Blagoi Ivanov is currently part of the UFC's heavyweight division, but was the former WSOF heavyweight champion who formerly competed for Bellator.
Bellator[]
He most recently made his Bellator debut against late replacement and TUF veteran Zak Jensen in the quarterfinals of the Bellator fifth season heavyweight tournament. Ivanov choked Jensen unconscious in the second round with a guillotine choke.
With the victory, he advanced to the semi-finals to face Mike Hayes. Hayes was injured and replaced by alternate Thiago Santos. Ivanov himself was then injured and replaced by former tournament finalist Neil Grove.
After recovering Ivanov then fought former UFC heavyweight champ Ricco Rodriguez outside of Bellator in Russia, winning via third round TKO.
Ivanov returned to Bellator defeating Manny Lara via first round standing guillotine choke submission before then defeating Keith Bell via first round rear-naked choke submission.
Ivanov then fought Rich Hale in the quarterfinals of the season ten heavyweight tournament defeating Hale via unanimous decision.
In the semifinals Ivanov defeated Lavar Johnson via first round americana submission.
In the finals, he lost to Alexander Volkov via second round rear-naked choke submission.
WSOF[]
Ivanov next made his WSOF debut for the vacant heavyweight title defeating Smealinho Rama via third round guillotine choke submission.
Ivanov next defended his title against Derrick Mehmen defeating Mehmen via second round TKO.
Ivanov next defended his title for the second time against Josh Copeland, defeating Copeland via a relatively entertaining unanimous decision.
Ivanov next signed to defend his title for the third time against Strikeforce/UFC veteran Shawn Jordan.
Fights[]
- Blagoi Ivanov vs. Zak Jensen - The fight was in the quarterfinals of the Bellator fifth season heavyweight tournament. Zak Jensen was a very late replacement for Thiago Santos.
- Blagoi Ivanov vs. Smealinho Rama - The fight was for the WSOF heavyweight championship with Smealinho Rama defending.
- Blagoi Ivanov vs. Derrick Mehmen - The fight was for the WSOF heavyweight title with Ivanov defending.
- Augusto Sakai vs. Blagoy Ivanov