Mike Zambidis

Mike Zambidis
BornMichális Zambídis
(1980-07-15) 15 July 1980
Porto Rafti, Athens, Greece
Native nameΜιχάλης Ζαμπίδης
Other namesIron Mike, Turkofagos (Turkeater)[1][2][3]
Height1.67 m (5 ft 5+1⁄2 in)
Weight70 kg (154 lb; 11 st 0 lb)
DivisionWelterweight
Middleweight
StyleMuay Thai, Kickboxing[4]
TeamZambidis Club
TrainerKru Mario Barbatsas
Years active2000–2015
Kickboxing record
Total181
Wins157
By knockout87
Losses24
By knockout7
Other information
Websitewww.ironmikezambidis.com
Last updated on: 28 June 2015

Michalis "Iron Mike" Zambidis (Greek: Μιχάλης Ζαμπίδης; born 15 July 1980) is a professional Greek kickboxer and martial artist. He is an 18-time World Champion, including former World version W5, SUPERKOMBAT and in a series of K-1 Tournaments and Grand Prix Champion. He mostly competed in the K-1 MAX where he scored mostly knockouts.[5]

Biography and career

Mike Zambidis started training in martial arts before he was nine years old with his brother Spiros Zambidis and his best friend Lazaros Filipas. He has trained in Shotokan Karate, Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Sanda and Pankration.[6] He started competing professionally in 2000, scoring a string of victories over notable opponents. He was given the nickname Turkofagos (Turkeater) after his 11th win over Turkish fighters due to the fact that he never lost to a Turk. He has been technically knocked out twice himself early in his career due to cuts, but after 2002, his next technical knock-out defeat came in 2008 against Andy Souwer in an extra round.[7]

From 2000 till 2002, Zambidis defeated notable kickboxer Jenk Behic twice, Gürkan Özkan twice who outweighed Mike by over 50 lbs in two rare open-weight fights,[8] Kara Murat twice, Baris Nezif, Wanlop Sosathopan, Bakari Tounkara, Matteo Sciacca and Petr Polak. In 2002, he knocked out the strong and experienced[9][10] Dutch-Moroccan Hassan Kassrioui. On 26 November 2002 he won the K-1 Oceania MAX 2002 title after defeating John Wayne Parr in the final.[11]

In 2003, promoter Tarik Solak arranged Zambidis' debut fight in Japan against 2002 World K-1 Max Champion Albert Kraus, whom he knocked out in the 2nd round. In April 2005, Zambidis knocked out the popular Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto with a right hook, in front of thousands of the Japanese kickboxer's fans. Zambidis' weakness seems to be receiving low kicks, as was seen in his 2006 defeat by Japanese Yoshihiro Sato, who, despite getting hurt by Zambidis' punches, managed to land many kicks and knees which racked up enough points to "secure a unanimous decision."[12] Zambidis is a 4 time national champion in kickboxing as well as holding a large number of international titles. In addition to his many outstanding fights, the K-1 World MAX 2010 Final 16 match on October the 3rd, 2010 against Chahid Oulad El Hadj was notable as being one of the most exciting of his career. In addition, as stated by ring side commentators "Sugar" Ray Sefo and Michael Schiavello, this contest was one by which a standard was set for other K-1 fights. However, Zambidis did not make it to the final as he lost to Giorgio Petrosyan by unanimous decision. Zambidis knocked down Petrosyan in the fight, but it was controversially ruled a slip by the referee.

Zambidis fought a rubber match (both having won 1 match apiece) with Australian Muay Thai champion John Wayne Parr in May 2011. He lost by TKO (three knockdowns) in round 1.

