Posts Tagged ‘Christos Giagos’

‘The Spartan’ Punctuates UFC Tryout with a Highlight Reel KO at RFA 38

Posted: June 7, 2016 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Christos -6

Seizing the day, The Spartan Delivers

“Seize the day, put no trust in the morrow!”- Horace

By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Going into his fight with Karen Darabedyan at RFA 38, Christos Giagos appeared as as calm as the day is long. Waiting for his walkout music, he patiently paced back and forth, pausing for a moment to acknowledge a few fans in the crowd. He didn’t seem concerned in the least, instead the young fighter appeared oddly at peace. Almost tranquil, it appeared as if the Spartan already knew the outcome. For the day was at hand, and Giagos appeared as if he didn’t have a care in the world.

Did he know that this was perhaps the most important fight of career? He had to know that Dana White, his former boss, was in the building filming ‘Looking for a Fight’, (a show that showcases White’s search for emerging talent that airs on the UFC network Fight Pass). If not he was certainly aware of the danger before him.

His opponent Karen Darabedyan is one of the fiercest grapplers in the division. If you make a mistake against him, you can loose an arm, a leg, or end up asleep looking up at the lights wondering what the hell just happened. However as soon as the fight started it became clear The Spartan’s calm almost ‘laissez-faire’ approach was the result of proper preparation.

As Darabedyan bounced in and out Giagos countered with a crisp jab, cross combination that sharply snapped the head of Darabedyan back. A few moments later, after eating a sharp jab from Giagos, Darabedyan charged in looking to engage in a fire fight, but instead walked into a three punch combination from Giagos that clipped his chin, sending him to the canvas. A few ground and pound strikes later and Giagos finally came to life.

Running towards the cage, ‘The Spartan’ ran a flip off the cage, and then began screaming with all his might, for the first time all night he appeared uncomfortable. He didn’t know what to do. For months, this moment was all that was on his mind. Now having seized the moment, the raw emotion simply took over.

The fight ended up producing one hell of a MMA equation. The fashion of the victory, multiplied by the caliber of the opponent equaled UFC President Dana White saying ” This last kid was in the UFC, and tonight he looked like he should be back in the UFC.” (interview with Ron Kruck on Inside MMA). How about that for some MMA math?

Where Giagos fights next remains to be seen, however he has certainly proved he belongs in the UFC. In his first run with the promotion, Giagos compiled a 1-2 record, with the win splitting the losses. When he was cut, it seemed odd, as he had not lost consecutive bouts, and the last loss to Chris Wade ended up being an extremely entertaining fight.

Not only was Dana White impressed with his performance but UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby was in the building as well and appeared extremely interested as well.  So it appears all the stars are lining up for The Spartan’s return to the UFC. However making it to the UFC is one thing, but staying there is a completely different animal. If Giagos hopes to remain, he will have to continue to conquer each day, as if it is his last.

 

All photos and content are owned by The Clinch Report, LLC. Any unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Email news@theclinchreport.com for licensing. 

 

RFA 21: The Mixed Martial Arts Measuring Stick

Posted: December 8, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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RFA 12.5-48

By: Jonathan M King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

Resurrection Fighting Alliance returned to the Southern Californian landscape with an evening of combat at the OC Hangar in Costa Mesa. The night featured some of the regions top young talent, as well as a good mix of savvy veterans who are hungry to return to prominence. With the vacant lightweight title on the line (vacated by Christos Giagos when he was signed by the UFC), Mehdi Baghdad (11-3 MMA, 1-0 RFA) took on Zach Juusola (10-3 MMA) in evenings main event.

Juusola looked to keep the fight grounded and out of the range of Baghdad’s strikes and did so for the better part of four rounds. However halfway through the fourth round Baghdad unleashed an I.Q. changing elbow that split Juusola apart, before dropping him to his knees. Juusola had just recovered from a low blow. After being given some time to recover, he indicated he was ready to go. The elbow came almost instantly, as did the stoppage.

