Poche Pictures
e-mail: rich@pochepictures.com
Only $19.95 for the entire set
of Igor Vovchanchyn DVDs. All
fights COMPLETE.
All orders secured with Paypal.
of Igor Vovchanchyn DVDs. All
fights COMPLETE.
All orders secured with Paypal.
Igor VovchanchynCareer DVDs
$19.95
$19.95
Career Discs on one of the top mixed martial artists going today:
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. ADILSON LIMA
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. MIKHAIL
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. FRED FLOYD
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. PAUL VARELANS
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. ELIAS RODRIGUES
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. TULIO PALHARES
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. NICK NUTTER
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. GARY GOODRIDGE
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. AKIRA SHOJI
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. ALEXSANDER OTSUKA
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. CARLOS BARRETO
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. MARK KERR
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. GARY GOODRIDGE II
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. KAZUSHI SAKURABA
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. MARK COLEMAN
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. FRANCISCO
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. ENSON INOUE
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. DAIJIRO MATSUI
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. TAKADA
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. MARK KERR II
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. TRE TRELLIGMAN
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. GILBERT YVEL
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. MASAAKI SATAKE
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. MARIO SPERRY
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. VALENTIJIN OVEREEM
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. HEATH HERRING
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. RAMPAGE JACKSON
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. MIRKO CROCOP
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. DAN BOBISH
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. SHAMOJII FUJI
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. YOSHIKI TAKAHASHI
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. YUKI KONDO
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. SERGEI AEKININ
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. ADILSON LIMA
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. MIKHAIL
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. FRED FLOYD
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. PAUL VARELANS
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. ELIAS RODRIGUES
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. TULIO PALHARES
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. NICK NUTTER
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. GARY GOODRIDGE
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. AKIRA SHOJI
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. ALEXSANDER OTSUKA
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. CARLOS BARRETO
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. MARK KERR
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. GARY GOODRIDGE II
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. KAZUSHI SAKURABA
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. MARK COLEMAN
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. FRANCISCO
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. ENSON INOUE
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. DAIJIRO MATSUI
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. TAKADA
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. MARK KERR II
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. TRE TRELLIGMAN
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. GILBERT YVEL
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. MASAAKI SATAKE
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. MARIO SPERRY
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. VALENTIJIN OVEREEM
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. HEATH HERRING
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. RAMPAGE JACKSON
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. MIRKO CROCOP
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. DAN BOBISH
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. SHAMOJII FUJI
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. YOSHIKI TAKAHASHI
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. YUKI KONDO
IGOR VOVCHANCHYN VS. SERGEI AEKININ
Igor Yaroslavovich "Ice Cold" Vovchanchyn (Ukrainian: Ігор Ярославович Вовчанчин; born August 6, 1973) is a retired
Ukrainian mixed martial artist. He won six mixed martial arts tournaments, as well as acquiring a thirty-two fight unbeaten streak,
and reaching the final of the Pride Grand Prix 2000.
Contents
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Vovchanchyn transitioned from a successful kickboxing career to MMA in 1995, and competed primarily in tournament-style
events held across Ukraine, often fighting three or four times in one day. He became famed for being one of the few strictly stand-
up fighters to successfully overcome grappling-based opponents, exemplified in his victory in the Mr. Powerman Sekai tournament
in Minsk, Belarus on January 23, 1996. He repeated the success in the inaugural International Absolute Fighting Council event,
defeating Adilson Lima, a Gracie Jiu Jitsu black belt who trained with Ryan Gracie. Vovchanchyn won by knockout via soccer kick
56 seconds into the fight, however Lima's cornerman (Relson Gracie) argued to the tournament organisers, complaining that kicks
to a downed opponent were unfair and demanded an instant rematch. Unusually, an immediate rematch was granted, and the fight
began again, only to be stopped a second time after Lima's nose was broken by a punch, giving Vovchanchyn the win by TKO.
Vovchanchyn won six MMA tournaments during this stage of his career, and was considered arguably the best heavyweight in the
world for several years to come. From September 1995, Vovchanchyn did not lose a fight until the final match of the Pride Grand
Prix 2000 tournament, when he was beaten by an opponent who had not fought in the semi-finals after a forfeit.
Early Pride FC career
In his Pride debut, Vovchanchyn fought Canadian kickboxer and arm-wrestling champion Gary Goodridge. Vovchanchyn showed
an evident lack of experience in grappling and takedown defence and was twice taken down by Goodridge, who was not known
for his wrestling prowess. Vovchanchyn, however, obviously behind on points, dominated Goodridge during the stand-up
exchanges and knocked him out with two left hooks, 10:14 into the first round.
Vovchanchyn then fought Japanese ju-jitsu fighter Akira Shoji. The fight stayed in the standing position for most of the two ten-
minute rounds, and Vovchanchyn won the judges decision by badly damaging Shoji with strikes. He then fought Carlos Barreto, a
Carlson Gracie team member and Vale Tudo champion. Vovchanchyn shut down the takedown attempts of Barreto and won the
decision by out-striking him.
