Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Karo Parisyan Tests Positive for Armenian

UFC welterweight Karo Parisyan, who eked out a split decision victory over Dong Hyun Kim at UFC 94, has tested positive for Armenian according to a report released by the Nevada State Athletic Commission today. Parisyan's almost meteoric rise and then steady decline has been well-documented within the fight world. In his Octagon debut at UFC 44, the accomplished judoka threw veteran fighter Dave Strasser around like a rag doll, and after a loss to Georges St. Pierre, he went on a win-streak that included star performances against Nick Diaz, Chris Lytle, Matt Serra and Nick Thompson. Unfortunately, losses to Diego Sanchez and Thiago Alves, as well as issues with depression and "panic attacks", have turned the former 170-pound top contender into a case study in "what might have been". "We suspected for a while now," says NSAC Chief Urinanalyst Keith Kizer. "You know, with the excessive body hair and the constant use of the word 'bro'. So we administered a test, and yes, Karo Parisyan is indeed Armenian." No word yet on what this means for Parisyan's career, or if the results of any of his past fights will be overturned.

Strikeforce Showing Us How It's Done

Rumors are trickling in as to who will be fighting on the new and improved Strikeforce's April 11th Showtime card. Frank Shamrock and Nick Diaz have signed on the dotted line and will be facing each other, Benji Radach and Scott Smith are throwing down, Robbie Lawler may be rematching with Joey Villasenor, Gilbert Melendez is fighting, Josh Thomson may be fighting, and maybe, just maybe, Gina Carano and Cristiane Cyborg might be in the mix. You know, for the past few months there's been a void left behind thanks to EliteXC's demise, and fans have been stuck with about ten versions of the same UFC a month plus the rare Affliction event. But with Strikeforce's new contract with Showtime and CBS, things have suddenly changed, and changed in a big way. We now have options when it comes to seeing intriguing and captivating fights, and our heroes - like Diaz, Radach, Lawler and Carano - can once again return to battle. It's a good time to be a fan.