Tag: Combat

We’ve all seen the videos and memes of “The Iranian Hulk” Sajad Gharabi. He had a quick rise in internet fame for his strong-man gimmick, which quickly went down in flames.

Here’s the sad story of Sajad Garabi, known as The Iranian Hulk. Read below as we detail how Gharabi created the persona, gained fame, and how all of his lies caught up to him.

The Iranian Hulk’s Early Life

Before he became the Iranian Hulk, Sajad Gharabi had a normal life. The Iranian native grew up in Ahvaz, Iran, in a middle-class family.

Gharabi has said different things about his upbringing, so you can’t be sure what’s the truth. What is factual about Sajad is that he’s from Ahvaz, Iran. 

He also graduated from the Azad University in Bushehr with a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce. I agree that he would seemingly use it in his future life as an internet celebrity.

The Iranian Hulk Become an Internet Sensation

During the middle of the 2010s, Sajad was an avid weightlifter, he did possess strength and had a hulkish build. This is when he came up with the Iranian Hulk persona.

Soon, Gharabi would begin posting pics and videos of his seemingly unbelievable feats of strength. Almost overnight, the Iranian Hulk would become an internet sensation.

Sajad would soon have millions of followers, which included numerous celebrities sharing his videos. He went viral and began gaining millions of followers, ads, and endorsements. 

Any time you check Instagram, you’ll likely see the Iranian Hulk on your feed. He crushed fruit, rolled up frying pans, and bent bars with his hands.

One of his biggest moments came in 2016 when he made a viral video of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. The Iranian Hulk disavowed ISIS and claimed he wanted to join General Soleimani’s army to fight them.

Gharibi never got around to joining the Iranian military, and Solemani was assassinated in 2020.

Iranian Hulk: The Powerlifter?

The numerous videos demonstrating feats of strength made people wonder if he had ever done any pro lifting. When asked about his lifting history, Sajad claimed that he was a powerlifter for a brief time in powerlifting.

He claimed a severe injury at sixteen abruptly ended his powerlifting career. Many people didn’t buy this story and questioned whether his lifts were legitimate.

The Iranian Hulk Gets Exposed

Over the years, the scam of the Iranian Hulk began to turn on him. Here is a chronological order of events that led to the downfall of the Instagram celebrity.

The Altered & Shopped Content

From the time the Iranian Hulk started gaining popularity, many people started claiming they smelled something fishy. Everything from the weights, camera angles, and obvious cuts are used to make his lifts look more impressive.

Anytime someone would make these claims, the Iranian Hulk would just blow them off. 

The Iranian Hulk vs. Brian Ortega

UFC featherweight Brian Ortega was one of the first fighters that thought Gharibi was just a gimmick. Ortega laid down an open challenge to fight the Iranian Hulk, who outweighed him by 200 lbs.

The Iranian publicly accepted the challenge, but nothing came from the talk. Gharibi was also sure to avoid any location that Ortega might be at.

The Iranian Hulk Fails to Debut for BKFC

In the summer of 2019, the Iranian Hulk claimed he planned to enter combat sports. At the Artem Lobov vs. Jason Knight fight at BKFC, Hulk said that he signed a contract with BKFC.

Due to Covid, the debut of the Iranian would never make his bare-knuckle boxing debut. But the promoter of BKFC, David Feldman, would later reveal some damning details about Gharibi’s real life.

During the negotiations, the promoter wanted proof that Gharibi had legitimate fighting experience, not just a gimmick. Feldman also wanted assurance that his photos and videos on Instagram weren’t shopped or altered to make him look stronger.

Gharibi dodged the BKFC promoter’s wishes, which led to negotiations breaking down. Feldman walked away from talks frustrated and convinced the Iranian Hulk was a fraud. Many people online also began suspecting the same thing.

Iranian Hulk vs. Martin Ford

The celebrity boxing promotion Boxstar would later sign Sajad to another boxing contract. This time, it was against a famous bodybuilder and actor named Martin Ford.

For those of you who know Martin Ford, he is a giant, menacing figure who’s made appearances in various action films. Also, like the Iranian Hulk, Ford has a large online following.

But during a pre-fight press conference in Dubai, people began to realize that the Iranian Hulk was a fake. Martin dwarfed the Iranian Hulk at the press conference, who was half a foot taller than him.

