Andranik Ashugyan is a name associated with outstanding achievements in the world of mixed martial arts. Born in 1967 in the village of Varvarovka, Anapa District, Krasnodar Krai, he developed an early interest in sports and went on to achieve remarkable success at a professional level.
Career and Achievements
Andranik Ashugyan is a world champion in MMA, a World Cup winner in Pankration, and a two-time silver medalist at the Combat Sambo World Championships. He also excelled in beach soccer, becoming a silver medalist at the Southern and North Caucasus Federal District Championship and a quarter-finalist in the Russian Cup. In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Ashugyan is a licensed top-tier football coach and holds the title of Master of Sports of Russia.
However, his contribution to the development of martial arts extends beyond personal achievements. Andranik was one of the pioneers in organizing MMA tournaments in Russia. He held the first tournament in November 1991, laying the foundation for professional MMA in the country.
Founding the "Legion" Club
Ashugyan is the founder of the "Legion" fight club in Anapa and the co-founder of a club with the same name in Rostov-on-Don. Under his leadership, the club became the world champion in team MMA—an outstanding accomplishment. Only two clubs in Russia have ever claimed this title, and "Legion" is one of them.
Training Champions
Andranik Ashugyan has trained an entire generation of outstanding fighters. Among his students are Martin Malkhasyan, Amar Suloev, Ansar Chalangov, and Arman Gambaryan. Under his mentorship, Russian mixed martial artist Alexey Oleynik also achieved significant victories in the USA and Poland.
International Recognition
In 2004, Andranik Ashugyan secured second place at the Combat Sambo World Championship. In 2007, he won the world championship title in mixed martial arts under the WUFC organization in Portugal. That same year, his student Alexey Oleynik also became a champion at a tournament in Warsaw. Between 2009 and 2011, under Ashugyan’s guidance, Rustam Tashuev and Anzor Kardanov claimed world champion titles.