Props: UFC.com

Quoteworthy:

"Basically, eight months ago, I was diagnosed with panic attacks. It’s something I have been trying to deal with. I am trying to keep my head clear…. When I first got there (to Colorado), I couldn’t eat or sleep. I just didn’t want to be there. I struggled during camp (with panic attacks) and my conditioning wasn’t there. That Karo that used to come out tenacious was not there…. I am not going to stress myself out. This fight [at UFC 88] is very, very important in so many aspects and in so many ways.... It’s very simple. If I beat three bums, I get nowhere. If I beat Yoshida, I’m back in title contention. I’ve always said that if I come in shape, I can be the best at 170. Hopefully, if I can annihilate Yoshida, I can avenge some of my old losses to Thiago (Alves) and Diego Sanchez. Then I can annihilate those guys. I’m ready to show that I’m the best."

Experienced mixed martial arts veteran and long-time Judo competitor, Karo Parisyan, reveals that he has recently been dealing with panic attacks. Being locked inside a cage with another man who wants to tear his head off -- in front of a massive screaming crowd and television audience -- is perhaps the worst place for someone with his condition to be. "The Heat" admits to feeling "girly" when the episodes emerge, but it seems like a step in the right direction to discuss and address them in the open -- it must be extremely difficult for the the proud Armenian. Parisyan will take on the super tough Yoshiyuki Yoshida at UFC 88: "Breakthrough" at the Philips Arena in Atlanta. Ga., on September 6. Let's hope his mind is right because this is a very good fight, which will surely deliver the goods if both fighters are in top form.