You know who he is: MMAmania.com exclusive interview with Karo Parisyan
by Adam Wagner on Mar 21, 2008 7:52 PM EDT
57 comments
When I was offered the opportunity to interview UFC welterweight contender Karo Parisyan, I jumped at the chance.
I mean, what can you say about this guy? Hell, you practically don't need to say anything because he'll tell you straight to your face.
Never one to mince words, Karo was extremely candid during our interview, offering his take on the welterweight title picture, his upcoming fight with Thiago Alves, the pressures of taking care of a large family, his judo expertise, his plans for when he one day retires, and of course, the Diaz brothers.
TUF fans will recall the whole "Do you know who I am?" episode. Karo sets the record straight.
Karo Parisyan takes on Thiago Alves at Fight Night 13 on Wednesday, April 2. Until then, enjoy the interview.
Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): I know in the past you have said that you felt you were deserving of the next welterweight title shot. But apparently, that could now going to Jon Fitch. How do you feel about that?
Karo Parisyan: That's official?
Adam Wagner (MMAmania): Well, no it's not, but during the UFC 82 post-event press conference, UFC President Dana White referred to Jon Fitch's record-tying eight-fight win streak* and said that "he is in line, right now, for a title shot once the whole Serra-St. Pierre thing is figured out."
*Editor's Note: Fitch is the second fighter in UFC history to win eight straight fights in the Octagon, tying Royce Gracie from back in the day.
Karo Parisyan: Okay. Well ... (laughs). It is what it is, bro. I mean, what can I do? I thought I deserved the shot before anybody, but it looks like I gotta prove myself one more time, God willing, with Thiago Alves and then seal the deal with the title shot after that, whether it's Matt Serra, St. Pierre or Jon Fitch.
Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Do you have any preference? Assuming it is for a title shot, do you care if it's Serra, GSP or Fitch?
Karo Parisyan: No, I don't care at all, actually. I'd like to avenge my loss to GSP; I already have a very dominating win over Matt Serra, but I'd like to fight him (again); and I'd like to fight Jon Fitch just to get the title shot from him. So for every fight, I got a reason. So I don't really care, man. Whoever stands in front of me, I just want that title.
Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): With such a stacked welterweight division, you seem to be playing the wait game. First we have Serra/GSP at UFC83 in mid-April; and then, assuming Fitch gets a title shot, that likely won't happen until sometime around August. That might put the next available title shot happening sometime toward the end of 2008. Do you find this frustrating, waiting, if it unfolds like this?
Karo Parisyan: Yeah, kinda. I don't know what I'm going to do. I'd probably have to get a fight in between; I just can't sit at home and get fat. I don't know, man. It depends on how this fight goes with Thiago Alves. God willing, if everything goes well and I beat Thiago, and if I have a guaranteed title shot after that, I'm not going to take anymore fights, I'll just wait for my title shot. But if I have to fight somebody else, I will.
So, I don't know what the UFC is going to throw my way. First, again, like I said, I'm taking one fight at a time. I'm thinking about Thiago right now, and not Fitch, Serra or GSP.
Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Well with a win over Thiago, I don't see much of an argument anyone can make for you NOT getting the title shot.
Karo Parisyan: Neither do I.
Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): You're now 8-2 in the UFC and on a three-fight win streak, and with a win over Thiago, it would be four. You're 18-4 overall, with 13 of your fights ending in decision. Do you think that has hurt your chances of getting a title shot?
Karo Parisyan: No, I think I've changed the myth. I ended that myth — a fight doesn't have to finish in the first or second round to be an exciting fight. Almost all my fights have been exciting. A lot of people don't want to see a one-minute fight that they paid for. I'd like to see a three-round brawl so I can say that it was an awesome fight.
In most of my fights, I've shown people that I have heart and that I go, from bell to bell, 100 miles per hour. And like I said, sometimes I've done a lot of stuff for the crowd. Sometimes, like my last fight, I didn't care about anything; I just cared about winning the fight.
You know, I react on the moment, how I feel and what I think is right. I would like to finish the fight with Thiago — that's my plan — but if it goes to a decision, and, God willing, I get my decision win again, hey a W is still a W, and against a very tough fighter.