He defeated Reece McAllister by unanimous decision in the quarter-finals of the K-1 World MAX 2012 World Championship Tournament Final in Athens, Greece on 15 December 2012. He then lost by the eventual champion Murthel Groenhart in the semis. The much larger Groenhart won the fight with knees and punches, forcing his corner to stop the fight at the end of round two.[13][14]

He was expected to compete in a four-man tournament in Russia on 25 May 2013, facing Dzhabar Askerov in the semi-finals.[15] However, he was replaced by Enriko Gogokhia.[16]

Zambidis beat Harun Kina by unanimous decision for the vacant SUPERKOMBAT Middleweight Championship at SUPERKOMBAT VIP Edition in Bucharest, Romania on 31 August 2013.[17][18]

He was scheduled to fight Elam Ngor at the K-1 World MAX 2013 World Championship Tournament Final 16 in Majorca, Spain on 14 September 2013.[19][20] However, he withdrew from the tournament and was replaced by Ismat Aghazade.[21]

He lost to Xu Yan by unanimous decision, suffering controversial knockdowns in rounds one and two as he received below blows in both occasions, at Hero Legends in Jinan, China on 3 January 2014.[22]

Zambidis and Batu Khasikov had a rematch fight and challenge the WKN Heavyweight Kickboxing World Championship at Fight Night: Battle of Moscow XV event in Moscow, Russia on 28 March 2014.[23] The Russian Batu Khasikov won the battle again for the second time.

He won his first defence of his SUPERKOMBAT middleweight title against Harun Kina on 17 January at Iron Challenge 2015 from Athens, Greece.[24]

In May 2015 he announced he would retire after his final fight in June against Steve Moxon, in his home country of Greece. This happened on 5 June 2015.

In October 2017, he participated in the reality game Nomads.

In March 2019, returned to active action after 3.5 years off abstention for a professional boxing match vs Venezuelan Antonio Gomez. Although Zambidis sustained an injury during the 1st round that forced him to fight with only one hand, he was victorious after a gruelling fight.

Titles

  • 2019 BREAKOUT. Champion
  • 2015 World W.K.U. Champion
  • 2015 W.I.P.U. "King of the Ring" Oriental Rules Super Welterweight World Champion −71 kg (6th title defence)
  • 2015 SUPERKOMBAT Middleweight Championship -71 kg/156.5lb (2nd title defence)
  • 2013 SUPERKOMBAT Middleweight Championship -71 kg/156.5lb (One time)
  • 2012 K-1 World MAX 3rd Place
  • 2012 W.I.P.U. "King of the Ring" Oriental Rules Super Welterweight World Champion -71 kg (5th title defence)
  • 2011 W5 World Grand Prix KO World Champion -71 kg[25]
  • 2011 W.I.P.U. "King of the Ring" Oriental Rules Super Welterweight World Champion -70 kg (4th title defence)[26]
  • 2010 K-1 World MAX 3rd Place
  • 2009 World PROFI World Champion (1st title defence)[27][28]
  • 2008 W.I.P.U. "King of the Ring" Oriental Rules Super Welterweight World Champion -70 kg (3rd title defence)[29]
  • 2008 A-1 Combat Cup Super Welterweight World Champion[30]
  • 2006 W.I.P.U. "King of the Ring" Oriental Rules Super Welterweight World Champion -70 kg (2nd title defence)[31]
  • 2005 World PROFI World Champion
  • 2005 W.K.B.F. Super Welterweight World Champion[32]
  • 2005 W.I.P.U. "King of the Ring" Oriental Rules Super Welterweight World Champion -70 kg (1st title defence)[32]
  • 2004 A-1 World Combat Cup Champion -76 kg[33]
  • 2003 W.I.P.U. "King of the Ring" Oriental Rules Super Welterweight World Champion -70 kg[34]
  • 2002 W.O.K.A Super Welterweight World Champion (4th title defence)
  • 2002 K-1 World Max Oceania Champion
  • 2002 W.I.P.U. "King of the Ring" Thai Boxing Tournament Champion[35]
  • 2001 W.O.K.A Super Welterweight World Champion (3 title defences that year)
  • 2000 W.O.K.A Super Welterweight World Champion
  • 1998 World PROFI Europe Champion
  • 1997 I.S.K.A. Balkan Champion
  • 1996/1998/1999/2000 Greek Boxing Champion

