Igor Vovchanchyn

Igor Vovchanchyn
Ігор Вовчанчин
Born (1973-08-06) August 6, 1973
Zolochiv, Kharkiv Oblast, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union
Native name Ігор Вовчанчин
Other names "Ice Cold", "Ukraine Freight Train", "North Weapon"
Nationality Ukrainian
Height 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in)
Weight 235 lb (107 kg; 16 st 11 lb)
Division Light Heavyweight
Heavyweight
Reach 68.0 in (173 cm)
Style Kickboxing, Sambo
Stance Orthodox
Fighting out of Kharkiv, Ukraine
Team Team Vovchanchyn[1]
Years active 1995-2005 (MMA)
Kickboxing record
Total 63
Wins 61
By knockout 48
Losses 2
Mixed martial arts record
Total 71
Wins 59
By knockout 41
By submission 10
By decision 8
Losses 10
By knockout 1
By submission 6
By decision 3
Draws 1
No contests 1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
last updated on: February 10, 2011

Igor Yaroslavovych Vovchanchyn (Ukrainian: Ігор Ярославович Вовчанчин; born August 6, 1973) is a retired Ukrainian mixed martial artist and kickboxer. After making his professional MMA debut in 1995, he won nine mixed martial arts tournaments, 3 superfights, holds the second longest unbeaten streak in MMA (at 37 fights),[2] has the 6th most wins in MMA (61),[3] and reached the final of the PRIDE 2000 Openweight Grand Prix. He is widely considered an MMA legend, and in Ukraine he even has a tournament named after him, the Igor Vovchanchyn Cup.[4]

Biography

Vovchanchyn was born in the settlement of Fesky, in the Zolochevsky district to his father Yaroslav Iosifovich and his mother Kladiya Michaylovna.[5] Vovchanchyn said that growing up, he caused trouble and got into street fights and different kinds of mischief. Due to his antics, there was a popular story in circulation, that whenever Igor became upset, the villagers would ring a bell in the center of town which would alarm everyone to stay in their houses until Igor calmed down.[6] Vovchanchyn later stated that this story was just a joke, although there was a bell in the center of town.[7] At age 17, he moved to Kharkiv and began competing in track and field, running the 100m dash and throwing the discus. Due to his love for fighting, he later moved to boxing under trainer Oleg Ermakov. In 1993, he met Eugenia Borschevskaya, general secretary of the All Eurasian Kickboxing Fedration. After taking up kickboxing, he later went to Denmark to compete at the World Kickboxing Amateur Championships with the Ukrainian national team, where he became the world champion that same year. Vovchanchyn also won the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) kickboxing championship in 1994.[8]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Honour of the Warrior

In late 1995, Vovchanchyn transitioned from a successful kickboxing career to MMA after being invited to participate at Honour of the Warrior in Kharkiv, Ukraine.[9] In this 8-man tournament, Vovchanchyn knocked out his first two opponents before losing via submission to Ukrainian Sambist Andrey Besedin in the final.

International Absolute Fighting Council

He then fought a month later in a 32-man tournament, performing impressively at the inaugural International Absolute Fighting Council event in Russia, where he TKO'd Sergei Akinen before defeating Adilson Lima, a Gracie Jiu Jitsu black belt who trained with Ryan Gracie. Vovchanchyn won by knockout via soccer kick 56 seconds into the fight, but Lima's cornerman (Renzo Gracie) argued to the tournament organisers, complaining that kicks to a downed opponent were unfair and demanded an instant rematch. Unusually, an immediate rematch was granted, and the fight began again only to be stopped a second time after Lima's nose was broken by a punch, giving Vovchanchyn the win by TKO. Vovchanchyn would advance to the quarterfinal, where he would be finally submitted by Russian sambo champion Mikhail Ilyukhin.

Mr. Strongman SEKAI

A 22-year-old Vovchanchyn in the Mr. Strongman Sekai.

With his dominant kickboxing style, he became famed for being one of the few strictly stand-up fighters to overcome grappling-based opponents, exemplified in his victory in the 8-man Mr. Strongman Sekai tournament in Minsk, Belarus on January 23, 1996.

March 1996

In March 1996, Vovchanchyn fought in and won 3 different tournaments: the DNRF: Ukrainian Octagon, the UCMAL: Ukrainian No Rules Championship, and the first ever IFC event: IFC 1: Kombat in Kiev.[10][11][12] Across these three tournaments, he won 9 fights (7 KO/TKO's and 2 submissions) with none of them going past the first round. At the IFC tournament, all three men he faced in the same night (Fred Floyd, Paul Varelans and John Dixon) weighed over 300 pounds/136 kilograms.[13] The fight against Paul Varelans was considered one of the greatest fights in European MMA history.[14] In attendance at this event, was former heavyweight boxing champion Leon Spinks, who was a 'guest of honor'.

