Manny Gamburyan (Armenian: Մանվել Գամբուրյան; born May 8, 1981) is an Armenian mixed martial artist who has competed in the UFC's lightweight, featherweight, and bantamweight divisions. A professional competitor since 1999, he was a cast member of Spike TV's The Ultimate Fighter 5, and also competed in World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) and King of the Cage (KOTC).

Manny Gamburyan
Born (1981-05-08) May 8, 1981 (age 43)
Leninakan, Armenian SSR, Soviet Union
Native nameՄանվել Գամբուրյան
Other namesThe Pitbull, The Anvil
NationalityArmenian and American
Height5 ft 5 in (1.65 m)[1]
Weight136 lb (62 kg; 9.7 st)
DivisionWelterweight
Lightweight
Featherweight
Bantamweight
Reach68 in (170 cm)[1]
Fighting out ofNorth Hollywood, California, U.S.
TeamTeam Hayastan
Glendale Fighting Club
S.K. Golden Boys
RankSecond dan black belt in Judo[2]
Second dan black belt in Kyokushin Karate[citation needed]
Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[citation needed]
Years active1999–2017
Mixed martial arts record
Total26
Wins15
By knockout2
By submission7
By decision6
Losses10
By knockout5
By submission0
By decision5
No contests1
Other information
Notable relativesKaro Parisyan, cousin
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Background

edit

In May 1991, Gamburyan's family relocated from Armenia to the United States. Shortly after his arrival, he began training in judo at Gokor Chivichyan and Gene LeBell's Hayastan MMA Academy, quickly becoming one of the top judokan in the country, winning junior nationals less than two years later. He went on to win junior nationals eight times, the junior Olympics once, and was a member of the 2000 Junior World Team. Later, Gamburyan also began training in Kyokushin Karate aged 15.[3]

Mixed martial arts career

edit

Early career

edit

Gamburyan began his career in mixed martial arts in 1999 at the age of 17. He won his first four fights, then lost a decision to future UFC Lightweight Champion Sean Sherk in 2001. Gamburyan's cousin Karo Parisyan nicknamed him "The Pitbull" for the tenacity he displayed in the fight.[4]

The Ultimate Fighter

edit

In 2007, Gamburyan appeared on the reality show The Ultimate Fighter 5, fighting on Jens Pulver's team. His nickname was changed to "Anvil" for his UFC career because "Pitbull" was already taken by other UFC fighters such as Andrei Arlovski and Thiago Alves.[5]

Gamburyan defeated Noah Thomas by kimura lock in the preliminary round. In his next matchup, Gamburyan defeated Matt Wiman to advance to the semifinal round.[6]

In the semifinal round, Gamburyan beat Joe Lauzon in a unanimous decision and advanced to the finale with Nate Diaz. He was considered an underdog in each of his fights, in part due to his short stature. After the Lauzon fight, UFC president Dana White personally apologized to Gamburyan for doubting him.[7] In the finale, Gamburyan controlled Diaz for the majority of the fight, but was forced to tap out in the second round after dislocating his right shoulder on an unsuccessful takedown attempt.[8] Although this technically counts as a submission due to injury, Gamburyan has never been submitted by an opponent in his MMA career.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

edit

Despite losing the show, Gamburyan secured a UFC contract with his performance. He won his next two UFC fights, defeating Nate Mohr by ankle lock at UFC 79[9] and Jeff Cox by guillotine choke at UFC Fight Night 13.[10] Gamburyan raised some controversy in the Cox fight by delivering a spinning leg kick after feigning the mutual tap of gloves that is often seen at the beginning of the match. The crowd in attendance reacted with heavy booing.