Kickboxing record

Kickboxing Record[36]
157 Wins (87 (T)KOs), 24 Losses
Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time
2015-06-27 Win Steve Moxon Iron Challenge Athens, Greece, Decision 5 3:00
2015-05-09 Win Erkan Varol Iron Challenge 2015 Limassol, Cyprus Decision 5 3:00
2015-01-17 Win Harun Kina Iron Challenge 2015 Athens, Greece KO (Right Kick/Left Hook) 5
Defended the SUPERKOMBAT Middleweight Championship
2014-03-28 Loss Batu Khasikov Fight Nights: Battle of Moscow 15 Moscow, Russia Decision (Split) 5 3:00
For WKN Super Welterweight Oriental Rules World Championship -72.6 kg.
2014-01-03 Loss Xu Yan Hero Legends Jinan, China Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
For the Hero Legends World Championship Title (-70 kg)
2013-08-31 Win Harun Kina SUPERKOMBAT VIP Edition Bucharest, Romania Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
Won the vacant SUPERKOMBAT Middleweight Championship
2012-12-15 Loss Murthel Groenhart K-1 World MAX 2012 World Championship Tournament Final, Semi Finals Athens, Greece TKO (Doctor Stoppage, Cut) 2 3:00
2012-12-15 Win Reece McAllister K-1 World MAX 2012 World Championship Tournament Final, Quarter Finals Athens, Greece Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
2012-05-27 Win Chahid Oulad El Hadj K-1 World MAX 2012 World Championship Tournament Final 16, First Round Madrid, Spain KO (Left Hook) 3 1:34
Qualifies for K-1 World MAX 2012 Final.
2012-04-29 Win Fadi Merza Iron Challenge Athens, Greece Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
2011-11-05 Loss Batu Khasikov W5 Moscow, Russia TKO (Doctor Stoppage) 1 1:51
Losses W5 World Title (-71 kg)
2011-10-01 Win Danila Utenkov Kings of the Ring Cyprus Decision (Unanimous) 3 -
2011-05-27 Loss John Wayne Parr Payback Time: "The Decider" Melbourne, Australia TKO (Referee Stoppage) 1
2011-04-09 Win Dzhabar Askerov W5 Grand Prix K.O, Final Moscow, Russia Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
Wins W5 World Grand Prix KO world title -71 kg
2011-04-09 Win Enriko Gogokhia W5 Grand Prix K.O, Semi Final Moscow, Russia Ext R. Decision (Unanimous) 4 3:00
2011-03-12 Win Ali Gunyar Iron Challenge Athens, Greece Decision (Unanimous) 5 3:00
Retains W.I.P.U. "King of the Ring" Oriental Rules Super Welterweight World title.
2010-11-08 Loss Giorgio Petrosyan K-1 World MAX 2010 Final Semi-final Tokyo, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
2010-11-08 Win Yuichiro Nagashima K-1 World MAX 2010 Final Quarter-final Tokyo, Japan TKO (Referee Stoppage) 3 0:53
2010-10-03 Win Chahid Oulad El Hadj K-1 World MAX 2010 Final 16 - Part 2 Seoul, South Korea Ext.R Decision (Unanimous) 4 3:00
Qualifies for K-1 World MAX 2010 Final.
2010-03-20 Win Warren Stevelmans Kickboxing Superstar XIX Milan, Italy Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
2009-11-20 Win Dzhabar Askerov War of the Worlds Brunswick, Australia Decision (Majority) 5 3:00
2009-10-26 Loss Hinata Watanabe K-1 World MAX 2009 World Championship Super Fight Yokohama, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
2009-05-07 Loss John Wayne Parr Payback Time Melbourne, Australia Decision (Unanimous) 5 3:00