UFC Invitation

Vovchanchyn was invited to fight at UFC 11 in September 1996, but could not participate due to visa issues as well as dissatisfaction with the offer.[15][16]

World Vale Tudo Championship

Having achieved much success across Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, and even winning a tournament in Israel - winning 7 tournaments in total - Vovchanchyn competed in the World Vale Tudo Championship in Brazil. He won all 3 fights in one night via KO/TKO, including a brutal 14-second knockout in the final over Nick Nutter, an NCAA All-American Wrestler from Ohio State (and a teammate of Mark Coleman).[17]

Vovchanchyn won eight MMA tournaments during this stage of his career, and was considered arguably the best Heavyweight in the world for several years to come.[18][19]

PRIDE FC

Early PRIDE career

After winning at World Vale Tudo Championship 5, Vovchanchyn was invited to Japanese promotion PRIDE, fighting Gary Goodridge in his debut. Vovchanchyn was taken down twice by the larger Goodridge and was left behind on points, but he dominated Goodridge during the stand-up exchanges and knocked him out with two left hooks, 5:58 into the first round.

Vovchanchyn returned to the World Vale Tudo Championship, winning two superfights against Aloisio Freitas Neto and Edson Carvalho.

Once again in PRIDE, Vovchanchyn then fought Japanese fighter Akira Shoji. Most of the fight stayed in the standing position, with Vovchanchyn damaging a wary Shoji and throwing him down, while the Japanese circled him and lied on the mat to avoid his hits. At the end Vovchanchyn won the judges decision by damaging Shoji badly with strikes.

In what was Vovchanchyn's last venture for some time outside of PRIDE, he participated in another 4-man tournament called 'InterPride' in his home country of Ukraine, winning the first fight via TKO and the final by submission.

Coming back to PRIDE, he fought Carlos "Carlão" Barreto, a Carlson Gracie team member and reigning IVC Heavyweight Champion. Despite the larger height of Barreto, Vovchanchyn countered him with punches and leg kicks and shut down his takedown attempts for the first two rounds, but action was slow and often saw Barreto as the most active fighter. Come the overtime, they traded hits and Barreto managed to take Igor down, ending the fight working ground and pound on him.[20] The decision was given to Vovchanchyn, which was met with a certain controversy.[20]

After the Barreto match, Vovchanchyn made a special apparition in K-1 for a kickboxing rules match, facing multiple champion and established star Ernesto Hoost. The format impaired Igor, who often found himself going for takedowns, while Hoost kept attacking his left leg with low kicks. At the end, the Ukrainian fighter fell down thrice due to the damage to his leg, which costed him the match by knockout.

Unofficial #1 Heavyweight Superfight

Vovchanchyn was next matched up with American wrestler Mark Kerr for the unofficial title of #1 heavyweight in the world. Nearly all outlets who covered mixed martial arts held either Igor or the unbeaten two-time UFC Champion and ADCC Champion Mark Kerr as the best Heavyweight and pound for pound fighter in the world. Early in the fight, Kerr cut Vovchanchyn with a knee strike to the right eye, and secured several takedowns, but was unable to pass Igor's guard or do any more significant damage. In the last round, Vovchanchyn pounced on the now-exhausted Kerr and dominated him with strikes, eventually knocking him out with a series of knees. Igor was declared the winner on the night, but the result was later overturned, and the result declared a no contest. Knees to the head of a grounded opponent in the four points position had been banned just prior to the event. This was also the first time Vovchanchyn's manager - Eugenia Borschevskaya - was seen in his corner.[21]

Bueno Knockout

In his next fight, Vovchanchyn fought Brazilian jiu-jitsu master Francisco Bueno. Igor knocked Bueno out with a vicious combination, Bueno literally falling face first as he was being punched in the face. This knockout is still to this day considered one of the most brutal knockouts in the history of MMA[22][23] - it even prompted the promoters of K-1 to give him $1,000 cash in the locker room and propose that he fought K-1 Champion Ernesto Hoost.[21] After this string of victories, Vovchanchyn became a huge favorite going into the Pride Grand Prix 2000.

PRIDE Openweight Grand Prix 2000

Vovchanchyn had been considered the top fighter in the sport for some years, and as commentators Stephen Quadros and Bas Rutten stated, he was likely the favorite to win the tournament. In the opening round he defeated Japanese professional wrestler Alexander Otsuka by decision and, in a rematch with Gary Goodridge, decisively won by knockout in an entirely stand-up fight.