He returned to action at UFC 87 and was knocked out in 12 seconds by Rob Emerson.[11]

At UFC 94, Gamburyan lost to Thiago Tavares in a back and forth fight via unanimous decision (29-28, 29–28, 29–28).[12]

World Extreme Cagefighting

edit

After his loss to Tavares, Gamburyan decided to drop down to the featherweight division and fight in the Zuffa-owned WEC.[13][14][15]

Gamburyan's first fight at featherweight was a decision win over John Franchi at WEC 41.[16]

Gamburyan defeated Leonard Garcia on November 18, 2009, at WEC 44 via unanimous decision.[17]

Gamburyan fought former WEC Featherweight Champion Mike Brown at WEC 48.[18] He won by knockout in the first round as well as getting the Knockout of the Night bonus of $65,000.[19][20]

Gamburyan lost via second-round KO to José Aldo in a bout for the WEC Featherweight Championship on September 30, 2010, at WEC 51.[21]

UFC return

edit

On October 28, 2010, World Extreme Cagefighting merged with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As part of the merger, all WEC fighters were transferred to the UFC.[22]

Gamburyan was expected to face Raphael Assunção on March 19, 2011, at UFC 128,[23] but was forced out of the bout with a back injury[24] and replaced by Erik Koch.[25]

Gamburyan next faced Tyson Griffin on June 26, 2011, at UFC on Versus 4.[26] He lost the fight via majority decision.

Gamburyan was expected to face Diego Nunes on September 24, 2011, at UFC 135,[27] but was forced to withdraw from the bout after suffering a shoulder injury.[28] The bout ultimately took place at UFC 141 and Gamburyan lost via unanimous decision.[29]

Gamburyan defeated Michihiro Omigawa via unanimous decision on August 4, 2012, at UFC on FOX 4.[30]

Gamburyan was expected to face Chad Mendes on February 23, 2013, at UFC 157.[31] However, Gamburyan was forced out of the bout with a thumb injury.[32] Mendes was then pulled from the card as a suitable replacement could not be found on short notice.[33]

Gamburyan was expected to face Hacran Dias on May 18, 2013, at UFC on FX 8.[34] However, Gamburyan was forced to pull out of the bout citing another injury and was replaced by Nik Lentz.[35]

Gamburyan faced Cole Miller on August 17, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 26.[36] Gamburyan won the fight via unanimous decision.[37]

Gamburyan faced Dennis Siver on December 28, 2013, at UFC 168.[38] He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Subsequently, Siver failed a post fight drug screening, testing positive for banned substances. As a result, the decision was changed to a "No Contest".[39]

Gamburyan faced Nik Lentz on May 10, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 40.[40] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Gamburyan faced Cody Gibson in a bantamweight bout on September 27, 2014, at UFC 178. He won the fight via submission in the second round.[41]

Gamburyan was expected to face Aljamain Sterling on April 18, 2015, at UFC on Fox 15.[42] However, Gamburyan pulled out of the bout citing injury and was replaced by Takeya Mizugaki.[43]

Gamburyan faced Scott Jorgensen on July 15, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 71.[44] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[45]

Gamburyan next faced John Dodson on April 16, 2016, at UFC on Fox 19.[46] Gamburyan lost the fight via TKO in the first round.[47]

Gamburyan was expected to face Alejandro Pérez on September 17, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 94.[48] However, Gamburyan pulled out of the fight in mid-August for undisclosed personal reasons and was replaced by Albert Morales.[49]

Gamburyan lost to Johnny Eduardo on November 19, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 100 by 2nd-round TKO. Gamburyan then announced his retirement.[50]

Less than two years into his retirement, Gamburyan appeared on Ariel and the Bad Guy Show and revealed he is returning from retirement and planning to enter competition in mid-2019.[51]

Personal life

edit

Gamburyan is one of Ronda Rousey's main coaches. They met through practicing judo at North Hollywood, California Hayastan MMA Academy.[52][53][54]