Sajad had been hyping up the fight by telling Ford he would beat him when he saw them. During their face-off, Ford gave Gharibi a light push that sent him flailing to the ground.

Before the match, Gharibi would begin making a laundry list of excuses leading up to the bout. Everything from pressure from his family, country, and the internet led him to take sleeping pills. He was also not properly trained, apparently.

Ford quickly realized that this fight wouldn’t happen and canceled the whole thing. The Iranian Hulk was nothing more than an online creation who couldn’t fight and wasn’t really strong.

However, the Iranian quickly changed his tune when the bout was called off. He presented himself as angry that the bout wasn’t taking place and claimed he would win.

The Iranian Hulk vs. Kazak Titan

After the bout with Martin Ford fell apart, another promotion would put another bout together with Gharibi. This time, he would fight another internet-strong man named the Kazak Titan.

The bout took place in Dubai under special rules. It was an embarrassing spectacle, where both fighters had no formal fight training or even trained for the bout.

Fight fans on the internet got another good laugh at the expense of the Iranian Hulk. Gharibi would call out Ford for another bout but was met with laughter and ignored.

On a podcast, Ford would go more in-depth about the canceled bout and say he actually felt bad for Sajad. Everything about the event was a disaster, and Ford didn’t want to embarrass the Iranian Hulk any further. 

He knew that Gharibi would never recover from the humiliation if they fought.

Can the Iranian Hulk Bounce Back?

With all of the lies that Sajad Gharabi created to build his Iranian Hulk persona, it’s unlikely he’ll bounce back. He was so blinded by the spotlight of fame that he forgot he was a fraud who couldn’t back up any claims.

Sajad Gharabi is on the list of historical fake martial artists for the gimmick he created to gain fame. 

Ever since humans have existed, we have developed various methods of self-defense. This fact has led many to wonder what the oldest martial arts in the world are and if they’re still practiced.

Here’s a list of some of the oldest martial arts in the world. Read below to learn a bit about the world’s oldest martial arts and how they were developed.

Explore The Oldest Martial Arts In The World

Pankration

• Originated: 2000 B.C.
• Country: Greece
• Still Practiced? Yes

The ancient art of Pankration is one of the oldest martial arts in the world. It’s a well-documented ancient hybrid-martial art.

It is a fighting style that consists of both striking and grappling techniques. An early form of MMA that would influence various future martial arts and wrestling styles.

In Greek mythology, it is said that Hercules used Pankration to defeat the Nemeaon Lion. Pankration dates back to the first Olympic Games, but the teachings go back to centuries earlier.

The presentation of Pankration has changed over the years, but the techniques have stood the test of time. It’s a martial art that helped influence the development of modern MMA.

Shuai Jiao 

• Originated: 2697 B.C.
• Country: China
• Still Practiced? Yes

When people think of jacket wrestling, they first think of Judo, but it wasn’t the first form of jacket wrestling. Shuai Jiao is one of the oldest martial arts in the world and arguably the first form of jacket wrestling.

This Chinese wrestling style was first developed as a game played by ancient Chinese soldiers. They would wear bull horns and try to knock each other out of a ring.

Martial artists of the period refined this wrestling and turned it into Shua Jiao. Armor was replaced with short jackets, and the throws and sweeps began to be refined.

It has been the most popular form of sport multiple times in Chinese history. Thanks to curious martial artists. Shua Jiao is starting to have a resurgence in popularity.

Kalaripayattu 

• Originated: 1000 B.C
• Country: India
• Still Practiced? Yes

One of India’s oldest martial arts in the world is the sword art of Kalaripayattu. This sword-based martial art is one of the oldest sword-fighting styles in the world.

Historians date that this sword and shield martial art began being formalized around 1000 B.C. According to Hindu legend, the art of Kalaripayattu was created by Parasurama, the sixth avatar of the Hindu deity Bishnu.

The original Shaolin monk, Bodhi Dharma, was said to be a Kalaripayattu practititoner. This martial art has withstood the test of time and is still widely practiced.

Taekkyon 

• Originated: 50 B.C.
• Country: Korea
• Still Practiced: Yes

Taekkyon is the oldest known Korean martial art, dating back to around 50 B.C. Some ancient books and art suggest Taekkyon was practiced during the Korean Three Kingdom period around 18 B.C.