Vovchanchyn then faced the number one pound for pound fighter in the world, Kazushi Sakuraba of Japan, who had beaten Royce Gracie earlier that night in a 90-minute bout, the longest in recent competitive fighting history. Though Sakuraba took him down and punched him, Vovchanchyn eventually grabbed a waist lock takedown and controlled the Japanese with strikes while Sakuraba covered up. After the fight was declared a draw and needed a second round to determine a finalist, Sakuraba's corner threw in the towel as he had just fought for 105 minutes and could not physically continue. Vovchanchyn won the fight via TKO (corner stoppage) and advanced to the last round.

Vovchanchyn met powerhouse American wrestler Mark Coleman in the final. Coleman had the advantage, coming into the final match, as he bypassed the semi finals after his opponent, Kazuyuki Fujita, retired due to injury. Coleman kept the visibly tired Igor on the ground, and during the second 20-minute round, finished the fight by gaining a north-south position and repeatedly kneed Vovchanchyn the head, forcing Vovchanchyn to tap out. Igor later said that Coleman was the toughest opponent he faced up to that point.[24]

Post Grand Prix

Facing Japanese gatekeeper Daijiro Matsui at PRIDE 9, Vovchanchyn controlled the bout by sprawling and performing ground and pound on him, until the fight was stopped by eye damage on Matsui.

Igor then fought Enson Inoue at PRIDE 10 in what was one of the most one sided fights in MMA history,[25] which resulted in a doctor stoppage after the end of the 1st round. Inoue later recounted of the fight, "I sustained a broken jaw, fractured finger, perforated eardrum, swollen brain, a liver count 2000x the normal person and spent 2 days in intensive care."[26] Vovchanchyn then faced off against Nobuhiko Takada at PRIDE 11, who was the trainer of Sakuraba and Matsui. Vovchanchyn was taken down and met leg kicks and some resistance, but he finished him on the second round via ground and pound.

After three straight victories, Vovchanchyn received a rematch with Mark Kerr at PRIDE 12. Vovchanchyn's advantage in the stand up fighting was countered by Kerr's superior grappling and takedowns, and the fight was ruled a draw after two rounds. After an extra, third round, Vovchanchyn was awarded the victory via unanimous decision. Igor cited both of his fights against Mark Kerr as the most difficult wins of his career.

PRIDE decline

2001

Although he was scheduled to face Ken Shamrock at Pride 13, Vovchancyn faced Tra Telligman, as Shamrock had sustained a neck injury 2 weeks prior to the fight.[27] Despite Igor being able to counterstrike, Telligman surprised him with a left straight which knocked Vovchanchyn down, allowing Tra control the rest of the fight and win the decision. This was the first time Igor had been outstruck, even if it was seen as an upset.

He later faced another feared striker, former RINGS Openweight champion Gilbert Yvel at PRIDE 14. However, sensing Gilbert was weaker than him on the ground, Vovchanchyn took him down, putting his sambo skills to use and choking Yvel out.

Vovchanchyn would go to defeat another striker, beating world karate champion Masaaki Satake by decision at PRIDE 15.

In PRIDE 17, Vovchanchyn suffered another upset when was submitted in under three minutes by Brazilian Top Team trainer Mario Sperry. After this bout, he was invited to fight at the RINGS promotion, in Lithuania. Vovchanchyn's original opponent pulled out of the event with an injury, and was replaced by a fighter who "hadn't fought for quite a while". This fighter requested that no punches were allowed in the fight, which Igor said was difficult to avoid, but won via leg kicks in the second round.[28]

He ended the year on a high note; showing great grappling expertise against Valentijn Overeem at PRIDE 18, escaping from heel hook attempts and slipping his own heel hook for the tap out, ending 2001 with a mixed record in PRIDE - going 3-2.

2002-2003

At the start of 2002, Vovchanchyn considered moving down to the Middleweight (205lb) division, and stated he thought he had a good chance to become a champion in that weight class.[28] This move did not happen, and he faced Heath Herring at PRIDE 19, struggling in a fight which saw both grappling and striking from the two men, but after Herring accidentally headbutted Vovchanchyn at the third round, he was controlled by him, and judges gave the decision to Heath. Fighting Quinton Jackson would be similarly unfortunate for Vovchanchyn, as the American fighter slammed him twice, getting him submitted due to injury at PRIDE 22.

After beating Bob Schrijber by submission in a Dutch promotion, Vovchanchyn faced off against Mirko "Cro-Cop" Filipovic in August 2003. Igor was knocked out via left head kick. This fight is considered a 'passing of the torch',[19] as Vovchanchyn had split his last 8 fights in Pride with a record of 3-5 (1-3 in his last 4), and it elevated the newer striking sensation Filipovic into an Interim Heavyweight Championship fight with Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira. This would be Vovchanchyn's only ever loss via KO/TKO.

2004

Breaking his losing streak at the start of 2004, Vovchanchyn defeated former King of the Cage Super Heavyweight champion Dan Bobish and was announced as one of the participants of PRIDE's upcoming 16-man heavyweight Grand Prix, but withdrew due to injury.[29] Vovchanchyn went on to fight Katsuhisa Fujii at the end of the year.

