Ivan E. Salaverry (born January 11, 1971) is a Canadian mixed martial arts fighter and instructor. He is a member of Tito Ortiz's Team Punishment, and is known for his well-rounded skills. Salaverry is a middleweight veteran of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, BAMMA and the now-defunct World Fighting Alliance. He is also notable for being a pioneer of the crucifix-style position from side control, which is often referred to as "The Salaverry" during mixed martial arts broadcasts, particularly by UFC commentator Joe Rogan. He also holds notable wins over Andrei Semenov and Joe Riggs.

Mixed martial arts career

Salaverry began his MMA career in August 1999. Over the next four years Salaverry acquired an 8-2 professional record, his most notable fight taking place in Japan for Shooto against Akihiro Gono, which he lost via KO in the first round. In 2002 Salaverry made his UFC debut defeating Russian fighter Andrei Semenov. Salaverry would continue to fight for the UFC, but struggled to find consistency. He lost by decision to Matt Lindland, submitted Tony Fryklund, choked out Joe Riggs, lost a decision to Nathan Marquardt, lost via TKO to Terry Martin and lost via armbar submission to Rousimar Palhares. After the Palhares fight, Ivan Salaverry announced his retirement. On 28 April 2011, it was announced that Salaverry would come out of retirement to replace the injured Phil Baroni at BAMMA 6. Here he fought Matt Ewin losing a disappointing decision. On 21 July 2012, he fought Fraser Opie for the Cage Contender Light Heavyweight title - coming in as a late replacement for former UFC fighter, Jeff Monson, who failed to make weight for the fight. He lost this fight in the second round due to an illegal headkick.

Personal life

He opened his own gym, Ivan Salaverry MMA, October 2005, in Seattle, Washington, where he lives with his wife and two sons. On December 11, 2015 Salaverry was promoted to black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu by 5th degree black belt Marcelo Alonso in Seattle. On May 24, 2016 he was promoted to brown belt in Judo by 2nd Degree black belt Taylan Yuasa at his own gym in Seattle.

Mixed martial arts record

Kickboxing record

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