The art of Taekkyon is a heavy-kicking-based martial art that uses long-range attacks. Predominantly kicks that are swift and powerful.

Before the Japanese occupation of Japan, Taekkyon was the most popular martial art in Korea. For half a century, the practice of Taekkyon or any Korean martial art was forbidden.

When Japanese occupation, Taekkyon would have a rebirthing period. Even being influential in the development of Taekwondo.

Today, Taekkyon is on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Ensuring that the martial art will be shared with future generations.

Muay Boran 

• Originated: 13th Century
• Country: Thailand
• Still Practiced? Yes

Everyone knows the art of Muay Thai, but some don’t know the fighting style it evolved from. Muay Boran was the predecessor to Muay Thai and one of the oldest martial arts in the world.

Formal Muay Boran was developed in 13th century Thailand, but the techniques were developed over centuries. Ancient Thai soldiers that predate the Siam kingdom were documented using an ancient style of Muay Thai.

These techniques of war were formally named Muay Boran. The techniques in Muay Boran are identical to the techniques of Muay Thai except for one detail.

Muay Boran was developed to defend yourself in a war, while Muay Thai techniques are for sport. Many techniques in Muay Boran would be deemed illegal in Muay Thai. In modern-day Thailand, the art of Muay Boran is still practiced and thriving. 

Malla-Yudda

• Originated: 3000 B.C.
• Country: India
• Still Practiced? Yes

India has another one of the oldest martial arts in the world, Malla-Yudda. It’s an Indian style of Pancrase that uses a variety of different striking and grappling techniques.

Malla-Yudda dates back to somewhere between 3000 B.C. or even before then. It’s a martial art that is divided into four different styles that are named after Hindu gods.

• Hanumanti: Technical Superiority
• Jambuvanti: Grappling Techniques
• Jarasandhi: Breaking Limbs
• Bhimaseni: Pure Strength

Sadly, the art of Malla-Yudda is not widely practiced anymore. Only a few communities within Northern India still practice the ancient Malla-Yudda techniques.

Boxing 

• Originated 600 BC
• Country: Multiple
• Still Practiced: Yes

Boxing is easily one of the oldest martial arts in the world. It’s a fighting style that every culture in the world practices a variation of.

Humans instinctually attack with their hands, which is why boxing was one of the first martial arts developed. There is no exact date to point to, but humans have been boxing for over fifteen thousand years.

Artifacts from numerous ancient cultures show that they practiced forms of boxing and passed down the teachings. Boxing was even one of the first Olympic Games that were held in 668 B.C.

Over a period of time, boxing has been refined and become the world’s most practiced martial art.

Wrestling 

• Originated: 15k to 20k Years Ago
• Country: Multiple
• Still Practiced: Yes

Early humans weren’t just punching each other but also wrestling. The grappling art of wrestling is one of the oldest martial arts in the world practiced by all cultures.

Historians believe that formal wrestling training dates back 15-20 thousand years. Some of the first sporting events, including the Olympics, had a wrestling event.

Every culture in the world practices a form of wrestling. The two most practiced wrestling styles in the world are freestyle and Greco-Roman.

The reason why wrestling is one of the oldest martial arts in the world is because we figured out grappling works.

Stickfighting

• Originated: Early BC
• Country: Multiple
• Still Practiced: Yes

Just like every culture had a form of boxing and wrestling, almost all ancient cultures practiced stick-fighting. A stick was the first weapon that humans started using to defend themselves.

They figured out that using a big stick gives them a range advantage and keeps their enemies at bay. Just about every ancient culture has documentation of a stick-based self-defense system.

Each style used different types of sticks that had different sizes and densities. For example, many of the stick-fighting styles of Asia use bamboo in their weapon styles.

Many of the older styles, like Bojutsu, Tahtib, and Zulu stick-fighting, are still practiced today. They are now practiced more as a sport but still give practitioners invaluable self-defense skills.

Fight fans love watching the knockout, whether it’s a TKO or KO. Although, for many, there is some confusion about the difference between a TKO vs KO.

Let’s break down the differences between a TKO vs KO finish in combat sports. The subtle differences between the type of knockouts and their criteria in different combat sports.

TKO vs KO: What Do They Mean?

The TKO and KO are two categories of knockout that have different definitions, which define them. Here are the definitions of a TKO vs KO detailed below.