Championships and accomplishments

edit

Mixed martial arts record

edit
Professional record breakdown
26 matches 15 wins 10 losses
By knockout 2 5
By submission 7 0
By decision 6 5
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 15–10 (1) Johnny Eduardo TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Bader vs. Nogueira 2 November 19, 2016 2 0:46 São Paulo, Brazil
Loss 15–9 (1) John Dodson TKO (punches) UFC on Fox: Teixeira vs. Evans April 16, 2016 1 0:37 Tampa, Florida, United States
Win 15–8 (1) Scott Jorgensen Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Mir vs. Duffee July 15, 2015 3 5:00 San Diego, California, United States
Win 14–8 (1) Cody Gibson Submission (guillotine choke) UFC 178 September 27, 2014 2 4:56 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Bantamweight debut.
Loss 13–8 (1) Nik Lentz Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Brown vs. Silva May 10, 2014 3 5:00 Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
NC 13–7 (1) Dennis Siver NC (overturned) UFC 168 December 28, 2013 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Originally a unanimous decision win for Siver; overturned after he tested positive for hCG.
Win 13–7 Cole Miller Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Sonnen August 17, 2013 3 5:00 Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Win 12–7 Michihiro Omigawa Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: Shogun vs. Vera August 4, 2012 3 5:00 Los Angeles, California, United States
Loss 11–7 Diego Nunes Decision (unanimous) UFC 141 December 30, 2011 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 11–6 Tyson Griffin Decision (majority) UFC Live: Kongo vs. Barry June 26, 2011 3 5:00 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Loss 11–5 José Aldo KO (punches) WEC 51 September 30, 2010 2 1:32 Broomfield, Colorado, United States For the WEC Featherweight Championship.
Win 11–4 Mike Brown KO (punches) WEC 48 April 24, 2010 1 2:22 Sacramento, California, United States Knockout of the Night.
Win 10–4 Leonard Garcia Decision (unanimous) WEC 44 November 18, 2009 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 9–4 John Franchi Decision (unanimous) WEC 41 June 7, 2009 3 5:00 Sacramento, California, United States Featherweight debut.
Loss 8–4 Thiago Tavares Decision (unanimous) UFC 94 January 31, 2009 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 8–3 Rob Emerson KO (punches) UFC 87 August 9, 2008 1 0:12 Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Win 8–2 Jeff Cox Submission (guillotine choke) UFC Fight Night: Florian vs. Lauzon March 2, 2008 1 1:41 Broomfield, Colorado, United States
Win 7–2 Nate Mohr Submission (achilles lock) UFC 79 December 29, 2007 1 1:31 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 6–2 Nate Diaz TKO (shoulder injury) The Ultimate Fighter 5 Finale June 23, 2007 2 0:20 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States The Ultimate Fighter 5 Lightweight Tournament final.
Win 6–1 Sammy Morgan Decision (unanimous) RSF: Shooto Challenge 2 January 2, 2004 3 5:00 Belleville, Illinois, United States
Win 5–1 Jorge Santiago KO (punch) KOTC 27: Aftermath August 10, 2003 1 0:21 San Jacinto, California, United States
Loss 4–1 Sean Sherk Decision (unanimous) Reality Submission Fighting 3 March 30, 2001 1 18:00 Belleville, Illinois, United States
Win 4–0 Pat Benson Submission (guillotine choke) Reality Submission Fighting 2 January 2, 2001 1 2:01 Belleville, Illinois, United States
Win 3–0 Darren Bryant Submission (heel hook) Kage Kombat 14 March 5, 1999 1 0:35 Los Angeles, California, United States
Win 2–0 Timothy Morris Technical Submission (choke) Kage Kombat 12 February 1, 1999 1 0:16 Los Angeles, California, United States
Win 1–0 Danny Henderson Submission (armbar) Kage Kombat 12 February 1, 1999 1 0:17 Los Angeles, California, United States

Mixed martial arts exhibition record

edit
Professional record breakdown
3 matches 3 wins 0 losses
By knockout 0 0
By submission 1 0
By decision 2 0
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 3–0 Joe Lauzon Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter 5 June 14, 2007 (air date) 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Semi-finals.
Win 2–0 Matt Wiman Decision (unanimous) June 7, 2007 (air date) 2 5:00 Quarter-finals.
Win 1–0 Noah Thomas Submission (kimura) April 12, 2007 (air date) 1 2:10 Elimination round.