If you can beat me, beat me, you know what I mean? But if I beat you in a decision, that means I still have a W over any top fighter.
Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Thiago is on a four-fight win streak of his own, with his last win over Chris Lytle earning him "Fight of the Night" honors and $55,000 in bonus money. Does that make you any more excited for this fight — knowing that Alves can put on a good show?
Karo Parisyan: Yeah, that means Thiago brings it. Fighters get the best out of Karo Parisyan. You push me, man, I'm going to push more. Thank God I don't really break. I don't really break during fights, even if I'm losing it, I still come back and make it exciting.
The Diego Sanchez fight — perfect example. I got hit in my eyeball. I thought I lost my sight. What did I do? I still came back, thank God, and turned it into the best fight of the year, with one eye. People have to take that in consideration. It's not what you do, it's how you do it, like I've always said.
Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): That was a great fight, no question. Well, Alves has KO power, but he usually wins via TKO. How do you feel you match-up with Alves, and how have you been training for him? Have you changed anything up?
Karo Parisyan: No. I've done the same training. I worked on a lot of wrestling, ground and pound, my submissions ... even my standup. If for some reason I can't take Thiago down, I'm going to stand with him and bang it out.
I think I have just as good standup as anyone in the division. Thiago is, out of the two of us, the better striker. Pound-for-pound, he's one of the best strikers in the world in the business today. But that doesn't mean that I can't stand in front of him, or even knock him out.
Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Did you train at Xtreme Couture in Vegas? How long was your camp?
Karo Parisyan: Yeah, I did about three weeks at Randy's gym. It went pretty good. I don't have to do a month or two months to say I'm good — no, I did a really good training camp back home in L.A. As long as I'm in good condition ... I just had a really really good plyometric workout, conditioning, muscle endurance, everything.
Like I've always said, man, God willing, if I'm in shape for a fight, I don't care who I'm fighting, they're in trouble. They're in deep crap, man.
Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): I'm assuming you're in pretty good shape right now, going into this fight?
Karo Parisyan: Yes, I'm 80 percent in shape. With next week ... before I leave, I should be in pretty good shape. I should be in shape to go five rounds if I had to. Like when I fought Josh Burkman, I was ready to go five rounds, man, I was in tippy-top shape. I wasn't tired at all, I was actually having fun. And I looked at myself, and I was like, you know what, when I'm in shape, it's actually fun, it's easy to fight. So let's do that again, I told myself, and now that's what I'm trying to do.
Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): So when you say that you're 80 percent, does that mean you've been battling some injuries?
Karo Parisyan: I always have injuries, bro. My left leg, my left thigh, the hamstring tear, it's always been weak. It's really hard for me to bounce back on the same explosive workouts. But I don't know what to say.
Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Well, all professional fighters battle a lot of injuries, making it near impossible to come into a fight at 100 percent.
Karo Parisyan: Exactly. Also, I don't live by myself. I don't have an apartment. It's not like I only worry about Karo Parisyan, you know, I don't train in the morning and that's all I do. Bro, Armenians are different people, culturally. I take care of my whole family, bro. I have five, six people in my family, I have a big house. Everything that I do, I work for my family.
I have more pressure than anything, most of the time. So it's not as easy as people think it is, you know. When I said that I had a personal issue in the last fight, I was meaning that I was buying a house, I couldn't get my training in, I would run 20 minutes a day and call it a workout, because I could not get my training going to another level.
People have to understand, going into a fight, you should never make excuses — if you choose to go into the cage and fight, whatever happens, it happens, you chose it and that's the result. But when you look behind that, there is always all kinds of stuff going on in a fighter's life.
Fighting is your reward. The hard part is training and cutting weight. With all the bull crap before the fight, by the time you step in that cage, you're drained.
Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): It's been said that you are the first UFC fighter to have successfully adapted his judo style to the Octagon. You're also, what, a four-time International Judo Champion?
Karo Parisyan: Four-time international, seven-time junior national, two-time senior bronze, I've won 10 or 15 California states, silver at the Pan-Am Games, I've won everything in the country. It's very hard to adapt Judo to mixed martial arts, when you can't grip a guy and you can't throw him. Thank God I am one of those guys that has been able to do that, and I'm blessed, you know? I'm just trying to keep that going, man, that's what's made my career.
Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Do you think that your Judo is the best in the UFC?
Karo Parisyan: (Laughs) What do you think, bro?
Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): (Laughs) I think it is, I just wanted to hear you say it.
Karo Parisyan: How about this, let me ask you a question: Do you think it's the best in mixed martial arts, period?
Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Honestly, yeah, I do.
Karo Parisyan: Thank you. There's the answer to that.
Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Some of your fans might not know this, but you've also been featured in a few movies, correct?
Karo Parisyan: Yeah, I've done a bunch of stuff. I stopped the acting stuff when I got hard-core into fighting, but yeah, I've done movies with Steven Seagal, DMX, I've done a bunch of stunts on movies. Shit, I've even done some modeling, dude. Just on the side, just to look cute.
Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Would you like to continue pursuing a film career?
Karo Parisyan: Sure, yeah, when I retire, I would like to. Certain things I can do. I can act, I do stunts, I got a lot of people in the business to hook me up. It's definitely a road I'm looking at after retiring, as well as having a couple of gyms around the country.
I'd like to open up a franchise with Karo Parisyan-style training, with throwing and all that stuff, because there are 10,000 strikers out there, there're 10,000 grapplers, but there's only one ... you know, I don't want to say I'm talking about myself, but I'm pretty much the only one who can throw people in the business. People want to learn that, but it's hard to learn. But I think I can teach it. And if I can, then I can open up a revolution in mixed martial arts, as far as judo.
Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): How many fights do you have remaining on your current contract?
Karo Parisyan: I got like three more left.
Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Your cousin, TUF5 Runner-Up Manny Gamburyan, is also featured on the Fight Night 13 card vs. Jeff Cox. How do you see this match-up?
Karo Parisyan: I think that's like a gift for Manny, man. That's hands down, Manny's gonna maul him. I mean, seriously, who's Jeff Cox? Never heard of him? They asked him what his strength is, and he said his training and coaching? Jesus Christ. I mean, I don't know, but I think that Manny
doesn't have his hands full at all. I think it's going to be a first round win for Manny Gamburyan.
Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): With such a talented family, do you have any other family members who we need to have on our radar?
Karo Parisyan: Bro, I got family all around the fricking country and the world, but as far as competing, it's only Manny at this point.
Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Do you guys train together?
Karo Parisyan: I haven't trained with him for this fight at all.
Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Fans of The Ultimate Fighter saw your disagreement with Nate Diaz. You also hold a win over his brother Nick. Is there any bad blood between you and the Diaz brothers?
Karo Parisyan: No, listen dude, I never had anything against Nick Diaz. When I fought Nick Diaz, I had nothing against him. Actually, I'm surprised my dad even likes Nick Diaz. He's a gutsy kid. Even after the fight, I was the only guy that he wasn't trying to get all rowdy, because I'm sorry, I'm not like the other guys he's fought — not as far as talent, just that somebody outside of the mixed martial arts world, I look at stuff very different.
If somebody's gonna try to mess with me, I take care of stuff in a different way. I actually came up, (Nick) looked at me, he said, "Did I do that to your nose?" I was like, "Yeah. Did I do that to your face?" We were just talking. People started taking pictures of us. I never had anything against Nick Diaz.
Even Nate Diaz. But Nate started running his mouth, and he was being disrespectful. I made him understand, yo, we're on national television, don't disrespect. I'm telling you.
And everybody made a fuss about me saying, "Do you know who I am?" Listen, man, English is my second language. Sometimes stuff comes out very wrong. When I say, "Do you know who I am?", that doesn't mean, "Hey yo, do you know who I am? I'm Karo Parisyan." Duh. Obviously they know who I am. I never meant, "I'm Karo Parisyan, I'm this and that." No, bro. God forbid, tomorrow I could be below zero, as far as a fighter. I know the reality.
But when I say, "Do you know who I am?" I mean like, do you know who I am outside of the mixed martial arts circuit? Do you know who I am on the streets, where I come from, what's my background? You can't disrespect me just like that. You know what I mean, you don't know who I am. That's how I said that. I didn't mean like, "Oh you know who I am, I'm Karo, I can kick your butt."
