· On The Spot ~ Sako Chivitchian
This season on "The Ultimate Fighter" Sako "The Armenian Psycho" Chivitchian is stepping it up as a true competitor and is bringing his fun-loving personality to fight fans' favorite show on Spike. With an undefeated record of 5-0, Sako's nickname "The Armenian Psycho" perfectly describes how he handles his competition. He has been labeled as a cast member to watch for and comes into this season with his best friend, Sevak Magakian, who is also a cast member of TUF this season. Sako's uncle is the well-known and respected Gokor Chivitchyan, who started Sako's training and passion for this sport. Sako will represent not only his noted family name but also his Armenian roots while on the show.
NAME: Sako Chivitchian
AGE: 26
RECORD: 5-0
BACKGROUND: Armenian American
LOCATION: Los Angeles
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Armstrong: When did you start training and why?
Chivitchian: I started training at the age of 6 years old practicing judo. My coach since that day has been my uncle Gokor Chivitchyan who runs the Hayastan Team for the last 20 years. He is mainly the reason why I got involved in martial arts and it is the best thing that has ever happened to me.
Armstrong: What is training like with your Uncle Gokor?
Chivitchian: It is very high level training because his style is a mixture of many combat submission sports such as judo, sambo, wrestling, and grappling all combined into one. He has so much knowledge of all theses arts and is very supportive and motivational to all of his students.
Armstrong: Who is someone that has motivated you the most in this sport?
Chivitchian: I would have to say my biggest motivation has to be my dad. Because he has invested so much time and energy into my martial arts career since the age of 6 and he is my mentor. So by having him in my life, it has kept me working hard to reach the top in this sport.
Armstrong: What kind of a guy are you? What do you live by?
Chivitchian: I am a very down to earth person who always tries to stay positive in every aspect of my life. I like to be very straight forward about everything that I think about, always setting goals in my life and will do everything possible to get there. I believe every person should have morals, in life, that they live by that shows how much of a good personality and character they posses.
Armstrong: How would your friends describe you?
Chivitchian: My friends usually have fun with me with whatever we do because I like to go with the flow of things and am mostly fair to everyone around me.
Armstrong: What do you do for fun?
Chivitchian: I am always looking for new fun things to do in my life, that are also spontaneous. Trying new things that can give me a positive experience for me to remember.
Armstrong: What is a career highlight of yours so far?
Chivitchian: My career highlight so far is getting the opportunity to compete on the TUF 12 season and getting the chance to get in the house.
Armstrong: How does it feel to be on “The Ultimate Fighter?”
Chivitchian: It feels very good to finally get to compete on the big show and have the exposure that can lift my career to the next level.
Armstrong: How did you react when you found out that you were cast?
Chivitchian: It was an unbelievable feeling but mainly it felt great to see all my hard work paying off.
Armstrong: What is it like to be on a show with your best friend, Sevak?
Chivitchian: It was very exciting having my friend Sevak next to me during this intense experience because it made me feel like I was at home and we made sure to motivate and support each other all the way.
Armstrong: What will you bring to “The Ultimate Fighter” this season?
Chivitchian: I cannot promise victory or loss but I can promise everyone that I will train my ass off and fight my heart out to give all my fans a great performance and an exciting show because I believe that is my duty.
Armstrong: What have you learned the most through this experience?
Chivitchian: There are two main things that I have learned, which I already knew, but understand it and respect it more now. Hard work always pays off, and you do not get too many second chances in life so take advantage of the good opportunities in a positive way that fall in front of you.
Armstrong: What can fans expect from you this season?
Chivitchian: I want to make sure that all my fans give me the respect that I truly believe that I deserve because I have done my best to make them proud by showing great fighting skills and a strong character.
Armstrong: What are you looking forward to the most?
Chivitchian: I am looking forward to see all the feedback from my fans on what they thought of me from TUF 12. Then I am just looking forward to improving my game, to be the best out there.
Armstrong: What are your future goals?
Chivitchian: I have only one goal and that is to be the next UFC lightweight champion.
Armstrong: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Chivitchian: I would like to thank everyone who has been there since day one, like: Hayastan Team, Glendale Fight Club, Main Event Gym, S.K. Golden Boys, and Hyefighters.
