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[Gurry]

Karo Parisyan vs. Thiago Alves in the Works for UFC 84
Posted by MMA Junkie on January 10, 2008 at 5:17 pm ET
The rumored fight card for UFC’s first-ever event in Canada is looking better and better.

MMAjunkie.com (UFC News & Rumors - MMA News - UFC Fighters - UFC Event Recaps and Previews - MMAjunkie.com) has confirmed that a rumored bout between UFC welterweight contenders Karo Parisyan (18-4 MMA, 8-2 UFC) and Thiago Alves (13-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC) is in the works and expected to take place at the UFC’s April 19 event in Montreal.

Sources close to both fighters today told MMAjunkie.com that the fight has been discussed and that bout agreements are expected to be signed. The welterweight bout would complement UFC 84’s main event between UFC welterweight champ Matt Serra and interim champ Georges St. Pierre.

Parisyan, a perennial contender, is still looking to claim the title shot he was awarded nearly two years ago. However, an injury forced the Judo expert out of a scheduled championship bout with then-champ Matt Hughes, and since then, Parisyan’s been trying to stand out in a crowded 170-pound division. He most recently defeated Ryo Chonan at UFC 78 with a unanimous decision — his ninth decision win in his past 11 victories.

During a recent appearance on HDNet’s “Inside MMA,” Parisyan was asked about a possible fight with top contender Jon Fitch. Parisyan, though, said he wanted a “more-guaranteed win” and said he needs “an easier fight than Jon Fitch so I can basically have a high percentage of beating (the opponent) and getting a title shot.” Parisyan, who did clarify that he had never been offered a fight with Fitch, specifically mentioned Alves and Marcus Davis as possibilities.

Parisyan has had to fight five times since he was first awarded a title shot.

Although Fitch is now out of the picture (he’s fighting Akihiro Gona at UFC 82 in March), Parisyan isn’t getting much of a break with Alves, who’s won his past four fights, including a “Fight of the Night” performance over Chris Lytle at UFC 78 in November. His only UFC losses have come to Fitch and veteran Spencer Fisher.


The 24-year-old garnered some spotlight after a December 2006 win over Tony DeSouza. However, Alves failed his UFC 66 drug test due to spironolactone, a diuretic that was prescribed by a doctor to help Alves make weight. After the failed test, Alves said he didn’t realize the drug was a banned substance. Regardless, the California State Athletic Commission shut down the fighter with a nine-month suspension.

However, he returned in solid fashion at UFC Fight Night 11, assaulting the legs of Japanese fighter Kuniyoshi Hironaka to score a second-round submission via verbal tap-out due to the kicks.

UFC officials have been busy this week finalizing bouts for UFC 81 (Feb. 2), UFC 82 (March 1), UFC Fight Night 13 (April 2) and UFC 84 (April 19). The UFC is also finalizing details for a London event (UFC 83) that will take place March 8. According to MMAWeekly.com, Michael Bisping and Charles McCarthy will battle in a middleweight bout at the event.

For all the latest fight cards, including UFC 84, check out the UFC Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com.

mmajunkie.com

whether or not thiago can actually win this fight is in question, but this is certainley a step in the right direction for his career, fighting one of the elite WW. Its going to be a war, cant wait to see if it actually goes down

[ILJO]

I wouldn't want to lose to fitch either

Good for Thiago though. You are right that this can be very good for his career

[pa99fighter]

for some reason I see Alves winning a decision with his leg kicks in an entertaining fight that loses Karo a future title shot

[jlruthven84]

If Alves can keep Karo from closing the distance, he can definitely win this. Interesting situation.

[Dork8503]

I hope Thiago knocks Karo out. Which is possible.

Karo didn't want to fight Fitch and im guessing this is the easy fight he wanted, well he thinks it will be easy.

I see Karo winning but would love nothing more then to see Alves with his hand raised

[Severn]

Originally Posted by ILJO

I wouldn't want to lose to fitch either

Good for Thiago though. You are right that this can be very good for his career

My thoughts exactly. Way to step up, now he finishes the job and wins.

[kingrobert]

WOW the UFC must not think much of Karo. Karo thinks if he wins this fight he gets a title shot ahead of john Fitch?? He must be smoking some of Nick Diaz's weed. I think Karo has been doing way to much crying here lately. If he thinks he deserves a title shot he should have been fighting Kos or Fitch or someone else. Thiago is a tough fighter but I dont see him winning this fight.

[captonion]

Not sure who will take this one,but I got my fingers crossed for Karo.

[Bran]

this is a great fight. can't pick a winner, but if i did it'd have to go to karo.

[markzabin]

I don't really think that Karo deserves the shot above Fitch. Fitch and Karo even shared an opponent (Diego) and Fitch won and Karo did not. He hasn't beaten any top 10 WW in a while, just keeps winning decisions. Would love to have seen Fitch/Karo but Karo is just being a baby and wanted an easy fight. Hope Alves wins with the upset, but Karo will most likely win the decision.