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ a b "Fight Card - UFC Fight Night Mir vs. Duffee". UFC.com. Retrieved July 17, 2015.
  2. ^ "Manny "The Anvil" Gamburyan - Official UFC Fighter Profile". UFC.com. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
  3. ^ "Manny "The Anvil" Gamburyan". UFC. Retrieved June 24, 2018.
  4. ^ "Manny Gamburyan". HyeFighters. November 4, 2009. Retrieved June 24, 2018.
  5. ^ Gamburyan, Manvel. Interview with Manvel Gamburyan. Kevin and Bean. KROQ-FM, Los Angeles. 18 June 2007.
  6. ^ Cole, Ross (February 11, 2016). "The Ultimate Fighter Seasons 5-6 – Where Are They Now?". MMA Insight. Retrieved June 24, 2018.
  7. ^ Five Ounces of Pain - Interview with Manny Gamburyan Archived 2008-07-26 at the Wayback Machine
  8. ^ ResuMMA.com - Manvel "The Anvil" Gamburyan Interview Archived 2009-01-23 at the Wayback Machine
  9. ^ "Manny Gamburyan vs. Nate Mohr, UFC 79". Tapology. Retrieved June 24, 2018.
  10. ^ Mendez, Andrew (March 27, 2008). "UFC Fight Night 13 results and LIVE fight commentary". MMA Mania. Retrieved June 24, 2018.
  11. ^ "UFC 87 'Seek and Destroy' Live Round-By-Round Results". MMA Fighting. August 9, 2008. Retrieved June 24, 2018.
  12. ^ "UFC 94 round by round updates, official results and tonight's winners". MMAjunkie.com. February 1, 2009. Retrieved June 24, 2018.
  13. ^ Hamlin, Tom (February 18, 2009). "- MANNY GAMBURYAN JOINS WEC FEATHERWEIGHTS". MMA Weekly. Archived from the original on February 21, 2009. Retrieved June 24, 2018.
  14. ^ Haber, Scott (February 19, 2009). "Manny Gamburyan Dropping to Featherweight, Headed to WEC". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved June 24, 2018.
  15. ^ Smith, Michael David (June 1, 2009). "Manny Gamburyan Moving Down in Weight With an Eye on WEC Belt". MMA Fighting. Retrieved June 24, 2018.
  16. ^ "Manny Gamburyan vs John Franchi on tap for WEC 41". mmamania.com. March 29, 2009.
  17. ^ "WEC 44: Brown vs. Aldo results". www.wec.tv/index.cfmom. 2009-11-19.
  18. ^ "Mike Brown vs Manvel Gamburyan on tap for WEC 48 on April 24". mmamania.com. February 3, 2010.
  19. ^ "Aldo vs Faber Post-Fight Press Conference News and Notes". BLOODYELBOW.com. 2010-04-25. Retrieved 2010-04-25.
  20. ^ "WEC 48: Aldo vs. Faber - Live Results and Commentary". BLOODYELBOW.com. 2010-04-24. Retrieved 2010-04-25.
  21. ^ "ALDO VS. GAMBURYAN SET FOR WEC 51 MAIN EVENT". MMAWeekly.com. 2010-07-12.
  22. ^ "UFC and WEC set to merge in 2011; events to air on Versus and Spike TV". mmajunkie.com. October 28, 2010. Archived from the original on May 25, 2012.
  23. ^ "Gamburyan vs. Assuncao Official For UFC 128". MMAWeekly.com. 2011-01-13.
  24. ^ "Manvel Gamburyan Pulls Out Of UFC 128". mmafighting.com. February 25, 2011.
  25. ^ "Erik Koch vs. Raphael Assuncao In The Works for UFC 128 in New Jersey". mmaweekly.com. February 26, 2011.
  26. ^ "Tyson Griffin meets featherweight Manvel Gamburyan at UFC on Versus 4". mmajunkie.com. April 5, 2011. Archived from the original on July 18, 2012.
  27. ^ "Diego Nunes vs Manny Gamburyan fight announced for Sept. 24 in Denver". mmamania.com. July 22, 2011.
  28. ^ "Injured Manny Gamburyan out of UFC 135 fight with Diego Nunes". mmajunkie.com. August 15, 2011. Archived from the original on July 14, 2012.
  29. ^ "Manny Gamburyan vs Diego Nunes Back On for UFC 141". mmaweekly.com. October 31, 2011.
  30. ^ "Michihiro Omigawa vs. Manny Gamburyan in Place for UFC on FOX 4". mmafighting.com. May 19, 2012.
  31. ^ Gordon, Grant (December 19, 2012). "Gamburyan to face Mendes at UFC 157". glendalenewspress.com.