Drop to Middleweight (93 kg)

In 2005, Vovchanchyn moved down a weight division - beating former Pancrase Heavyweight champion Yoshiki Takahashi. Takahashi said after the fight, "I’ve never been knocked out by a single punch until today, I’m still dizzy and have [a] headache.”[30] After this victory, he entered PRIDE's 2005 Middleweight Grand Prix. PRIDE commentator Bas Rutten believed that Vovchanchyn was a favorite to win the tournament.[31]

PRIDE Middleweight Grand Prix 2005

Vovchanchyn was matched against Yuki Kondo - the reigning Pancrase Light Heavyweight champion and former two-time Pancrase Openweight champion - in PRIDE Total Elimination 2005. Vovchanchyn controlled the fight, winning a unanimous decision.

He then fought Alistair Overeem in the quarter finals and lost via submission. Vovchanchyn received a second chance to progress when offered a fight against Kazuhiro Nakamura in PRIDE Final Conflict 2005, with the winner earning the right to be an alternate in the finals of the tournament. After 15 minutes, Vovchanchyn lost a unanimous judges' decision in what would be his last competitive MMA fight.

On his move down to the Middlweight division, Vovchanchyn said, "It’s all about training. I was 93 kg only for the last two years in PRIDE when they introduced weight divisions. But actually my natural weight is around 103-104 kg. Losing weight I did’t feel myself as strong as before. But 104 kg is the best weight for me and I am really comfortable about it. I felt strong, powerful, full of energy. Due to losing weight I felt lack of self-confidence. By the way the same goes for Fedor (Emelianenko), when he lost the weight, he felt out of his comfort zone. It’s not about the shape and visual muscular performance but it was not his style."[21] Regarding Vovchanchyn's weight, popular nutritionist Mike Dolce stated that he wished he could've helped Vovchanchyn drop to the 170 lb weight-class and make him the 'welterweight Fedor'.[32] Some experts say that Vovchanchyn ideally should have fought at the Welterweight (183) division that PRIDE had, and that he was an undersized heavyweight.[19]

Retirement

Although he was rumored to fight at PRIDE 34 against Wanderlei Silva,[26] Vovchanchyn retired at age 32, citing multiple injuries, including a right hand that remained seriously affected as of 2008.[33] It has been speculated that due to this injury, his last few performances in his career was passive. He finished his career in PRIDE with a record of 18-8 with 1 no contest, having the second most bouts in PRIDE history (27), second most wins in PRIDE history, and third most wins via KO/TKO (10). Vovchanchyn is considered one of MMA's hardest punchers,[14][19][34][35][36][37][38] one of the best fighters in history to have never competed in the UFC,[39] and one of the greatest European mixed martial artists ever.[40] He was a top 10 heavyweight from April 1996 to January 2001 according to FightMatrix.[41] In 2011, Vovchanchyn received several votes on Sherdog's 'MMA's All-Time Heavyweights' list.[42]

Potential return to MMA

2009

In July 2009, Vovchanchyn was linked to making his return in MMA at the Fighting Mixed Combative event in South Korea, which was scheduled for September 29, 2009. Although Jan Nortje was rumored to be his opponent,[43] Vovchanchyn had just stated one year prior that he had no interest in fighting due to his injuries. The event took place and Igor did not appear on the card.[44][45]

2016

In September 2016, Rizin Fighting Federation CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara posted several photos on his Instagram account, showing Vovchanchyn training in his gym back in Ukraine - even hinting that he may invite Igor back to fight in Japan.[26][46][47]

Fighting style

Primarily a kickboxer, Vovchanchyn based his MMA game around his punching power, which made him to be considered one of the most dangerous strikers of his time.[48] His boxing utilized an ample pattern of swinging punches, among them the casting punch,[19][49] and he specialized in an aggressive counterpunching in order to supply his short reach.[50] Vovchanchyn also displayed a significant groundfighting acumen, relying on his sambo background, and he would switch to a vicious ground and pound offensive on a downed opponent.[51] He was able to surprise many with his defensive guard and dexterity on the ground despite being a striker,[52] and displayed this ability against submission fighters such as Carlos Barreto, Mark Kerr, Heath Herring, and Valentijn Overeem among others.[50] Despite his small size, Vovchanchyn was known for his toughness and strength, leading Nobuhiko Takada to call him a "strongman".[53]

Personal life

Vovchanchyn is married and has one daughter, named Zlata. He identifies himself as neither Russian or Ukrainian, but as a Slav.[21][54] He is close friends with Fedor Emelianenko.