People say I'm trying to bully. Dude, I don't give a shit who you are. You could be 400 pounds, the baddest mofo on this planet. You do something wrong toward me, I'm going to step up and try to fight you — do anything I can to try to make you understand that you're wrong and I'm right.
People have to understand, this American shit they have — this bullying — what are we talking about? I wasn't even going to punch Nate Diaz, I was going to slap him. I wasn't even going to punch him. You know what, people have to understand that crap, it's a different culture, it's a different mentality.
I have no disrespect toward any fighter or anybody. You know, you going to respect me, I'm going to respect you. You put your one arm around me, I'll put my both arms around you. Simple as that.
Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): The headliner for Fight Night 13 is a lightweight match-up between Kenny Florian and Joe Lauzon. Who do you like in that fight?
Karo Parisyan: Well I like Joe, I like Kenny. I'm good buddies with both of them, actually. I think Kenny's got a little more experience on Joe Lauzon. Joe is one of those kids that can pull off a win from anywhere. He's a tough kid and he comes out to fight, balls out. I think Kenny might have the upper hand on Joe, just because of his experience and all the guys he's fought, but at the same time if Joe Lauzon wins, don't be surprised, because he's a tough kid.
Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Well Karo, I really appreciate your candor during this interview. Lastly, would you like to thank any sponsors, and do you have any parting words for your fans?
Karo Parisyan: Yeah, I'd like to thank AutoMaxLeasing.com. He's one of my good friends, he's one of my sponsors, and he's the best in the business as far as cars go. So thanks to AutoMax.
Adam Wagner (MMAmania.com): Well thanks again, Karo, I really appreciate you taking the time to talk to us. And good luck in your upcoming fight against Thiago Alves.
Karo Parisyan: No problem, brother. Thanks a lot, I really appreciate that.
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i know who he is alright! hehe..but seriously, karo sounds a bit more likeable (or perhaps ‘less arrogant’ is the proper phrase). lets hope this is the beginnin of a new and improved karo…one whos grating personality matches his incredible skills.
by JoeyVitaminB12 on Mar 21, 2008 8:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
actually, i just read the rest of the interview..i take that back, hes pretty much still arrogant—except God is now apparently on his side (i mean, hes thanked Him enough times). dont get me wrong, karo is still a bad@$$ with some sick skillz…still, its a good thing fighters arent judged on their personalities.
by JoeyVitaminB12 on Mar 21, 2008 8:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I really hope someone destroys him…he puts on some of the most boring fights and dosn’t back up his talk at all. Any top 10 ww destroys him
by kevin on Mar 21, 2008 8:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
IM KAROS NUMBER ONE FAN WIN OR LOSE thats all i have to say
by Dan on Mar 21, 2008 8:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thiago is no slouch but Fitch mauled him. it will be interesting to see how Karo stacks up
by BLOodyMEss on Mar 21, 2008 8:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This isn’t freaking Oprah! What you want Karo to start crying? Dude, he gave his oppinions on stuff and didn’t shy away fram anything! What more can you ask from an interview? Yeah he’s a little concieted but if I was holding all that Judo hardware…… I would be pretty cocky too! And honestly….. Not really a big fan of the guy myself; But it was cool to get his take on the whole Diaz situation and his thoughts on the title race!
by William on Mar 21, 2008 8:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What a character. He’s a damn funny guy. Hope he wins.
by RobH86 on Mar 21, 2008 8:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Karo Parisyan: I think that’s like a gift for Manny, man. That’s hands down, Manny’s gonna maul him. I mean, seriously, who’s Jeff Cox? Never heard of him? They asked him what his strength is, and he said his training and coaching? Jesus Christ. I mean, I don’t know, but I think that Manny
doesn’t have his hands full at all. I think it’s going to be a first round win for Manny Gamburyan.
Seriously…Does Jeff Cox know who my cousin is? I mean, does he know who he is?
by Shadyone33 on Mar 21, 2008 8:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
God willing, it’ll be an exciting fight. God willing, the right person will get a title shot. God willing, the Lord’s an MMA fan.
