Iran’s Karimian: ‘I Am Ready To Sign A Contract With GLORY’

In just a short amount of time, Sina Karimian has managed to make an immediate impact in the kickboxing world. It didn’t take long for the 32-year-old from Isfahan to win the K-1 World Grand Prix Cruiserweight Title back in 2018. Now, Karimian continues to show he is ready for great things.

In an interview with Combat Press, Karimian (10-1) discussed the path to get to where he is today. With over 300 amateur fights, Karimian was able to showcase his skills even while professional fights have been forbidden in Iran. As a result, he is taking every chance he can find. That includes competing at the K-1: K’Festa 3 event in March in the middle of the coronavirus.

“I heard whispers about canceling the fight before the tournament. And I was determined about this fight, because I was under a lot of pressure due to my hard training,” Karimian stated. “After all, K-1 had made all the necessary arrangements. All people were checked at the front door, and everybody used masks.

With 10,000 fans inside the Saitama Super Arena, Karimian beat Aitaka Ryo via unanimous decision. It is unknown when he will be able to compete again, but Karimian knew he had to be a part of a moment he will never forget.

Although he is primarily a K-1 fighter, Karimian is looking to expand his horizons. Karimian has expressed interest in Badr Hari, one of the top kickboxers in the world. Currently at GLORY, fighting Badr (106-15) would normally only be considered a fantasy. Karimian is looking to make that a reality.

“Yes, I am ready to sign a contract with GLORY,” Karimian went on to say. “I am a fighter, I’m the best, and I’m ready to fight with whoever in the top-10 ranking of GLORY. Definitely, I am so interested about that. One of my biggest dreams is to fight Badr… I have a special respect for him… Maybe one day my dream will come true.”

Another fight he is interested in is against GLORY Light Heavyweight Champion Artem Vakhitov. Due to the pandemic and the celebration of Ramadan, the idea of competing will have to wait. Due to being a hot commodity, however, “Hero” could end up fulfilling his dreams sooner than we think.