In a 2008 interview, Vovchanchyn stated that he retired from competition and runs a cafe-bar called 'Champion'.[7]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Kickboxing

63 Fights, 61 Wins, 2 Losses

Mixed martial arts record

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 59–10 (1) Kazuhiro Nakamura Decision (unanimous) PRIDE Final Conflict 2005 August 28, 2005 2 5:00 Saitama, Japan PRIDE 2005 Middleweight Grand Prix Reserve Bout
Loss 59–9 (1) Alistair Overeem Submission (standing guillotine choke) PRIDE Critical Countdown 2005 June 26, 2005 1 1:25 Saitama, Japan PRIDE 2005 Middleweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal
Win 59–8 (1) Yuki Kondo Decision (unanimous) PRIDE Total Elimination 2005 April 23, 2005 3 5:00 Osaka, Japan PRIDE 2005 Middleweight Grand Prix Opening Round
Win 58–8 (1) Yoshiki Takahashi KO (punch) PRIDE 29 February 20, 2005 1 1:10 Saitama, Japan Middleweight (205 lbs.) debut
Win 57–8 (1) Sergey Terezimov Submission (heel hook) WOP: Water of Peresvit December 4, 2004 1 1:35 Ukraine
Win 56–8 (1) Katsuhisa Fujii KO (punches) PRIDE Bushido 5 October 14, 2004 1 4:02 Osaka, Japan
Win 55–8 (1) Dan Bobish TKO (punches) PRIDE 27 February 1, 2004 2 1:45 Osaka, Japan
Loss 54–8 (1) Mirko Filipović KO (head kick) PRIDE Total Elimination 2003 August 10, 2003 1 1:29 Saitama, Japan
Win 54–7 (1) Bob Schrijber Submission (rear-naked choke) It's Showtime 2003 Amsterdam June 8, 2003 2 4:05 Netherlands
Loss 53–7 (1) Quinton Jackson Submission (injury) PRIDE 22 September 29, 2002 1 7:17 Nagoya, Japan
Loss 53–6 (1) Heath Herring Decision (unanimous) PRIDE 19 February 24, 2002 3 5:00 Saitama, Japan
Win 53–5 (1) Valentijn Overeem Submission (heel hook) PRIDE 18 December 23, 2001 1 4:35 Fukuoka, Japan
Win 52–5 (1) Ricardas Rocevicius TKO (leg kicks) RINGS Lithuania: Bushido Rings 3 November 10, 2001 2 N/A Lithuania
Loss 51–5 (1) Mario Sperry Submission (arm-triangle choke) PRIDE 17 November 3, 2001 1 2:52 Tokyo, Japan
Win 51–4 (1) Masaaki Satake Decision (unanimous) PRIDE 15 July 29, 2001 3 5:00 Saitama, Japan
Win 50–4 (1) Gilbert Yvel Submission (rear-naked choke) Pride 14 - Clash of the Titans May 27, 2001 1 1:52 Yokohama, Japan
Loss 49–4 (1) Tra Telligman Decision (unanimous) Pride 13 - Collision Course March 25, 2001 3 5:00 Saitama, Japan
Win 49–3 (1) Mark Kerr Decision (unanimous) Pride 12 - Cold Fury December 9, 2000 3 5:00 Saitama, Japan
Win 48–3 (1) Nobuhiko Takada Submission (punches) Pride 11 - Battle of the Rising Sun October 31, 2000 2 5:17 Osaka, Japan
Win 47–3 (1) Enson Inoue TKO (punches) Pride 10 - Return of the Warriors August 27, 2000 1 10:00 Tokyo, Japan
Win 46–3 (1) Daijiro Matsui TKO (corner stoppage) PRIDE 9 June 4, 2000 1 5:03 Nagoya, Japan
Loss 45–3 (1) Mark Coleman Submission (knees) PRIDE Grand Prix 2000 Finals May 1, 2000 2 3:09 Tokyo, Japan PRIDE FC 2000 Openweight Grand Prix final
