Fighter Detail Karen Darabedyan  Fighting Out Of: North Hollywood, CA Age: 23 Height: 5' 7" (170 cm) Weight: 155 lbs. (70 kg) Overall MMA Record (W-L-D): 9-2-0 Strengths: Grappling, Wrestling, and Boxing Languages Spoken: English, Armenian

Karen Darabedyan Photo Gallery:

Karen Darabedyan WEC™ Fight History:

Fighter Biography

Thoughts on opponent, Bart Palaszewski? I think Bart is a tough guy. He has been around MMA a long time and has a lot of experience.

Training: I train twice a day. I either run in the mornings or do strength and conditioning stuff, and at nights I do my sparring, boxing and grappling training.

When and why did you start training for fighting? Karen's dad has supported his involvement in various sports since age 5. At 17, karate, grappling, and judo all came together, which led to a mixed martial arts fight. This proved Karen's natural talent and provided opportunities to evolve into a well rounded fighter.

Do you have any heroes? Both mom and dad

What is your favorite technique? Armbar

What does it mean for you to fight in the WEC? Karen sees this fight as a dream come true. It took a lifetime of training and preparation to get here.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? 2 years Glendale Community College, before choosing to make MMA Karen's primary focus

Most memorable professional fight (who, where, why)?  A fight three years ago in the Philippines against Koji Oishi. The coliseum was the same venue where Joe Frazier fought Muhammad Ali in 1975.

What was your most challenging professional fight (against who, when, what was the outcome)? The Philippines fight listed above.

Who were your training partners for this fight? All my friends at Team Hayastan and Main Event Gym

Did you put more emphasis towards a fighting style or adjust your training to prepare for your opponent (what did you do differently/why)? For this fight I’m working on my strength and conditioning a lot more than before. I also am doing a lot more sparring.

What, other than WINNING, are you using for motivation for the fight? Other than winning being my motivation, I think it would be the chance to be on national TV again and also the chance to better my life and at the same time make a name for myself in front of all the fans.

What is your favorite thing about this sport? Winning

How long do you see yourself staying in this sport? 10 years