In May 1991, Gamburyan's family relocated from Armenia to the United States. Shortly after his arrival, he began training in judo at Gokor Chivichyan and Gene LeBell's Hayastan MMA Academy, quickly becoming one of the top judokan in the country, winning junior nationals less than two years later. He went on to win junior nationals eight times, the junior Olympics once, and was a member of the 2000 Junior World Team. Later, Gamburyan also began training in Kyokushin Karate aged 15.[3]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Gamburyan began his career in mixed martial arts in 1999 at the age of 17. He won his first four fights, then lost a decision to future UFC Lightweight ChampionSean Sherk in 2001. Gamburyan's cousin Karo Parisyan nicknamed him "The Pitbull" for the tenacity he displayed in the fight.[4]
The Ultimate Fighter
In 2007, Gamburyan appeared on the reality show The Ultimate Fighter 5, fighting on Jens Pulver's team. His nickname was changed to "Anvil" for his UFC career because "Pitbull" was already taken by other UFC fighters such as Andrei Arlovski and Thiago Alves.[5]
Gamburyan defeated Noah Thomas by kimura lock in the preliminary round. In his next matchup, Gamburyan defeated Matt Wiman to advance to the semifinal round.[6]
In the semifinal round, Gamburyan beat Joe Lauzon in a unanimous decision and advanced to the finale with Nate Diaz. He was considered an underdog in each of his fights, in part due to his short stature. After the Lauzon fight, UFC president Dana White personally apologized to Gamburyan for doubting him.[7] In the finale, Gamburyan controlled Diaz for the majority of the fight, but was forced to tap out in the second round after dislocating his right shoulder on an unsuccessful takedown attempt.[8] Although this technically counts as a submission due to injury, Gamburyan has never been submitted by an opponent in his MMA career.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Despite losing the show, Gamburyan secured a UFC contract with his performance. He won his next two UFC fights, defeating Nate Mohr by ankle lock at UFC 79[9] and Jeff Cox by guillotine choke at UFC Fight Night 13.[10] Gamburyan raised some controversy in the Cox fight by delivering a spinning leg kick after feigning the mutual tap of gloves that is often seen at the beginning of the match. The crowd in attendance reacted with heavy booing.
He returned to action at UFC 87 and was knocked out in 12 seconds by Rob Emerson.[11]
At UFC 94, Gamburyan lost to Thiago Tavares in a back and forth fight via unanimous decision (29-28, 29–28, 29–28).[12]
World Extreme Cagefighting
After his loss to Tavares, Gamburyan decided to drop down to the featherweight division and fight in the Zuffa-owned WEC.[13][14][15]
Gamburyan's first fight at featherweight was a decision win over John Franchi at WEC 41.[16]
Gamburyan fought former WEC Featherweight Champion Mike Brown at WEC 48.[18] He won by knockout in the first round as well as getting the Knockout of the Night bonus of $65,000.[19][20]
On October 28, 2010, World Extreme Cagefighting merged with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As part of the merger, all WEC fighters were transferred to the UFC.[22]
Gamburyan was expected to face Diego Nunes on September 24, 2011, at UFC 135,[27] but was forced to withdraw from the bout after suffering a shoulder injury.[28] The bout ultimately took place at UFC 141 and Gamburyan lost via unanimous decision.[29]
Gamburyan was expected to face Chad Mendes on February 23, 2013, at UFC 157.[31] However, Gamburyan was forced out of the bout with a thumb injury.[32] Mendes was then pulled from the card as a suitable replacement could not be found on short notice.[33]
Gamburyan was expected to face Hacran Dias on May 18, 2013, at UFC on FX 8.[34] However, Gamburyan was forced to pull out of the bout citing another injury and was replaced by Nik Lentz.[35]
Gamburyan faced Dennis Siver on December 28, 2013, at UFC 168.[38] He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Subsequently, Siver failed a post fight drug screening, testing positive for banned substances. As a result, the decision was changed to a "No Contest".[39]
Gamburyan next faced John Dodson on April 16, 2016, at UFC on Fox 19.[46] Gamburyan lost the fight via TKO in the first round.[47]
Gamburyan was expected to face Alejandro Pérez on September 17, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 94.[48] However, Gamburyan pulled out of the fight in mid-August for undisclosed personal reasons and was replaced by Albert Morales.[49]
Less than two years into his retirement, Gamburyan appeared on Ariel and the Bad Guy Show and revealed he is returning from retirement and planning to enter competition in mid-2019.[51]