Win 45–2 (1) Kazushi Sakuraba TKO (corner stoppage) PRIDE Grand Prix 2000 Finals May 1, 2000 1 15:00 Tokyo, Japan PRIDE FC 2000 Openweight Grand Prix Semifinal
Win 44–2 (1) Gary Goodridge TKO (punches) PRIDE Grand Prix 2000 Finals May 1, 2000 1 10:14 Tokyo, Japan PRIDE FC 2000 Openweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal
Win 43–2 (1) Alexander Otsuka Decision (unanimous) PRIDE Grand Prix 2000 Opening Round January 30, 2000 1 15:00 Tokyo, Japan PRIDE FC 2000 Openweight Grand Prix Opening Round
Win 42–2 (1) Francisco Bueno KO (punch) PRIDE 8 November 21, 1999 1 1:23 Japan
NC 41–2 (1) Mark Kerr NC (illegal knees) PRIDE 7 September 12, 1999 2 N/A Yokohama, Japan Originally a victory for Vovchanchyn, it was later ruled out a No Contest.
Win 41–2 Carlos "Carlão" Barreto Decision (split) Pride 6 July 4, 1999 3 5:00 Yokohama, Japan
Win 40–2 Vepcho Bardanashvili Submission (guillotine choke) InterPride 1999: Heavyweight Final May 8, 1999 1 N/A Ukraine Won InterPride 1999: Heavyweight Final.
Win 39–2 Vladimir Solodovnik TKO (punches) InterPride 1999: Heavyweight Final May 8, 1999 1 N/A Ukraine
Win 38–2 Akira Shoji Decision (unanimous) Pride 5 April 29, 1999 2 10:00 Nagoya, Japan
Win 37–2 Edson Carvalho TKO (punches) WVC 7: World Vale Tudo Championship 7 February 2, 1999 1 3:16 Brazil Won WVC 7: World Vale Tudo Championship 7 Superfight.
Win 36–2 Aloisio Freitas Neto TKO (punches) WVC 6: World Vale Tudo Championship 6 November 1, 1998 1 7:26 Brazil Won WVC 6: World Vale Tudo Championship 6 Superfight.
Win 35–2 Gary Goodridge TKO (punches) Pride 4 October 11, 1998 1 5:58 Tokyo, Japan
Win 34–2 Nick Nutter KO (knee) WVC 5: World Vale Tudo Championship 5 February 3, 1998 1 0:14 Brazil Won WVC 5: World Vale Tudo Championship 5 Tournament
Win 33–2 Elias Rodrigues TKO (headbutt and punches) WVC 5: World Vale Tudo Championship 5 February 3, 1998 1 10:35 Brazil
Win 32–2 Tulio Palhares TKO (punches) WVC 5: World Vale Tudo Championship 5 February 3, 1998 1 5:35 Brazil
Win 31–2 Nick Nutter KO (headbutt) IAFC - 1st Absolute Fighting World Cup Pankration November 12, 1997 1 24:42 Israel Won IAFC - 1st Absolute Fighting World Cup Pankration
Win 30–2 Mikhail Avetisyan Decision (split) IAFC - 1st Absolute Fighting World Cup Pankration November 12, 1997 1 35:00 Israel Opponent was an alternate for the injured Vasily Kudin
Win 29–2 Valery Pliev TKO (punches) IAFC - 1st Absolute Fighting World Cup Pankration November 12, 1997 1 7:13 Israel
Win 28–2 N/A KO (N/A) N/A 1997 N/A N/A Donetsk, Ukraine
Win 27–2 Yuri Mildzikhov TKO (N/A) N/A 1997 N/A N/A Donetsk, Ukraine
Win 26–2 Igor Guerus TKO (N/A) N/A 1997 N/A N/A Donetsk, Ukraine
Win 25–2 Vasily Kudin TKO (leg kicks) IAFC: Absolute Fighting Russian Open Cup 3 August 29, 1997 1 9:11 Moscow, Russia Won IAFC: Absolute Fighting Russian Open Cup 3.
Win 24–2 Dimitry Panfilov TKO (punches) COS: Cup of Stars May 23, 1997 N/A N/A Odessa, Ukraine Withdrew due to injury.
Win 23–2 Aslan Hamza KO (knee) COS: Cup of Stars May 23, 1997 N/A N/A Odessa, Ukraine