Unofficial #1 Heavyweight Superfight
Vovchanchyn was next matched up with American wrestler Mark Kerr for the unofficial title of #1 heavyweight in the world.
Nearly all outlets who covered mixed martial arts held either Vovchanchyn or the unbeaten two-time UFC champion and ADCC
champion Mark Kerr as the best heavyweight and pound for pound fighter in the world. Early in the fight, Kerr cut Vovchanchyn
with a knee strike to the right eye, and secured several takedowns, but was unable to pass Vovchanchyn's guard or do any more
significant damage. In the last round, Vovchanchyn pounced on the now-exhausted Kerr and dominated him with strikes, eventually
knocking him out with a series of knees. Vovchanchyn was declared the winner on the night, but the result was later overturned,
and the result declared a no contest. Knees to the head of a grounded opponent in the four points position had just been illegalised
prior to the event.
In his next fight, Vovchanchyn fought Brazilian Ju-Jitsu master Francisco Bueno. Igor knocked Bueno out with a vicious
combination, Bueno literally falling face first as he was being punched in the face. This knockout is still to this day considered one of
the most brutal knockouts in the history of MMA. After this string of victories, Vovchanchyn became a huge favorite going in to the
Pride Grand Prix 2000.
Pride Grand Prix 2000
Vovchanchyn had been considered the top fighter in the sport for some years, and as commentators Stephen Quadros and Bas
Rutten stated, he was likely favorite to win the tournament. In the opening round he defeated Japanese pro wrestler Alexander
Otsuka by decision and, in a rematch with Gary Goodridge, decisively won by knockout.
Vovchanchyn then faced Japanese hero and (then) number 1 pound for pound fighter in the world, Kazushi Sakuraba, who had
recently beaten UFC champion Royce Gracie in a 90 minute fight, the longest in recent competitive fighting history. Vovchanchyn
scored well in the first round and won the fight after Sakuraba refused to continue into round two.
Vovchanchyn then faced another powerhouse American wrestler in Mark Coleman. Coleman had the advantage, coming into the
final match, as he bypassed the semi finals after his opponent, Kazuyuki Fujita, retired through injured. Coleman kept the visibly
tired Igor on the ground, and during the second 20 minute round, finished the fight by mounting Vovchanchyn's back and repeatedly
kneeing him in the head, forcing Vovchanchyn to submit.
After three more victories against Pride's journeyman fighters, Vovchanchyn received a rematch with Mark Kerr. Vovchanchyn's
advantage in the stand up fighting was countered by Kerr's superior grappling and takedowns, and the fight was ruled a draw after
two rounds. After an extra, third round, Vovchanchyn was awarded the victory via unanimous decision.
Pride decline
Vovchanchyn continued to fight in Pride over the next year, with a mixed record. After submitting Valentijn Overeem with a heel
hook, Vovchanchyn lost to Heath Herring by decision and Quinton Jackson by submission due to injury.
After beating Dutch boxer Bob Schrijber by submission, Vovchanchyn was knocked out by Mirko "Cro-Cop" Filipovic via left
roundhouse kick. This fight is considered a 'passing of the torch', as Igor never competed at the top level at heavyweight any
longer, and it elevated the newer striking sensation Filipovic into an interim heavyweight championship fight with Antonio Rodrigo
Nogueira.
Drop to Middleweight (205lbs)
Breaking his losing streak, Vovchanchyn then strung together a series of wins over Dan Bobish, Katsuhisa Fuji and Yoshiki
Takahashi. In the following year, Vovchanchyn moved down a weight division and entered PRIDE's 2005 Middleweight Grand
Prix. Vovchanchyn was matched against Yuki Kondo in PRIDE Total Elimination 2005, a man with wins over the likes of Guy
Mezger, Frank Shamrock and four-time K1 World Grand Prix champion and King of Pancrase Semmy Schilt. Vovchanchyn
controlled the fight, winning a unanimous decision. He then fought Alistair Overeem in the quarter finals and lost via submission.
Vovchanchyn received a second chance to progress when offered a fight against Kazuhiro Nakamura in PRIDE Final Conflict
2005, with the winner earning the right to be an alternate in the finals of the tournament. After 15 minutes, Vovchanchyn lost a
unanimous judges' decision in what would be his last competitive MMA fight.
Vovchanchyn retired at age 32, citing multiple injuries, including a right hand that remained seriously affected as of 2008.[4]
Personal life
Vovchanchyn is married and has one daughter.[5]
In a 2008 interview, Vovchanchyn stated that he was retired from martial arts competition and has students and a restaurant
business. [6]
Championships and accomplishments
* PRIDE World Grand Prix 2000 runner-up
* Mr. Powerman SEKAI 1996(Mr. Strong Guy 1996) winner
* Ukrainian Octagon winner (1996)
* International Fighting Championship 1 winner (1996)
* AROC 3 winner (1997)
* Absolute Fighting Championship 3 winner (1997)
* World ValeTudo Championship 5 winner (1998)
Ukrainian mixed martial artist. He won six mixed martial arts tournaments, as well as acquiring a thirty-two fight unbeaten streak,
and reaching the final of the Pride Grand Prix 2000.