The win places Baghdad in a good position. If he is signed by the UFC he will join Giagos, Kevin Casey, Brian Ortega, and Alan Jouban as former RFA champions currently employed by the industry leader. However it wouldn’t be surprising to Scott Coker courting him as well.

With Viacom committed, Bellator MMA could be the perfect fit for Baghdad. There he would be able to make good money, in a division with much less clutter. Currently the UFC roster is bloated with over 100 lightweights, whereas Bellator currently only has 27. With the UFC uniform concept yet to be proven profitable, it may make sense to look elsewhere.

In the co-main event fan favorite Joe Murphy (8-1 MMA, 1-0 RFA) starched Brazilian Bruno Frazatto (6-2 MMA, 1-1 RFA) with a dizzying array of strikes, that saw the grappling expert in the fetal position trying to cover up as the referee stopped the fight. Murphy landed with a short lead uppercut that caught Frazatto on the tip of the chin, felling him early in the first round. Much to the delight of the crowd who came complete with signs and t-shirts in support of the Cleber Jiu Jitsu fighter. The win may be enough for Murphy to maneuver himself for a shot at a title.

Chase Gormely (11-4 MMA, 1-0 RF) also cruised to a unanimous decision win over Dale Sopi (6-1 MMA) in a battle of heavyweights. Gormely looking to make his way back to the UFC handed Sopi the first loss of his career. Both fighters appeared to tire after the first frame, but Gormely was able to impose his will on Sopi, consistently taking him to the mat. The win keeps Gormely on track to get back to the UFC ranks.

Francisco France (11-3-1 MMA) made short work of veteran Mikey Gomez (17-11 MMA) winning their fight in the very first round by technical submission. France dropped Gomez with big shot to the top of the head. Once on the mat, a dazed Gomez was unable to prevent France from getting to side control, where the arm in choke put Gomez to sleep. The win may have moved France into title contention.

RFA continues to get better with each show. The main reason for that growth is the talent level they attract! Promoter Ed Soares and his team have created a viable promotion that primarily acts as the bar for the larger organizations. If you can win a title within the RFA organization, chances are you will do very well in the big show. If not, well then this is the measuring stick you need to gauge yourself against. Everyone wants to be in the UFC. First ask yourself if you can make it too RFA!

 

“The Spartan” Invades Rio For His UFC Debut. Giagos vs. Burns

Posted: October 21, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh

Video By:Bob Fisher Pugilpix.com

On any given day you can walk into Systems Training Center in Hawthorne CA and bear witness to the next generation of UFC superstars. One of them, Christos ‘The Spartan’ Giagos (10-2 MMA UFC Debut) will not be there however, because right now he is in Rio, cutting weight for his UFC debut against Gilbert Burns (8-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC).

Giagos punched his ticket with a huge KO victory over Dakota Cochrane (17-7 MMA) at RFA 17. ‘The Spartan’ dropped Cochrane with a hellacious flying knee that removed his opponent from his senses.  Already a blip on the UFC’s radar, Giagos secured his spot with the highlight reel KO. Once Giagos signed it was announced he would be making his promotional debut in Brazil, against an undefeated Brazilian! Certainly not an easy debut…

Burns, is without a doubt the toughest test yet for Giagos. The submission expert has also reeled off a few finishes via strikes, so a complete game plan will be needed. That is where coach Ian Harris comes into the mix. Harris, is a scientist when it comes to planning a fight. Quickly becoming one of the best kept secrets in MMA, Harris will need to develop a plan to keep Giagos in his comfort zone, without offering any opportunities. Together the two will construct a floating game plan that will adapt(if necessary) to the style of Burns.

The key for Giagos is too not only keep the fight standing, but to pester Burns relentlessly on the feet. Burns maybe physically stronger than Giagos, but no where near as fast. If Christos is able to move in and out of Burns range, and effectively score on the entrance and exits, it could be a long frustrating night for Burns.

According to pedigree Burns will look for the take down at some point, especially if Giagos is scoring on his feet. However very often a grapplers egos get the best of them, and they decide they want to become strikers. Should this be the case, Giagos will win the fight! Especially if Burns thinks he can rely on the ground late in the fight. Giagos has excellent wrestling defense.

