5 Fast Facts About Kickboxing World Title Contender Iraj Azizpour

Iraj Azizpour steps straight into the biggest fight of his life in his promotional debut on Friday, 29 October.

That evening, the 33-year-old Iranian will look to settle an old score with light heavyweight kickboxing king Roman Kryklia in the inaugural ONE Heavyweight Kickboxing World Title bout at ONE: NEXTGEN.

Before Azizpour enters the Circle for the first time, learn more about him with these five interesting facts.

#1 He’s One Of The Greatest Iranian Kickboxers

Azizpour was born in Lahijan, Iran, and grew up in the nation’s capital of Tehran.

In a country where the most globally recognized combat sports athletes do their business on the wrestling mat, the heavyweight slugger is one of the few strikers operating and flying the flag at a world-class level.

#2 He Started Out In Kung Fu

Azizpour started his martial arts journey at the age of 13 when he fell in love with Bruce Lee movies. That motivated him to learn kung fu.

He earned his black belt in the Chinese martial art and still keeps many of the discipline’s tools in his arsenal when competing in kickboxing.

• Kryklia Vs. Azizpour III For Heavyweight Gold Tops ONE: NEXTGEN
• Ham Withdraws From Atomweight GP Semifinal, Mezabarba To Fight Stamp
• Stamp Reacts To New Grand Prix Opponent, Predicts Hirata vs. Phogat

#3 He’s Adept In Different Styles

The hard-hitting Iranian star has accumulated plenty of silverware in his career to date – and under multiple different styles.

He has won titles in kickboxing, Muay Thai, and boxing, with the most prestigious accolade being the Kunlun Fight Heavyweight Grand Prix Championship that he won in 2018.

#4 He Is 1-1 With Kryklia

Azizpour and Kryklia have met twice already, and they split the spoils with one victory each. Both bouts were in the final of one-night Kunlun Fight Heavyweight Tournaments in 2018 and 2019. 

The Tehran native took the first win by majority decision after an extension round. Kryklia, however, got his revenge a year later with a unanimous decision.

This time, both men will be fresh and ready to give their all in a five-round World Championship battle. 

#5 He Is A ‘Gentle Giant’

Contrary to his aggressive style inside the ring, Azizpour describes himself as a “gentle giant” outside of it.

Away from martial arts, his hobbies include mountaineering and billiards.

Read more: 5 Reasons Why Roman Kryklia Is Among The Baddest Men On The Planet