I’m just kidding. I like Karo, I’m pulling for him, and I hope he gets a title shot this year.
by Nicole on Mar 21, 2008 9:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Great interview, great read…love Karo – looking forward to the WW division getting even more complicated…
by Seamus on Mar 21, 2008 9:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
karo should have had the title shot right after serra gsp 1
anyone who whooped serras ass like that
youd think serra (“the badass he is”) would want to try to avenge that
pussy
by realufcinfo on Mar 21, 2008 10:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Karo is an amazing fighter. I have had the opportunity to train alongside him. He is a beast who has the potential to destroy anyone who stands across from him. I watched him beat Sokoudjou at Judo tournament. I realize that is not the same as mma, but he beat a man that weighed at least 40 lbs more than him… especially after you count cutting for weight.
by Ryan on Mar 21, 2008 10:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
“I wasn’t going to punch him I was just going to slap him” LOL… like it’s ok for him to slap Nate Diaz… WTF… on the other hand Karo says if anyone disrespects him, he’s going to fight him… JEEZ…. KARO is just a dim witted brawler… talent dim wit though…
by THORAZINE on Mar 21, 2008 11:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i like the heat he tells it like it is. i especially like the fact that he doesn’t let that ghetto trash talk slide. you want to flap your gums like that you should get slapped :)
by sooper822 on Mar 21, 2008 11:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Karo came off sounding a lot better this time around than he ussually does.
by c-war on Mar 21, 2008 11:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybe he should move up to mw and fight silva. I heard anderson say he didnt know who he was.
by Harry Triangle on Mar 21, 2008 11:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Karo came off sounding a lot better this time around than he ussually does.
Agreed. He actually reopened my eyes a bit. He makes some good arguments. I don’t understand how a slap, however, is not as bad as a punch, but maybe that’s a cultural thing. Can’t wait for that fight with Alves. With a win, Joe Silva is going to have a very difficult decision. Nice job, Adam.
by MMAmania on Mar 21, 2008 11:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Karo reminds me of BJ a few years ago. Tons of talent and no work ethic. But look at BJ now.
by bnf on Mar 22, 2008 12:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Karo needs to pull his head out and train hard if he wants to be a real threat to the title. He ain’t the only one with Judo now. GSP has evolved so much he rag dolled Hughes with a sick Judo throw!
by bnf on Mar 22, 2008 12:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybe he should move up to mw and fight silva. I heard anderson say he didnt know who he was.
this made me lol
by Macho Bullshit on Mar 22, 2008 12:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
bro god willing, Thiago will KO him back to Armenia where hugging strangers is cool.
by kama kaze on Mar 22, 2008 1:14 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. He actually reopened my eyes a bit. He makes some good arguments. I don’t understand how a slap, however, is not as bad as a punch, but maybe that’s a cultural thing. Can’t wait for that fight with Alves. With a win, Joe Silva is going to have a very difficult decision. Nice job, Adam.
By slap Karo means I don’t even have enough respect for you as a man to hit like a man with a punch, I’m going to slap you like a bitch. As a man, if another man simply slaps you that’s more of an insult!
by Ray on Mar 22, 2008 1:22 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
karo is a top five fighter with sick skills no knock out power and a full resume of exciting fights where he brings it everytime i dont like the guy but no one can say hes not deserving of a title fight and your respect dont cuss his fighting because you dont like him
by john on Mar 22, 2008 1:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
if i were DW id get pissed off at this guy always expecting a title shot without having really defeated top contenders
the idea of making him face anderson silva is awesome
anderson will need to fight in the summer
theres no obvious contender
make karo do it
wonder if another mystery injury would come on with a week to go ;)
by nate diaz on Mar 22, 2008 1:58 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Karo kills me wit that thank god, god willing, God forbid, funny every so often long as i dont read/watch to many of his interviews in one week ^^
He should fight fitch after this match for the title shot, would work out the best for both.
by Khaos_Warrior on Mar 22, 2008 2:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
awsome interview,
Ive always been a big fan of karo hes just all around entertaining. The Karo vs Nick fight was a classic showcasing true mixed martial arts skills.