Win 22–2 Leonardo Castello Branco Decision (split) IAFC: Absolute Fighting Championship II [Day 2] May 2, 1997 1 35:00 Moscow, Russia Won Absolute Fighting Championship II Superfight.
Win 21–2 Sergei Bondarenko TKO (punches) N/A November 30, 1996 N/A N/A Kharkiv, Ukraine
Win 20–2 N/A Submission (choke) DNRF: Ukrainian Octagon 2 May 1, 1996 N/A N/A Donetsk, Ukraine Won DNRF: Ukrainian Octagon 2 Tournament
Win 19–2 Igor Akhmedov Submission (rear-naked choke) DNRF: Ukrainian Octagon 2 May 1, 1996 N/A N/A Donetsk, Ukraine
Win 18–2 N/A KO (N/A) DNRF: Ukrainian Octagon 2 May 1, 1996 N/A N/A Donetsk, Ukraine
Win 17–2 John Dixson Submission (retirement) IFC 1: Kombat in Kiev March 30, 1996 1 9:10 Kiev, Ukraine Won IFC 1: Kombat in Kiev Tournament
Win 16–2 Paul Varelans KO (punches) IFC 1: Kombat in Kiev March 30, 1996 1 2:25 Kiev, Ukraine
Win 15–2 Fred Floyd TKO (punches) IFC 1: Kombat in Kiev March 30, 1996 1 13:40 Kiev, Ukraine
Win 14–2 Igor Akhmedov Submission (arm-triangle choke) UCMAL: Ukrainian No Rules Championship 1996 March 9, 1996 1 N/A Kiev, Ukraine Won UCMAL: Ukrainian No Rules Championship 1996
Win 13–2 Yuri Zhernikov TKO (punches) UCMAL: Ukrainian No Rules Championship 1996 March 9, 1996 1 N/A Kiev, Ukraine
Win 12–2 Matrosov Matrosov TKO (punches) UCMAL: Ukrainian No Rules Championship 1996 March 9, 1996 1 N/A Kiev, Ukraine
Win 11–2 Igor Guerus KO (punches) DNRF: Ukrainian Octagon March 1, 1996 1 1:41 Donetsk, Ukraine Won DNRF: Ukrainian Octagon Tournament
Win 10–2 Sergey Sheremet KO (punch) DNRF: Ukrainian Octagon March 1, 1996 1 1:27 Donetsk, Ukraine
Win 9–2 Oleg Tischenko KO (punch) DNRF: Ukrainian Octagon March 1, 1996 1 0:05 Donetsk, Ukraine
Win 8–2 Roman Tikunov KO (punch) MPS 1996: Mr. Strongman SEKAI 1996 January 23, 1996 1 2:21 Minsk, Belarus Won Mr. Strongman SEKAI 1996 Tournament
Win 7–2 Sergei Bondarovich KO (head kick) MPS 1996: Mr. Strongman SEKAI 1996 January 23, 1996 1 2:27 Minsk, Belarus
Win 6–2 Nikolai Yatsuk KO (punch) MPS 1996: Mr. Strongman SEKAI 1996 January 23, 1996 1 1:50 Minsk, Belarus
Loss 5–2 Mikhail Ilyukhin Submission (chin in the eye) IAFC: Absolute Fighting Championship I: Tournament November 25, 1995 1 6:30 Moscow, Russia
Win 5–1 Adilson Lima TKO (corner stoppage) IAFC: Absolute Fighting Championship I: Elimination November 25, 1995 1 1:51 Moscow, Russia
Win 4–1 Adilson Lima TKO (corner stoppage) IAFC: Absolute Fighting Championship I: Elimination November 25, 1995 1 0:56 Moscow, Russia
Win 3–1 Sergei Akinen TKO (corner stoppage) IAFC: Absolute Fighting Championship I: Elimination November 25, 1995 1 2:40 Moscow, Russia
Loss 2–1 Andrei Besedin Submission (kneebar) UCMAL: Warrior's Honour 1 October 14, 1995 1 1:12 Kharkiv, Ukraine
Win 2–0 Sergei Bondarovich KO (punches) UCMAL: Warrior's Honour 1 October 14, 1995 1 0:18 Kharkiv, Ukraine
Win 1–0 Alexander Mandrik TKO (punches) UCMAL: Warrior's Honour 1 October 14, 1995 1 3:06 Kharkiv, Ukraine

