· On The Spot ~ Sevak Magakian

· Article author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Posted on 10/06 at 12:41 PM

Sevak Magakian (born July 2, 1985 in Armenia) is a mixed martial arts fighter with a sincere love for fighting and a talent for getting his opponents to submit in the first round. Magakian began studying judo and sambo at the age of five, earning his black belt in both by age 11. At just 13, he was a two-time Armenian national champion in both judo and sambo. He moved to the U.S. shortly thereafter, where his fight conditioning continued. At age 18, Sevak began to expand his martial arts arsenal by training in grappling and boxing; by 22 he won his first of two California state judo titles.

Magakian competed in his first mixed martial arts fight at the age of 21, claiming a win in the first round by kneebar submission. His strong entrance into the MMA world continued with a six match winning streak—all won by submission within the first round. Sevak currently trains with host of proven competitors, including UFC fighter Manny Gamburyan, Roman Mitichyan, MMA legend Gokor Chivichyan, Gene LeBell, and Karen Darabedyan.

The young Armenian joins his friend Sako Chivitchian as a cast member of the popular reality show "The Ultimate Fighter." Magakian's vicious submissions, aggressive personality, and years of training make him one of the most well-rounded fighters included in this season's cast. Given his undeniable passion and drive, Magakian is a favorite to succeed in and out of the house on this season's "The Ultimate Fighter."

AGE: 25
OCCUPATION: Fighter
RECORD: 8-3
BACKGROUND: Armenian
LOCATION: Glendale, Calif.

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Breanna Armstrong: When did you start training and why?
Sevak Magakian: I have been training since the age of five.

Armstrong: Who is someone who has motivated you the most in this sport?
Magakian: I get my motivation from my father and my oldest cousin.

Armstrong: What kind of a guy are you? What do you live by?
Magakian: I am a very goal-driven individual and I will work hard and will not stop until I get what I want. I am a very family-oriented person.

Armstrong: How would your friends describe you?
Magakian: From what I have heard, seen and know, I am a very caring, helpful, big-hearted and humorous individual.

Armstrong: What do you do for fun?
Magakian: In my spare time I enjoy hanging out with my girlfriend, family and friends. Watching fights at a bar, the shooting range. I enjoy the beach, playing soccer and any other outdoor activity.

Armstrong: What is a career highlight of yours so far?
Magakian: So far the highlight of mine is being part of season 12 of "The Ultimate Fighter."

Armstrong: How does it feel to be on TUF?
Magakian: The feeling is honestly indescribable but it’s definitely one of the most rewarding experiences that I've had and it's one step closer to my goal.

Armstrong: How did you react when you found out that you were cast?
Magakian: It was an uncontrollable feeling and many emotions came to me all at once. I was grateful to have this opportunity that I have been waiting for all my life.

Armstrong: How is it like to be on a show with your best friend, Sako [Chivitchian]?
Magakian: It was a bitter sweet feeling because we were both there for the same intentions but on the other hand I had a friend there to support me.

Armstrong: What will you bring to TUF this season?
Magakian: You will have to stay tuned to the show to see what I bring to the table.

Armstrong: What have you learned the most through this experience?
Magakian: All I have to say, “Hard work always pays off."

Armstrong: What can fans expect from you this season?
Magakian: From this season, my fans can expect me to be how I usually am, with 100 percent effort, focused, determined, aggressive, motivated, and of course—have a winner’s mindset. These are all the components to a true fighter’s strategy, in my opinion. I use these as my ammunition to get through all my fights.

Armstrong: What are you looking forward to the most?
Magakian: I am looking forward to be one of the best fighters in the 155 division, and most importantly a champion.

Armstrong: What are your future goals?
Magakian: My future goals are: work harder to become a champion, to have a family of my own and a better life for my family.

Armstrong: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Magakian: I want to thank all my fans, family, and friends for all the support because without them I would not be where I am today.