  32. ^ Pishna, Ken (2013-02-08). "Manny Gamburyan Forced Out of UFC 157; Chad Mendes Awaits New Opponent". mmaweekly.com. Retrieved 2013-02-08.
  33. ^ Staff (2013-02-08). "With no opponent, Chad Mendes off next week's UFC 157card". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-02-08.
  34. ^ Ian Bain (March 19, 2013). "UFC on FX 8 adds Dias-Gamburyan". mmaopionion.co.uk. Archived from the original on March 22, 2013. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
  35. ^ Staff (2013-03-25). "Nik Lentz replaces Manvel Gamburyan, meets Hacran Dias at UFC on FX 8". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on 2013-03-27. Retrieved 2013-03-25.
  36. ^ Staff (2013-06-12). "Manny Gamburyan vs. Cole Miller Added to UFC on Fox Sports 1 Event in Boston". mmaweekly.com. Retrieved 2013-06-12.
  37. ^ Grant Gordon (August 17, 2013). "Manny Gamburyan defeats Cole Miller via decision in Boston". articles.glendalenewspress.com. Retrieved August 17, 2013.
  38. ^ Staff (September 25, 2013). "Dennis Siver vs. Manny Gamburyan added to UFC 168". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on September 26, 2013. Retrieved September 25, 2013.
  39. ^ Staff (April 24, 2014). "UFC's Dennis Siver fined and suspended for failed drug test, win overturned". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
  40. ^ Staff (February 20, 2014). "Manny Gamburyan vs. Nik Lentz added to UFC Fight Night in Cincinnati". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  41. ^ Grant Gordon (2014-09-27). "Manny Gamburyan squeezes out dramatic UFC 178 win over Cody Gibson". glendalenewspress.com. Retrieved 2014-09-27.
  42. ^ Staff (2015-01-08). "Manny Gamburyan vs. Aljamain Sterling added to UFC on FOX 15 in April". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-01-08.
  43. ^ Damon Martin (2015-02-03). "Manny Gamburyan out; Takeya Mizugaki now faces Aljamain Sterling in New Jersey". Fox Sports. Retrieved 2015-02-03.
  44. ^ Staff (2015-04-13). "Scott Jorgensen returns to 135, meets Manny Gamburyan at UFC Fight Night 72". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-04-13.
  45. ^ Ben Fowlkes (2015-07-15). "UFC Fight Night 71 results: Manny Gamburyan clean sweeps Scott Jorgensen on scorecards". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-07-15.
  46. ^ Grant Gordon (2016-02-23). "Gamburyan welcomes Dodson back to 135 at UFC on FOX 19". latimes.com. Retrieved 2016-02-23.
  47. ^ Brent Brookhouse (2016-04-16). "UFC on FOX 19 results: John Dodson blows through Manny Gamburyan in 47 seconds". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-04-16.
  48. ^ Staff (2016-07-18). "UFC Fight Night 94 adds four bouts". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-07-18.
  49. ^ Staff (2016-08-17). "Albert Morales replaces Manny Gamburyan at UFC Fight Night 94 in Texas". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-08-17.
  50. ^ Mookie Alexander (2016-11-19). "UFC Sao Paulo: Following TKO loss, Manny Gamburyan retires from MMA". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 2016-11-19.
  51. ^ Tristen Critchfield (September 5, 2018). "UFC Vet Manny Gamburyan to Come Out of Retirement, Planning Return in 2019". sherdog.com.
  52. ^ "Growing up Ronda Rousey". Fox Sports.
  53. ^ "What's a good training partner?". AnnMaria de Mars blog on Judo, Business and life. (Ronda Rousey's mother).
  54. ^ "The Gentle Way: Strikeforce champion Ronda Rousey and the birth of a judo star". The Bleacher Report.
edit