2009-01-31 Win Rhassan Muhareb Athletic Club "Minoas" Heraklion, Crete, Greece Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
Retains World PROFI World title.
2008-07-07 Loss Albert Kraus K-1 World MAX 2008 World Championship Final 8 Super Fight Tokyo, Japan TKO (Doctor Stoppage) 3 3:00
2008-06-23 Win Sanel Muslic Iron Challenge Athens, Greece TKO (Referee Stoppage) 3 2:00
Retains W.I.P.U. "King of the Ring" Oriental Rules Super Welterweight World title.
2008-04-09 Loss Andy Souwer K-1 World MAX 2008 World Championship Final 16 Hiroshima, Japan Ext.R KO (Left High Kick) 4 2:05
Fails to qualify for K-1 World MAX 2008 World Championship although he will be invited to take part in a Super Fight.
2008-03-03 Win Daniel Dawson No Respect 4 Melbourne, Australia Decision (Split) 5 3:00
Wins A-1 World Combat Cup Super Welterweight World title.
2007-12-09 Win Bernardo Marban De La Horra Urban Fighters Athens, Greece KO (Right Hooks) 3 1:05
2007-10-03 Loss Artur Kyshenko K-1 World MAX 2007 World Championship Quarter Finals Tokyo, Japan Ext.R Decision (Unanimous) 4 3:00
2007-06-28 Win Gago Drago K-1 World MAX 2007 World Tournament Final Elimination Tokyo, Japan Ext.R Decision (Unanimous) 4 3:00
Qualifies for K-1 World MAX 2007 World Championship.
2007-04-04 Win Kozo Takeda K-1 World MAX 2007 World Elite Showcase Yokohama, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
2006-09-04 Win Tatsuji K-1 World MAX 2006 Champions Challenge Tokyo, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
2006-04-05 Loss Yoshihiro Sato K-1 World MAX 2006 World Tournament Open Tokyo, Japan Decision (Split) 3 3:00
Fails to qualify for K-1 World MAX 2006 Championship.
2006-03-12 Win Michal Hansgut Great Kickboxing Spectacle in Greece Thessaloniki, Greece Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
Retains W.I.P.U. "King of the Ring" Oriental Rules Super Welterweight World title.
2006-02-04 Loss Buakaw Por. Pramuk K-1 World MAX 2006 Japan Tournament Saitama, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
2005-11-07 Win Kara Murat No Respect 3 Melbourne, Australia Decision (Unanimous) 5 3:00
2005-10-12 Win Satoru Suzuki K-1 World MAX 2005 Champions' Challenge Tokyo, Japan KO 2 1:17
2005-07-20 Loss Masato K-1 World MAX 2005 Championship Quarter Finals Yokohama, Japan Decision (Robbery) 3 3:00
2005-06-05 Win Kara Murat Professional Title Gala Athens, Greece Decision (Unanimous) 5 3:00
2005-05-04 Win Norifumi Yamamoto K-1 World MAX 2005 World Tournament Open Tokyo, Japan KO (Right Hook) 3 0:39
Qualifies for K-1 World MAX 2005 Championship.
2005-03-12 Win Goran Borović Greece and Serbia Fight the World Sydney, Australia KO (Overhand Right) 5
Retains W.I.P.U. "King of the Ring" Oriental Rules Super Welterweight World title and wins W.K.B.F. Super Welterweight world title.
2005-02-20 Win Stanley Nandex Kicker vs Boxer Melbourne, Australia KO 1
2004-10-13 Win Kojiro K-1 World MAX 2004 Champions' Challenge Tokyo, Japan KO (3 Knockdowns, Punches) 1 2:21
2004-11-28 Win Gurkan Ozkan A-1 World Combat Cup 2004, Final Melbourne, Australia Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
Wins A-1 World Combat Cup 2004 title -76 kg.