Kickboxing record

Kickboxing record

Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest

References

  1. ↑ "Fight Finder: Igor Vovchanchyn". Sherdog. 2007. Retrieved 2007-08-16.
  2. ↑ "MMA Records and Stats". fightmatrix.com. Retrieved 29 January 2016.
  3. ↑ "MMA Records and Stats". fightmatrix.com. Retrieved 30 August 2016.
  4. ↑ "WH - IGOR VOVCHANCHYN CUP". sherdog.com. Retrieved 1 February 2016.
  5. ↑ "Biography". vovchanchyn.kharkov-ua.com. Retrieved 3 September 2016.
  6. ↑ "Igor interview". kampfkunst-board.info. Retrieved 1 February 2016.
  7. 1 2 "M-1 Exclusive: Igor Vovchanchyn - Life after PRIDE". m1global.tv.
  8. ↑ "Igor Vovchanchyn Interview". hybridfighting.narod.ru. Retrieved 1 February 2016.
  9. ↑ "Igor Vovchanchyn Interview". hybridfighting.narod.ru. Retrieved 29 January 2016.
  10. ↑ "DNRF Ukrainian Octagon". sherdog.com. Retrieved 29 January 2016.
  11. ↑ "UCMAL Ukrainian No Rules Championship". sherdog.com. Retrieved 29 January 2016.
  12. ↑ "IFC 1 Kombat in Kiev". sherdog.com. Retrieved 29 January 2016.
  13. ↑ "The Top 5 David vs. Goliath Matchups". sherdog.com. Retrieved 30 August 2016.
  14. 1 2 "The Top 10 Fights in European History". sherdog.com. Retrieved 30 August 2016.
  15. ↑ "Igor Vovchanchyn". tapology.com. Retrieved 29 January 2016.
  16. ↑ "M-1 Exclusive: Igor Vovchanchyn Interview Part II". m1global.tv. Retrieved 19 February 2016.
  17. ↑ "NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships". uni.edu. Retrieved 29 January 2016.
  18. ↑ "Igor Vovchanchyn: The original ice man". fightersonlymag.com. Retrieved 30 January 2016.
  19. 1 2 3 4 5 "SHERDOG'S TOP 10: GIANT KILLERS". sherdog.com. Retrieved 30 August 2016.
  20. 1 2 Scott Newman (2006-10-26). "MMA Review: #432: Pride 6". Sports Oratory. Retrieved 2016-10-31.
  21. 1 2 3 4 "M-1 Exclusive: Igor Vovchanchyn Interview Part II". m1global.tv. Retrieved 30 January 2016.
  22. ↑ "SHERDOG'S TOP 10: ONE-PUNCH KNOCKOUTS". sherdog.com. Retrieved 30 August 2016.
  23. ↑ "SHERDOG'S TOP 10: PRIDE KNOCKOUTS". sherdog.com. Retrieved 3 September 2016.
  24. ↑ "Igor interview". kampfkunst-board.info. Retrieved 3 September 2016.
  25. ↑ "SHERDOG'S TOP 10: BRUTAL BEATDOWNS". sherdog.com. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  26. 1 2 3 "IGOR VOVCHANCHYN MIGHT BE RETURNING TO JAPANESE MMA". fightland.vice.com. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
  27. ↑ "Ken Shamrock, Pulled Out From Pride-13". fcfighter.com. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
  28. 1 2 "Igor Vovchanchyn Interview". hybridfighting.narod.ru. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
  29. ↑ "Four More Fighters Added To Total Elimination 2004!". fcfighter.com. Retrieved 28 April 2016.
  30. ↑ "FINAL THOUGHTS FROM PRIDE 29". sherdog.com. Retrieved 30 August 2016.
  31. ↑ "bas rutten interview (about mwgp and igor etc)". valetudo.ru. Retrieved 1 February 2016.
  32. ↑ "THE UNDERGROUND INTERVIEW: MIKE DOLCE". thedolcediet.com. Retrieved 1 February 2016.
  33. ↑ Archived September 17, 2009, at the Wayback Machine.
  34. ↑ "SHERDOG'S TOP 10: GREATEST PUNCHERS". sherdog.com. Retrieved 30 August 2016.
  35. ↑ "SHERDOG'S TOP 10: SCARIEST FINISHERS". sherdog.com. Retrieved 30 August 2016.
  36. ↑ "SHERDOG'S TOP 10: SILENT KILLERS". sherdog.com. Retrieved 30 August 2016.
  37. ↑ "10 Hardest Hitters in MMA History". espn.com. Retrieved 30 August 2016.
  38. ↑ "The Top 7 Strikers in MMA History". fightmagazine.com. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
  39. ↑ "Sherdog's Top 10: Best Fighters Never to Compete in the UFC". sherdog.com. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  40. ↑ "Sherdog's Top 10: European Mixed Martial Artists". sherdog.com. Retrieved 16 September 2016.
  41. ↑ "Igor Vovchanchyn's MMA Ranking Profile". fightmatrix.com. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  42. ↑ "MMA'S ALL-TIME HEAVYWEIGHTS". sherdog.com. Retrieved 30 August 2016.
  43. ↑ "Igor Vovchanchyn is BACK!!!". fansofk1.com. Retrieved 3 September 2016.
  44. ↑ "Igor Vovchanchyn Returns!! Fighting Mixed Combative!". nightmareofbattle.wordpress.com. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
  45. ↑ "Igor Vovchanchyn in talks to return to MMA at 'Fighting Mixed Combative' on Set. 29". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
  46. ↑ "Igor Vovchanchyn Do return in RIZIN". sadironman.seesaa.net. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
  47. ↑ "Vovchanchyn Do revival to New Year's Eve". efight.jp. Retrieved 4 September 2016.
  48. ↑ Black Belt magazine, November 2001
  49. ↑ Wilcox, Nate (2009-05-06). "Igor Vovchanchyn: The Man Who Showed Fedor How to Punch". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 2015-12-29.
  50. 1 2 Black Belt magazine, January 2000
  51. ↑ "SHERDOG.COM'S TOP 10: GROUND-AND-POUNDERS". sherdog.com. Retrieved 30 August 2016.
  52. ↑ "SHERDOG REMEMBERS: UFC 14". sherdog.com. Retrieved 30 August 2016.
  53. ↑ "Quebrada News Archive - Dream Stage Entertainment". Quebrada. Retrieved 2015-12-29.
  54. ↑ "FansOfK1.com - Igor Vovchanchyn". fansofk1.com.
  55. ↑ "World Vale Tudo Championship". Academic Dictionaries and Encyclopedias.
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