Of course every prediction has a short shelf life. Saturdays predictions will vanish as results are carved, Hopefully when that happens, the UFC finally spells the name right! ITS GIAGOS, not GLAGOS!

Prediction: Giagos via TKO Rd3

 

 

 

 

Systems Training Center Quietly Making A Lot of Noise: Part 2 ‘A Strong Foundation Builds Champions’

Posted: August 15, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Filmed By: Bob Fisher Pugilpix.com and John Walsh The Clinch Report

“That city is well fortified which has a wall of men instead of brick.”  Greek Philosopher Lycurgus

Christos ‘The Spartan’ Giagos (9-2 MMA) has become one of the most complete mixed martial artists in southern California. He has notable wins over Sevak Magakian, Chris Tickle, the late great Joe Camacho, Thor Skancke and Preston Sharf. In his last fight, Giagos secured the Tachi Palace 155 lbs title against Magakian.

However the celebration with his father and friends was short lived. The win earned Giagos another title shot in a gateway bout with Dakota Cochrane for the RFA 155 lbs title on August 22nd. More importantly the winner will almost certainly punch his ticket into the UFC.

Preparing him for this bout as always is his Systems Training Center Family. Giagos trains alongside BAMMA USA 135 lbs Champion Terrion ‘Flash’ Ware, WSOF fighter John Robles, and recent RFA standout Dmitry Gerasimov. With coach Ian Harris and Marcus Kowal in his corner, Giagos rounds out a uniquely talented team.

Giagos sat down with The Clinch Report, to talk about his now infamous celebration after his Tachi Palace win, training for his RFA title fight, and what it means to be a major part of the Systems Training Center family.

Christo Giagos is Represented By: Iridium Sports

Giagos vs Cochrane for RFA 155lbs Title

 

 

Systems Training Center Quietly Making A Lot of Noise: Part 1 ‘The Family’

Posted: August 14, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By Jonathan M. King The Clinch Report

Filmed By: Bob Fisher Pugilpix.com and John Walsh The Clinch Report

The sharpest of blades is forged with steel. Beaten into form. The edges razor thin, through brutal poundings and repeated tempering. Impurities at this stage can lead to catastrophic failures in battle. Fractures formed force confidence from the field of battle. A warrior who has no faith in his weapon is not an efficient warrior.

The same can be said of fighters. Although an individual sport, each fighter is shaped, molded and forged by the camp he or she trains. You may walk to the cage, the only one in gloves, but you are followed by an entourage who are equally invested in your prosperity. Simply because you are invested in them. There is a blind but beautiful loyalty to a fight team, that can only be built by repeated beatings. The camaraderie formed at the forge shapes a teams success.

Systems Training Center in Hawthorne, California is quickly becoming recognized as one of the best gyms in the Los Angeles area. Owner Marcus Kowal sat down with us to talk with us in the first of a several part series featuring some of the teams top young talent.

A Family System: Systems Training Center MMA’s Next Big Team

Posted: July 5, 2014 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Photos By: John Walsh The Clinch Report

You are a product of your environment. Where you come from has everything to do with who you are and who you become. The early stages, the developmental stage of life needs to be met with a family environment in order to thrive. For fighters this infintile juncture is also the most important. Often talent gets snuffed out before it has a chance to blossom because of confidence issues, gym egos, or lack of focus. Each fighters personality has to gel with the entire gym, otherwise cliques develop and factions arise.

At Systems, the team dynamic is the most important common theme. This is not a gym for individuals motivated by inflated egos.

The team concept is evident as soon as you enter the doors at Systems Training Center in Hawthorne, CA. During pro practice, the fighters children play nearby as daddies and mommies beat the holy hell out of each other. Although a cohesive unit, where everyone loves everyone, the old adage applies iron sharpens iron. With owner Marcus Kowal and coach Ian Harris leading the charge, Systems has several fighters on the verge of making it to the big show, and a few who are already fighting in big shows.