2004-11-28 Win Hamid Boujaoub A-1 World Combat Cup 2004, Semi Finals Melbourne, Australia Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
2004-11-28 Win Pete Spratt A-1 World Combat Cup 2004, Quarter Finals Melbourne, Australia TKO (Ref Stop/3 Knockdowns) 2
2004-04-07 Loss Takayuki Kohiruimaki K-1 World MAX 2004 World Tournament Quarter Finals Tokyo, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
2004-04-07 Win Hayato K-1 World MAX 2004 World Tournament Open Tokyo, Japan Decision (Unanimous) 3 3:00
Qualifies for K-1 World MAX 2004 World Tournament.
2003-11-30 Win Gurkan Ozkan No Respect 2 Melbourne, Australia KO (Overhand Right) 12
2003-07-05 Loss Masato K-1 World MAX 2003 World Tournament Quarter Finals Saitama, Japan Decision (Split) 3 3:00
2003-05-17 Win Wanlop SitPholek Kickboxing Superstar XII Milan, Italy Decision 5 3:00
Wins W.I.P.U. "King of the Ring" Oriental Rules Super Welterweight World title.
2003-03-01 Win Albert Kraus K-1 World MAX 2003 Japan Grand Prix Tokyo, Japan KO (Right Hook) 2 0:16
2003-02-18 Win Niklas Winberg K-1 No Respect 2003 Melbourne, Australia KO 3 1:12
2002-11-26 Win Jenk Behic K-1 Oceania MAX 2002 Semi Finals Melbourne, Australia TKO (Referee Stoppage) 5 2:48
2002-12-08 Win Jenk Behic W.O.K.A. Super Welterweight World Title Fight Melbourne, Australia KO 6 1:46
Retains W.O.K.A. Super Welterweight World title.
2002-11-26 Win John Wayne Parr K-1 Oceania MAX 2002 Final Melbourne, Australia Decision 3 3:00
Wins K-1 Oceania MAX 2002 title.
2002-11-26 Win Billy Mamu K-1 Oceania MAX 2002 Quarter Finals Melbourne, Australia TKO (Corner Stoppage) 2
2002-11-03 Loss Youness El Mhassani Tulp Thaiboks gala Hoofddorp, Netherlands Decision (Unanimous) 5 3:00
2002-10-05 Loss Noel Soares Thaiboxing @ Topsportcentrum Rotterdam, Netherlands Decision (Unanimous) 5 3:00
2002-05-19 Win Hassan Kassrioui Kickboxing Mania Athens, Greece KO (Punches) 6
2002 Win Petr Polak "King Of The Ring" Italy Thai Boxing Tournament, Final Italy KO (Left Hook) 1
Wins W.I.P.U. "King Of The Ring" 2002 Italy Thai Boxing Tournament title.
2002 Win Matteo Sciacca "King Of The Ring" Italy Thai Boxing Tournament, Semi Finals Italy KO (Right Hook) 2
2002 Win Bakari Tounkara "King Of The Ring" Italy Thai Boxing Tournament, Quarter Finals Italy TKO (Referee Stoppage) 1
2002-03-02 Loss Alain Zankifo Le Grand Tournoi Paris, France TKO (Referee Stoppage, Cut) 3
2001-11-11 Loss Mike Cope K-1 Oceania MAX 2001 Quarter Finals Melbourne, Australia TKO (Corner Stoppage, Cut) 1
2001-09-08 Win Shannon Forrester W.O.K.A. Super Welterweight World Title Fight Gold Coast, Australia KO (Punches) 3
Retains W.O.K.A. Super Welterweight World title.
2001-09-01 Win Paul Shearing W.O.K.A. Super Welterweight World Title Fight Sydney, Australia KO 1
Retains W.O.K.A. Super Welterweight World title.
2001-04-03 Win Krongsak Lek W.O.K.A. Super Welterweight World Title Fight Melbourne, Australia TKO (Referee Stoppage, Punches) 8 1:46
Retains W.O.K.A. Super Welterweight World title.
2000-11-19 Win Baris Nezif K-1 Oceania Star Wars 2000 Melbourne, Australia KO (Punches) 12 1:46
Wins W.O.K.A. Super Welterweight World title.
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

