In the world of Mixed martial arts – even a tiny weight advantage can play a significant role. In the early days of UFC, the reputation of Brazilian jiu jitsu was cemented when 170 lbs Royce Gracie emerged victorious. This is why it’s so surprising to see a modern challenge that completely disregards weight limits.
Iranian Hulk aka Sajjad Gharibi, is currently scheduled to take on heavyweight rival Martyn Ford on April 2nd. But before Ford became the front runner challenger for the massive Iranian, Hulk had another known contender – UFC featherweight Brian Ortega.
Gharibi is believed to weigh roughly 390lbs – which effectively means we’ll never see him in the UFC where the heavyweights can weigh in at a maximum of 266lbs.
But Gharibi would still tower over Ortega – and that’s nothing to scoff at. Back in 2019, Ortega called out Gharibi in a memorable fashion.
“I would just gas him out, p*** him off,” Ortega told TMZ. “Of course, you’re going to see me just get mauled up like a damn little chihuahua in the beginning.
“But just when I ride that wave out, it’s a done deal man. He’ll gas out and he’ll be mine.”
Ortega was possibly inspired by the staged run in Conor McGregor had with Game of Thrones actor/strong man Hafthor Bjornsson.
Gharibi came face to face with his next opponent Martyn Ford this past weekend in Dubai. The two got physical with Ford shoving Gharibi – and Gharibi going for a take down.
Ford has been referred to online as World’s Scariest Man. Martyn Ford is a 320 lbs, and roughly 6’8” tall bodybuilder. He is currently 39 years old.
Things between Ford and Gharibi further escalated at a Press conference with the ‘Iranian Hulk’ blowing up at his opponent and offering to fight right then and there. Many fans online claim that with this face off there is definitive proof that Gharibi has been catfishing the combat sports fans as far back as 2015.
The two will be boxing as a part of the Boxstar PPV card set to air on April 2nd. Some still question Gharibi’s willingness to show up to the event.