UFC 79: Manny Gamburyan Back on Track
December 30, 2007
UFC 79 saw the return of Manny Gamburyan, Ultimate Fighter veteran and cousin of famed UFC fighter Karo “The Heat” Parisyan. Manny had lost his debut in the UFC to fellow Ultimate Fighter finalist Nate Diaz, younger brother to UFC veteran Nick Diaz. Manny was heavily favored to win and came out on top at the beginning of his match, it seemed like a simple matter of time before the match would end and Manny would be given the six figure UFC contract. It was not to be though, as Manny shot in for a takedown only to recoil in pain. Diaz capitalized quickly and rained blows down on Manny until the referee stopped the match.
Anyone who saw the fight would say Manny was dominating overall and would have had the match in the bag had it not been for his injury. Following the match Manny had a decision to make, do as the doctor said and get surgery, or risk the injury reoccurring again by only doing rehab on his shoulder. Manny chose the later and it seems to have paid off as his match this Saturday showed no indications of a previous shoulder injury.
Manny’s match against Nate Mohr was an impressive come back, immediately after the first bell Manny took down his opponent with relative ease. Looking for the quick victory Gamburyan found his opponents ankle and induced a tap out at only one minute thirty one seconds into the very first round.
This win gives fans a new hope for Manny as many were worried his injury would happen again because he went without the surgery. The impressive shows Manny has put on, both with his loss to Diaz and his decisive win over Nate Mohr show that Manny is a force in the light heavyweight division and a fighter to keep your eyes on in the future.
Look for more matches with Manny and his cousin Karo soon in the UFC. Both are sure to deliver more impressive victories and of course more of their trademark amazing Judo throws that both men seem to be able to time perfectly on their opponents.
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