See also

References

  1. ^ "Michalis "Iron Mike" Zambidis: I Am Ready to be a Father". 26 August 2021.
  2. ^ "Πριν 11 χρόνια ο Ζαμπίδης υπέταξε τον Murat". 8 November 2016.
  3. ^ "Ζαμπίδης στο WE: 'Παλαίμαχος εγώ; Μου σηκώνεται η τρίχα!'". 23 May 2015.
  4. ^ "::[ Βιογραφικό | Iron Mike Zambidis ]::".
  5. ^ "Mike's Profile". www.hellenicathletes.com. Archived from the original on 1 November 2007. Retrieved 5 December 2007.
  6. ^ "BLOODYKNUX.COM EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: 1 ON 1 WITH K1 MAX SUPERSTAR "IRON" MIKE ZAMBIDIS - BloodyKnux.com". Archived from the original on 28 August 2008. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  7. ^ "Mike Zambidis vs Andy Souwer (Fight Video)".
  8. ^ Greek Sportspeople: Mike Zambidis, Alexandros Margaritis, Christos Tzekos, Euryleonis, George Marshall, Polidoros Polios. General Books LLC. September 2010. ISBN 9781157471004.
  9. ^ "Ironlife.com". Archived from the original on 29 October 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  10. ^ ""Fighting Master"". Archived from the original on 20 March 2008. Retrieved 9 February 2008.
  11. ^ "Wayne Parr vs. Mike Zambidis, K-1 MAX | Kickboxing Bout".
  12. ^ Kid's Quick KO Headlines Hero's" Retrieved 22-Mar-2011
  13. ^ Dave Walsh. "LiverKick - LiverKick". Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  14. ^ Dave Walsh. "LiverKick - LiverKick". Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  15. ^ Dave Walsh. "LiverKick - LiverKick". Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  16. ^ Fight Sport Asia. "Mike Zambidis Out of LEGENDS 4 Man Tournament in Russia; Replaced by Enriko Gogohiya". Fight Sport Asia. Archived from the original on 24 October 2013. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  17. ^ Dave Walsh. "LiverKick - LiverKick". Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  18. ^ Dave Walsh. "LiverKick - LiverKick". Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  19. ^ Dave Walsh. "LiverKick - LiverKick". Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  20. ^ Dave Walsh. "LiverKick - LiverKick". Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  21. ^ Dave Walsh. "LiverKick - LiverKick". Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  22. ^ "Hero Legends 2014 Results and Recap ~ Muay Thai Authority". Archived from the original on 6 January 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  23. ^ "Leading show in Russia 'Fight Nights' sanctions with WKN". Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  24. ^ "Superkombat: Mike Zambidis to defend middleweight title against Harun Kina". mmaplus.co.uk. 12 January 2015.
  25. ^ "Iron Mike wins the W5 world title!!!". www.ironmikezambidis.com. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
  26. ^ "Mike Zambidis wins Iron Challenge and retains his title". www.ironmikezambidis.com. Retrieved 16 March 2011.
  27. ^ "Mike Zambidis vs Rhassan Muhareb". www.dailymotion.com. 6 February 2009. Retrieved 16 March 2011.
  28. ^ "Newsletter 23/1/09 - ironimkezambidis.com". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 16 March 2011.
  29. ^ "Iron Challenge - Lord of Rings (In Greek)". www.lordofrings.gr. Archived from the original on 21 July 2011. Retrieved 16 March 2011.
  30. ^ "Iron Mick Zambidis vs Danny the rock Dawson". www.sherdog.net. Archived from the original on 24 July 2011. Retrieved 16 March 2011.
  31. ^ "zambo - International Kickboxer Forum". www.kickboxermag.com.au. Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 16 March 2011.
  32. ^ a b "TARIK SOLAK PRESENTS - GREECE & SERBIA FIGHTS THE WORLD". www.kickboxing.com.au. Archived from the original on 14 March 2011. Retrieved 16 March 2011.
  33. ^ "A1 Tournament". Angelfire. Retrieved 16 March 2011.
  34. ^ "Ax Muay Thai / Kickboxing Forum - Zambidis Wins Over Wanlop". message.axkickboxing.com. Retrieved 16 March 2011.
  35. ^ "Carli (Info on Zambidis King of the Ring tourny win - in Italian)". www.megathai.it. Retrieved 16 March 2011.
  36. ^ "Iron Mike Zambidis (Fight record stats)". www.ironmikezambidis.com. Retrieved 6 November 2011.
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