John Robles (7-3 MMA 0-1 WSOF) has already fought once for the World Series of Fighting, where he lost a decision to UFC veteran Jared Papazian. Robles is a hard punching striker, with a great chin and forward moving mentality. Now fully healed from a few nagging injuries, Robles is ready to finish the year strong, and looking to fight before the end of the summer.

Christos Giagos (9-2 MMA Tachi Palace 155 lbs Champion) is one of those guys that just looks like a fighter. He has wrestler build, but with a Leno-like chin. He utilizes a great combination of jujitsu and wrestling on the mat, to secure some pretty slick submissions. On his feet his power is evident. In his last fight, he defeated a very tough Sevak Magakian via triangle choke in the very first round;  securing his first major world title at Tachi Palace. Giagos is looking to possibly fight for the RFA title before the end of the year, but nothing a contract is not in place yet. One thing is certain though, the UFC is paying very close attention. Already on their radar, Giagos intends to stay ready to fight in case that phone rings.

Terrion Ware (11-2 MMA Bamma USA 135 lbs Champion) is another fighter who is playing the waiting game. Riding a 6 fight win streak, Ware has torn through the SoCal ranks, and is one of the top pro prospects in the state. Currently the Bamma USA bantamweight champion, Ware is also slated to fight for the Tachi Palace belt against former Bellator Champion Joe Soto. A win there would all but guarantee a trip to the UFC.

Systems has a very busy month ahead, with training camp in full swing for several fighters preparing for fights on the horizon. Each morning this family gathers, then they punch each other in the face, happily. After all “the family that kicks the crap out of each other stays together right”?

You can be sure that the waves they are making in the fight world will continue to grow. However, remaining true to their identity is the key to their success. As the future brings more and more success, you can be certain that family atmosphere will never change.

 

 

 

 

 

‘Chaos in The Casino’ A Night of Combat: MMA, Boxing, Muay Thai

Posted: December 2, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Sevak Magakian unable to walk, but still gets the win!

Sevak Magakian unable to walk, but still gets the win!

By:Jonathan King The Clinch Report
Photos By:John Walsh The Clinch Report

What makes a great mixed martial artist? If you were to create a sort of MMA ‘Frankenstein’ what characteristics would you start with? The myriad of skills that make up a fighter can be debated for ages, as to which is the most important. However, there is only one that cannot be taught: Determination.

There have been many instances where a fighter has simply refused to loose, despite injury or adversity. Team Hayastan fighter Sevak Magakian (13-4 MMA) is the latest artist to enter that pantheon of gritty, scrappers that make this sport such an enjoyment to watch.

Early in his fight with TUF Alumni Chris Saunders (10-6 MMA) at ‘Chaos in The Casino’ at Hollywood Park Casino, it became apparent that Magakian suffered a devastating leg injury. Later on the extent of the injury was revealed to be a dislocated ankle, and a broken leg! Not only was he able to finish the round, but with a double leg take down, and his counter strikes, Magakian was able to win the frame.

Once in his corner, a look of concern washed over everyone in the corner. Magakian told his coach Gokor Chivichyan the extent of his injury. However, quitting was not an option. So, into the second round he limped.

Once again Magakian was able to land the cleaner strikes, and again appeared to be building a clear advantage with points. Saunders who began attacking the injured leg, for some reason relented his assault, and ended up playing right into Magakian’s game plan.

Once the third round began, Saunders appeared to be in desperation mode, but a foot injury also hampered his efforts. Magakian was able to cruise to a unanimous decision victory, in a fight that will be remembered by all who watched as one of the most incredible displays of courage ever witnessed inside of a cage.

Unlike the cliche states, not every ‘win is a win’! In this case,  a win defines much more than a number in a column. In this case ‘the win’ represents the best in people. Magakian has a bright future ahead, one that will certainly place him on a larger stage, however this fight maybe the one that defines him best.

Lights Out Promotions also featured several Muay Thai and Boxing fights that evening as well, making it an all round combat sports card. Please check out the photo gallery bellow.

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