isaac DeJesus for the vacant Tachi Palace Fights Featherweight Championship. De Jesus had never lost his title in a bout; he was stripped of it when he failed to make weight. Karakhanyan defeated De Jesus via triangle choke at 4:02 in the first round to become the new Tachi Palace Fights Featherweight Champion.

Karakhanyan was scheduled to fight The Ultimate Fighter 14 participant Micah Miller on March 9, 2012 at TPF 12: Second Coming in the first defense of his title, but the fight was later canceled due to an illness from Karakhanyan. The bout was moved back to September 7, 2012 at TPF 14: Validation. Karakhanyan defeated Miller via unanimous decision to retain his Tachi Palace Fights Featherweight Championship. Karakhanyan became the first Tachi Palace Fights Featherweight Champion to defend his title.

He later vacated the title in 2013 when he signed with World Series of Fighting.

DREAM

Georgi defeated DREAM Featherweight Champion Hiroyuki Takaya at DREAM 18 (DREAM 18 & GLORY 4 Tokyo) on December 31, 2012 via split decision. The scorecard that gave the fight to Takaya was highly controversial, as Karakhanyan was considered by many to be the clear winner.[1]

World Series of Fighting

Karakhanyan competed on the main card in a fight against Waylon Lowe at World Series of Fighting 5 on September 14, 2013. He won the fight via submission in the first round.

In November 2013, it was announced that Karakhanyan would be fighting for the inaugural WSOF Featherweight Championship against Rick Glenn at WSOF 7.[2] But an injury to Glenn has forced him out of the title bout and replaced by undefeated featherweight Lance Palmer.[3] Karakhanyan won the bout via submission in the third round to become WSOF's first featherweight champion.[4]

Karakhanyan made the first defense of his title on June 21, 2014 at World Series of Fighting 10: Branch vs. Taylor against Rick Glenn. Despite controlling most of the first round via submission attempts, Karakhanyan lost his title when he elected not to continue between the second and third round due to a rib injury.

Return to Bellator

On September 30 Bellator announced that they have re-signed Karakhanyan to a multi-fight contract.[5]

In his return, Karakhanyan faced Bubba Jenkins on January 16, 2015 at Bellator 132.[6] He won the fight via technical submission in the first round. After the bout, Scott Coker announced that Karakhanyan would fight for the Featherweight title next.

Karakhanyan was expected to challenge Patrício Freire for his Bellator Featherweight Championship in a rematch on June 19, 2015 at Bellator 138.[7] However, Karakhanyan pulled out of the fight due to a torn ACL and was replaced by Bellator Season Ten Featherweight tournament winner Daniel Weichel.[8]

Boxing

Georgi defeated Tatsuro Irie on May 5, 2012 in his promotional boxing debut at Welterweight.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Jiu Jitsu