Technical Knockout (TKO) 

TKO is short for “technical knockout.” A TKO occurs when a fight official steps in and stops a fight. The fighter did not lose consciousness but would’ve likely lost if the ref or doctor didn’t intervene.

Knockout (KO)

A KO or “knockout” is when the fighter is hit and loses consciousness from a strike. Anything from a punch, kick, knee, or elbow, depending on the combat sport.

TKO vs KO Rules Within Boxing 

Each boxing federation has similar criteria on how they define a TKO vs KO. Check out the criteria for defining these knockouts in boxing.

How a TKO is Assessed in Boxing

There are three ways a boxing match can end in a TKO victory. 

• Referee Assessment & Decision 
• Doctor’s Decision
• Corner Intervention 
• The Fighter

The referee is the predominant figure of authority in charge of calling a fight off. In boxing, they could step in for anything from a fighter receiving damage or being completely knocked out.

Referees will generally decide to call a fight off after a fighter is knocked down. If the ref feels that the fighter is compromised, they will rule the fight a TKO.

Doctors will also step in and call a fight for damage if they feel a fighter cannot continue. Usually, in between rounds or if the referee calls for assistance.

The corner of both fighters also holds the responsibility of protecting their fighters. They can call the fight if they feel a fighter cannot be won or their fighter is too injured.

But most importantly, the responsibility of the fighters relies on the fighters themselves. But they, more often than not, refuse to quit, which is why the other three must look after them.

How a KO is Assessed in Boxing

A KO in boxing is classified in two ways. Either the fighter loses consciousness from a punch, or they don’t get up on the 10-count.  10-count KOs will be considered a knockout even if the fighter is conscious.

TKO vs KO Rules Within MMA

The descriptions of KOs and TKOs in MMA are very similar to boxing, with a few differences. Here is the definition for each type of knockout in MMA.

How a TKO is Assessed in MMA 

A TKO win in MMA has a similar definition to boxing’s rule but is more vast to cover the different strikes. An MMA fight can be called a TKO in four different scenarios.

1. Referee Intervention: The referee can step in at any time if he feels a fighter is in danger of being knocked out. 
2. Fighter’s Condition: A referee can make the judgment call to end a fight if they feel a fighter has received too much damage.
3. Lack of Response: The referee will call a fight off if they tell a fighter to fight back and don’t respond.
4. Doctor Stoppage: A doctor can stop a fight the same way in MMA as in boxing.

How a KO is Assessed in MMA

A KO in MMA is defined similarly to what is considered a KO in boxing. The only difference is the variety of strikes that can end a fight in a KO.

In MMA, anything from a punch, kick, knee, elbow, or slam can result in a knockout win. Four more variations of KOs than in boxing.

TKO vs KO: Which is Worse? 

In terms of potential consequences, the TKO is “supposed” be less damaging than a KO. The ref must decide to intervene to keep a TKO from turning into a KO.

However, some studies show accumulative damage from TKO losses could be worse over time.

Who is Responsible For Determining a TKO vs KO?

The responsibility for determining a TKO vs KO is held by many in a combat sports bout. The main difference is the quantity responsible for determining a TKO. 

In everything from kickboxing, MMA, and boxing, the responsibility of determining a TKO lands on three groups.

• The Ref
• Ringside Doctor
• Fighter’s corners

The ref is the person most responsible for determining a TKO vs KO. It‘s the referee’s job to step in if a fighter cannot defend themselves or is taking too much damage.

The ringside doctor will determine a fight a TKO in two scenarios. Either the ref will ask the doctor to check the fighter, or the doctor checks fighters between rounds. If a fighter is too damaged to continue, it’s the job of the doctor to stop the fight.

Then there’s the fighter’s corner, which are also responsible for protecting their fighters. In between rounds, the main person in the corner can all the fight if they feel their fight is too damaged.

In boxing, the act of throwing in the tail is another way to call a fight off. Admitting defeat on behalf of their fighter in order to protect them.

TKO vs KO: The Main Difference Between Boxing & MMA KO/TKOS

The descriptions for a TKO and KO are nearly the same for boxing and MMA. There are only a handful of differences between these types of knockouts between the sports.

In MMA, you can be knocked out or TKO’d with a variety of strikes. There are also no ten counts in MMA. Once the referee steps in, an MMA fight is over.