I could care less for nicknames but karo has the best nickname of all and when buffer prolongs heat in his intro it sounds sweet.
Karo over alves by 2cnd rd submission kimura lock from side mount
by dia mette on Mar 22, 2008 4:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I really hope someone destroys him…he puts on some of the most boring fights and dosn’t back up his talk at all. Any top 10 ww destroys him
Boring fights.Did you not watch the GSP, Diaz, Sanchez and even the Serra fights. How can you call any of those boring. Sorry but I have to disagree. Karo has always mentioned god in his interviews, being Aremenian he probably pretty religious and just showing respect. He at least gave credit to Alves and never bragged or boasted about how he was going to beat him or take him apart. All in all he doesn’t sound as bad as people make out and the English being his second language coyuld be where the misunderstanding lies. I am one of the people who believe he was totally screwed out of his title shot when Riggs filled in when he was injured and then when he came back they threw him staright in with Diego. That was wrong. They do things one way for one fighter and a different way for another. The UFC and Dana have their favourites and like Jardine and also Lindland back in the day, Karo isn’t one of them.
by Ade on Mar 22, 2008 7:15 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I really hope someone destroys him…he puts on some of the most boring fights and dosn’t back up his talk at all. Any top 10 ww destroys him
u r wrong, i dont feel like getting into it though
by keystone on Mar 22, 2008 9:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. He actually reopened my eyes a bit. He makes some good arguments. I don’t understand how a slap, however, is not as bad as a punch, but maybe that’s a cultural thing. Can’t wait for that fight with Alves. With a win, Joe Silva is going to have a very difficult decision. Nice job, Adam.
Mania, who do u actually like in the Karo/Alves fight? and the Lauzon/Ken flo fight?
I like a double upset special with Tiago defeating Karo, and Joe TKO’ing Ken Flow in the 1st round.
Mania, how do u see it?
The tiago/Karo fight will be a fight of the year candidate.
For those that havent watched Alves vs. Lytle I suggest you watch it because IMO it was one of the best fights of the year!
by john on Mar 22, 2008 10:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What a d-bag this guy is, fitch would most likely beat him, gsp would embarrass him and own him standing and on the ground and most likely finish him and be the first one to do it. Hughes would probably beat him, koscheck would beat him and so would sanchez if they fought again, this guys isn’t top 5 and very doubtfully will ever win a title shot if they feel charitable and give him one, karo is top 10 like serra but not top 5.
by nathan on Mar 22, 2008 10:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I forgot to add the only way karo wins a title shot is if its against serra which now is extremely unlikely.
by nathan on Mar 22, 2008 10:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I was really hoping this interview would make up for being a giant dick on TUF. He’s exactly the same! Just not angry.
if I was holding all that Judo hardware…… I would be pretty cocky too!
All that hardware is exactly why he shouldn’t have to be cocky. People like Randy and GSP understand that. I like Karo as a fighter but I’d be happy if I never heard another word from him outside of the cage.
by Gza on Mar 22, 2008 11:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Boring fights.Did you not watch the GSP, Diaz, Sanchez and even the Serra fights. How can you call any of those boring. Sorry but I have to disagree. Karo has always mentioned god in his interviews, being Aremenian he probably pretty religious and just showing respect. He at least gave credit to Alves and never bragged or boasted about how he was going to beat him or take him apart. All in all he doesn’t sound as bad as people make out and the English being his second language coyuld be where the misunderstanding lies. I am one of the people who believe he was totally screwed out of his title shot when Riggs filled in when he was injured and then when he came back they threw him staright in with Diego. That was wrong. They do things one way for one fighter and a different way for another. The UFC and Dana have their favourites and like Jardine and also Lindland back in the day, Karo isn’t one of them.
damn i just got done saying i didnt want to explain why this guy was wrong and you did a great job doin it. i have always been a fan or karo, and lets go ahead and see your top 10 list of WW that would destroy him, that is, if you can name 10 WW
by keystone on Mar 22, 2008 12:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i dont like karo..hope thiago knocks him out! :-)
by Ramon on Mar 22, 2008 2:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i think the “god willing” thing doesn’t translate well into text. when you listen to him say it, it doesn’t sound funny. i’m working on a way to get audio clips up for future interviews.