Mixed martial arts record

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 24–4–1 Bubba Jenkins Technical Submission (guillotine choke) Bellator 132 January 16, 2015 1 1:49 Temecula, California, United States
style="background: #ffdddd; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-no2" |Loss 23–4–1 Rick Glenn TKO (corner stoppage) WSOF 10 June 21, 2014 2 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Lost the WSOF Featherweight Championship.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 23–3–1 Lance Palmer Submission (guillotine choke) WSOF 7 December 7, 2013 3 4:40 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Won the WSOF Featherweight Championship.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 22–3–1 Waylon Lowe Submission (guillotine choke) WSOF 5 September 14, 2013 1 3:37 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States WSOF debut.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 21–3–1 Din Thomas Decision (unanimous) Legacy FC 19 April 12, 2013 3 5:00 Dallas, Texas, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 20–3–1 Hiroyuki Takaya Decision (split) DREAM 18 December 31, 2012 3 5:00 Saitama, Japan
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 19–3–1 Micah Miller Decision (unanimous) Tachi Palace Fights 14 September 7, 2012 5 5:00 Lemoore, California, United States Defended the TPF Featherweight Championship.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 18–3–1 Aaron Mobley KO (punches) Gladiator Challenge: Star Wars April 29, 2012 1 1:03 San Jacinto, California, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 17–3–1 Isaac DeJesus Submission (triangle choke) Tachi Palace Fights 11 December 2, 2011 1 4:02 Lemoore, California, United States Won the TPF Featherweight Championship.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 16–3–1 Vince Ortiz Submission (rear-naked choke) BAMMA USA: Badbeat 2 June 11, 2011 1 2:01 Commerce, California, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 15–3–1 Anthony Hayes Submission (triangle choke) Gladiator Challenge April 22, 2011 1 1:09 San Jacinto, California, United States
style="background: #ffdddd; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-no2" |Loss 14–3–1 Patricio Freire TKO (punches) Bellator 37 March 19, 2011 3 0:56 Concho, Oklahoma, United States Bellator Season Four Featherweight Tournament Quarterfinal.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 14–2–1 Anthony Leone Decision (unanimous) Bellator 28 September 9, 2010 3 5:00 New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
style="background: #ffdddd; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-no2" |Loss 13–2–1 Joe Warren Decision (unanimous) Bellator 18 May 13, 2010 3 5:00 Monroe, Louisiana, United States Bellator Season Two Featherweight Tournament Semifinal.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 13–1–1 Bao Quach KO (knee) Bellator 13 April 8, 2010 1 4:05 Hollywood, Florida, United States Bellator Season Two Featherweight Tournament Quarterfinal.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 12–1–1 Albert Rios Decision (unanimous) Call to Arms 1 May 16, 2009 3 5:00 Ontario, California, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 11–1–1 Justin Salazar Submission (armbar) Missouri Total Fighting 4 December 20, 2008 1 3:11 Grain Valley, Missouri, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 10–1–1 James Pettus Submission (guillotine choke) Missouri Total Fighting 4 December 20, 2008 1 4:09 Grain Valley, Missouri, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 9–1–1 Jeff Sanchez Submission (north-south choke) GC 85: Cross Fire October 25, 2008 1 1:12 San Diego, California, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 8–1–1 Jesse Miramontes Submission (rear-naked choke) Apocalypse Fights 2 October 9, 2008 1 1:50 Palm Springs, Florida, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 7–1–1 Justin Salazar TKO (punches) True Fight Fans September 5, 2008 2 2:14 Grain Valley, Missouri, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 6–1–1 Daniel Perez Submission (kimura) Apocalypse Fights 1 August 7, 2008 1 N/A Palm Springs, Florida, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 5–1–1 Armando Sanchez Decision (unanimous) KOTC: Opposing Force May 5, 2008 3 5:00 Highland, California, United States
style="background: #ffdddd; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-no2" |Loss 4–1–1 Chris David Decision (split) Gladiator Challenge 74: Evolution February 16, 2008 3 5:00 Los Angeles, California, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 4–0–1 Hildred Oliney Submission (rear-naked choke) WCO: Kerr vs. Gavin November 7, 2007 1 N/A Hollywood, California, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 3–0–1 Bobby Merrill KO (flying knee and punches) EFWC: The Untamed October 6, 2007 2 0:09 Anaheim, California, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 2–0–1 Doug Dufur Submission (rear-naked choke) Galaxy Productions August 24, 2007 1 1:46 California, United States
style="background:#c5d2ea; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-draw" |Draw 1–0–1 Juan Carlos Huerta Draw KOTC: Epicenter June 8, 2007 2 5:00 San Jacinto, California, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 1–0 Brent Wooten Submission (guillotine choke) KOTC: BOOYAA October 13, 2006 2 1:18 San Jacinto, California, United States

Boxing record

Result Record Opponent Method Date Round Location Notes
Win 1–0 Japan Tatsuro Irie UD May 5, 2012 4 United States Hollywood Park Casino, Inglewood, California Boxing debut.

References

  1. ↑ "DREAM 18 - GLORY 4 NYE Results and Gifs: Georgi Karakhanyan beats up Hiroyuki Takaya". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 31 December 2012.
  2. ↑ "Rick Glenn vs. Georgi Karakhanyan to crown WSOF’s first featherweight champion on Dec. 7".
  3. ↑ "GEORGI KARAKHANYAN TO FACE UNBEATEN LANCE PALMER FOR WSOF FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE".
  4. ↑ Mike Bohn (2013-12-07). "WSOF 7 results: Georgi Karakhanyan submits Lance Palmer for inaugural featherweight title". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-12-07.
  5. ↑ C.J. Tuttle (2014-09-30). "FORMER WSOF CHAMP GEORGI KARAKHANYAN RE-SIGNS WITH BELLATOR MMA". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2014-09-30.
  6. ↑ "Bellator 132 Fight Card". bellator.com.
  7. ↑ Guilherme Cruz (March 31, 2015). "‘Pitbull’ Freire vs. Georgi Karakhanyan title fight set for Bellator 138". mmafighting.com.
  8. ↑ Staff (April 28, 2015). "Torn ACL sidelines Karakhanyan from Bellator 138, Daniel Weichel meets 'Pitbull' for title". mmajunkie.com.

External links