Iranian Heavyweight Prospect Masoud Ranjbar Set for a Splash at FMD 8

With most UFC heavyweights tipping the scales at 240 pounds or more, the global talent pool is relatively small. Most men simply aren’t born with a frame that can support enough muscle to compete with fighters as big as Fabricio Werdum, Cain Velazquez, or Stipe Miocic.

An Iranian heavyweight in Phuket believes he has the size and skills to eventually compete with some of the giants of the sport and he’s going to be back in action this weekend. Masoud Ranjbar will be looking for the second win of his professional career at Full Metal Dojo 8 and will also be hoping to make a statement about his potential and prospects.

HOT TOPIC > Frank Mir vs. Mark Hunt Headlines UFC Fight Night 84

The 26-year-old tipped the scales at 251 pounds ahead of his first fight and has been training at Mike Swick’s AKA Thailand camp. He has a background in wrestling and boxing and has been training in MMA for just over 12 months.

“I started training MMA about one year ago now. I train in Phuket, but I have to come and go every four months because of my visa restrictions.”

He made his pro debut at FMD 4 last year, winning a hard-fought decision over Yoann Gouiada. Ranjbar was took the experienced Frenchman down repeatedly and also showcased some slick head movement and quick hands, which is no surprise when you consider his prior experience.

“In boxing, I have a pro record of 15-1 and was Iranian heavyweight champion. I also have extensive training in wrestling.”

Ranjbar is set to face 0-3-0-1 Polish fighter Andrzej Kulik in Phuket on Sunday night. He might not be facing UFC caliber opposition just yet, but he has been sparring and training with some of the top dogs in the division.

“I’ve trained with both Mark Hunt or Soa Palelei. To be honest, I’ve seen many guys not able to handle Soa or Mark in training, but I’m able to stay in with them even though Mark hits very hard and has rattled me pretty good. There have been other heavyweight fighters from other countries that come through here and we spar together.”

The Iranian went the distance in his pro debut, and despite controlling the majority of the action he seemed to run out of steam in the final round. It was an important learning curve and an experience he believes he will benefit from.

“I enjoyed it. I didn’t know what to expect, but I was not nervous. I’m more focused now, much more than my first fight. I will be in great shape.”

Going 15 minutes inside the cage was certainly an eye opener for Ranjbar and he says it was tougher than anything he had experience in his combat career before.

“MMA is harder than boxing or wrestling overall. It’s more rough.”

Ranjbar’s MMA career is very much in its infancy, but he is a heavyweight prospect with plenty of potential. Becoming an elite fighter is a long process, but the 26- year-old already looks to be on the right track.