by wagnerav on Mar 22, 2008 2:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This should be a really good fight. If Karo loses it would really shake up the WW division. I hope Karo wins though, simply because I want to see a Karo-Fitch fight…
by PP on Mar 22, 2008 3:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
well i’m sure that if nate diaz was reading this (and he may be) i think he might have a problem with the slap thing, I mean usually speaking,the difference between punching someone and slapping somone is that slapping is reserved for children or women (not advocating either) so essentially he was saying that nate was nothing more than a child or woman….
hmmmmmm sounds like respect isn’t so important to karo after all.
I’m a amateur martial artist, and by no means would i last a minute with karo or any other PROFESSIONAL fighter, however if i could, i would whoop karo’s ass on the basis that he needs a reality/humble check.
If possible i’d really like a karo/ nick diaz rematch.
From a buisiness standpoint i think it would be a large draw, perhaps fight night?
or with the grudge (you know ufc would fluff it up a bit) it might be big enough for a ppv.
I believe that karo isn’t really in the same class as the other TOP 170’s gsp, serra, fitch,even hughes would destroy karo, sooo maybe that is why he is waiting for the title shot.
karo’s judo IS fun to watch, but his cardio sucks, he probably could get to 155 since he never is shredded down to no fat, if he was he’d be a monster @155. Although penn would spank his ass, like randy did to tito.
by creagach on Mar 22, 2008 3:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
KEVIN,
I really hope someone destroys him…he puts on some of the most boring fights and dosn’t back up his talk at all. Any top 10 ww destroys him
Are you serious? Have you ever watched one of his fights?
GSP, SANCHEZ, FICKETT, DIAZ, BURKMAN??
He never stops coming forward.
by Wesley on Mar 22, 2008 10:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
well i’m sure that if nate diaz was reading this (and he may be) i think he might have a problem with the slap thing, I mean usually speaking,the difference between punching someone and slapping somone is that slapping is reserved for children or women (not advocating either) so essentially he was saying that nate was nothing more than a child or woman….
hmmmmmm sounds like respect isn’t so important to karo after all.
I’m a amateur martial artist, and by no means would i last a minute with karo or any other PROFESSIONAL fighter, however if i could, i would whoop karo’s ass on the basis that he needs a reality/humble check.
If possible i’d really like a karo/ nick diaz rematch.
From a buisiness standpoint i think it would be a large draw, perhaps fight night?
or with the grudge (you know ufc would fluff it up a bit) it might be big enough for a ppv.
I believe that karo isn’t really in the same class as the other TOP 170’s gsp, serra, fitch,even hughes would destroy karo, sooo maybe that is why he is waiting for the title shot.
karo’s judo IS fun to watch, but his cardio sucks, he probably could get to 155 since he never is shredded down to no fat, if he was he’d be a monster @155. Although penn would spank his ass, like randy did to tito.
I was always wondering about Karo possibly fighting at 155lbs because he looks soft at 170’s… but he seems to have a pretty big frame, so I’m not convinced that would be a better weight class for him.
by THORAZINE on Mar 22, 2008 11:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, they’re good fights. I like him as a fighter. Hearing him in an interview is a little hard though. But hey, I guess it works for him.
by dave on Mar 22, 2008 11:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
dude if anyone doesnt think this guy isnt the best fighter just ask him. . I mean he hasnt losqt a fight yet. . WELL in his own opinion
by Rob on Mar 23, 2008 5:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Guys the only guy in the UFC that is WW that can beat Karo right now is GSP. Thats it.
Fitch looked like crap last fight.
Koscheck would take a crap kicking for a round and a 1/2 than sally out from a kimura.
Serously he is the $hit. He makes a point, he fights the level of his opponents. And its proven, He puts a hell of a show on and its up to the other guy to put him away KO OR SUB… Never happened yet.
by Yikes on Mar 23, 2008 7:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
damn i just got done saying i didnt want to explain why this guy was wrong and you did a great job doin it. i have always been a fan or karo, and lets go ahead and see your top 10 list of WW that would destroy him, that is, if you can name 10 WW
The guy hasn’t seen any of his fights!! He just assumes because there were lots of decisions that he must be a boring fighter
by ToeLock on Mar 23, 2008 9:09 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Guys the only guy in the UFC that is WW that can beat Karo right now is GSP. Thats it.
Fitch looked like crap last fight.
Koscheck would take a crap kicking for a round and a 1/2 than sally out from a kimura.
Serously he is the $hit. He makes a point, he fights the level of his opponents. And its proven, He puts a hell of a show on and its up to the other guy to put him away KO OR SUB… Never happened yet.
I have to disagree. I promise you that he will loose to tiago alves at ufn`april 2nd
by john on Mar 23, 2008 11:28 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
just love that memory of karo’s front tooth waving at the camera before it flew out of his mouth when diego kneed him in the mouth.
by creagach on Mar 23, 2008 2:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Lets get it straight…
Karo dissed Diaz! He got in his “personal space” and starting talking down to him.
Nate grew up with certain rules about respect.
Nate was just defending his honor
by Talkman on Mar 23, 2008 8:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
All that hardware is exactly why he shouldn’t have to be cocky. People like Randy and GSP understand that. I like Karo as a fighter but I’d be happy if I never heard another word from him outside of the cage.
Are you kidding me?? His the most honest person and outspoken his not fake like other fighters behind the camera just to look good!! Nate Diaz is a punk who acted like he can actually fight karo and cant even take a freaken jok lol!! Karo ALWAYS has respect towards his opponets and if you disrepect him you’re gonna hear back from him like it or not that’s how life is period!! KARO YOU ROCK GOOD LUCK BUDDY!!!!!!!!
by MMA-FAN on Mar 23, 2008 9:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
bro god willing, Thiago will KO him back to Armenia where hugging strangers is cool.
hahahah YOU can only dream when karo beats the shit out of him and sends him back to brazil!!
by Craig on Mar 23, 2008 9:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Karo needs to pull his head out and train hard if he wants to be a real threat to the title. He ain’t the only one with Judo now. GSP has evolved so much he rag dolled Hughes with a sick Judo throw!
OMG……lol you call that real judo??? Karo parisyan adapted judo in MMA!! It ain’t the same and NEVER will be gsp got lucky with that one move karo does it constantly!!
by Sherdog on Mar 23, 2008 9:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i like the heat he tells it like it is. i especially like the fact that he doesn’t let that ghetto trash talk slide. you want to flap your gums like that you should get slapped :)
LMFAO…..Exactly couldn’t of said better myself!! Love the heat and his fighting style always an exciting fighter win or lose!! Truth hurts for some people!!
by BigDan on Mar 23, 2008 9:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Lets get it straight…
Karo dissed Diaz! He got in his “personal space” and starting talking down to him.
Nate grew up with certain rules about respect.
Nate was just defending his honor
Karo was just messing around with that punk from Stockton! And personally karo doesn’t give a RATS ass where this kid if from!! Whatever he does or has in Stockton does NOT work for karo!! Karo’s straight forward and he even asked Nate lets talk and that idiot was all acting like his the shit in front of the cameras and hiding behind jens pulver hahaha balblablba I’m not even gonna get into it!!! Karo good luck bro kick Thiago’s Brazilian assssss lol
by Lance on Mar 23, 2008 10:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Great interview Adam. If I ever had the opportunity to interview Karo, I would try and get him to talk about himself and how great he is – like you tried doing asking him if he had the best Judo in the UFC.
“I wasn’t going to punch him I was just going to slap him” LOL… like it’s ok for him to slap Nate Diaz… WTF… on the other hand Karo says if anyone disrespects him, he’s going to fight him… JEEZ…. KARO is just a dim witted brawler… talent dim wit though…
LOL, right? Plus like Nate Diaz would let someone slap him and then just walk away…
by ViolentMike on Mar 24, 2008 3:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I really hope someone destroys him…he puts on some of the most boring fights and dosn’t back up his talk at all. Any top 10 ww destroys him
He is a pain in the ass for sure but you havents seen one of his fights if you say that is boring.
by Badmofo on Mar 25, 2008 4:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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