Contents
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Vovchanchyn transitioned from a successful kickboxing career to MMA in 1995, and competed primarily in tournament-style
events held across Ukraine, often fighting three or four times in one day. He became famed for being one of the few strictly stand-
up fighters to successfully overcome grappling-based opponents, exemplified in his victory in the Mr. Powerman Sekai tournament
in Minsk, Belarus on January 23, 1996. He repeated the success in the inaugural International Absolute Fighting Council event,
defeating Adilson Lima, a Gracie Jiu Jitsu black belt who trained with Ryan Gracie. Vovchanchyn won by knockout via soccer kick
56 seconds into the fight, however Lima's cornerman (Relson Gracie) argued to the tournament organisers, complaining that kicks
to a downed opponent were unfair and demanded an instant rematch. Unusually, an immediate rematch was granted, and the fight
began again, only to be stopped a second time after Lima's nose was broken by a punch, giving Vovchanchyn the win by TKO.
Vovchanchyn won six MMA tournaments during this stage of his career, and was considered arguably the best heavyweight in the
world for several years to come. From September 1995, Vovchanchyn did not lose a fight until the final match of the Pride Grand
Prix 2000 tournament, when he was beaten by an opponent who had not fought in the semi-finals after a forfeit.
Early Pride FC career
In his Pride debut, Vovchanchyn fought Canadian kickboxer and arm-wrestling champion Gary Goodridge. Vovchanchyn showed
an evident lack of experience in grappling and takedown defence and was twice taken down by Goodridge, who was not known
for his wrestling prowess. Vovchanchyn, however, obviously behind on points, dominated Goodridge during the stand-up
exchanges and knocked him out with two left hooks, 10:14 into the first round.
Vovchanchyn then fought Japanese ju-jitsu fighter Akira Shoji. The fight stayed in the standing position for most of the two ten-
minute rounds, and Vovchanchyn won the judges decision by badly damaging Shoji with strikes. He then fought Carlos Barreto, a
Carlson Gracie team member and Vale Tudo champion. Vovchanchyn shut down the takedown attempts of Barreto and won the
decision by out-striking him.
Unofficial #1 Heavyweight Superfight
Vovchanchyn was next matched up with American wrestler Mark Kerr for the unofficial title of #1 heavyweight in the world.
Nearly all outlets who covered mixed martial arts held either Vovchanchyn or the unbeaten two-time UFC champion and ADCC
champion Mark Kerr as the best heavyweight and pound for pound fighter in the world. Early in the fight, Kerr cut Vovchanchyn
with a knee strike to the right eye, and secured several takedowns, but was unable to pass Vovchanchyn's guard or do any more
significant damage. In the last round, Vovchanchyn pounced on the now-exhausted Kerr and dominated him with strikes, eventually
knocking him out with a series of knees. Vovchanchyn was declared the winner on the night, but the result was later overturned,
and the result declared a no contest. Knees to the head of a grounded opponent in the four points position had just been illegalised
prior to the event.
In his next fight, Vovchanchyn fought Brazilian Ju-Jitsu master Francisco Bueno. Igor knocked Bueno out with a vicious
combination, Bueno literally falling face first as he was being punched in the face. This knockout is still to this day considered one of
the most brutal knockouts in the history of MMA. After this string of victories, Vovchanchyn became a huge favorite going in to the
Pride Grand Prix 2000.
Pride Grand Prix 2000
Vovchanchyn had been considered the top fighter in the sport for some years, and as commentators Stephen Quadros and Bas
Rutten stated, he was likely favorite to win the tournament. In the opening round he defeated Japanese pro wrestler Alexander
Otsuka by decision and, in a rematch with Gary Goodridge, decisively won by knockout.
Vovchanchyn then faced Japanese hero and (then) number 1 pound for pound fighter in the world, Kazushi Sakuraba, who had
recently beaten UFC champion Royce Gracie in a 90 minute fight, the longest in recent competitive fighting history. Vovchanchyn
scored well in the first round and won the fight after Sakuraba refused to continue into round two.
Vovchanchyn then faced another powerhouse American wrestler in Mark Coleman. Coleman had the advantage, coming into the
final match, as he bypassed the semi finals after his opponent, Kazuyuki Fujita, retired through injured. Coleman kept the visibly
tired Igor on the ground, and during the second 20 minute round, finished the fight by mounting Vovchanchyn's back and repeatedly
kneeing him in the head, forcing Vovchanchyn to submit.
After three more victories against Pride's journeyman fighters, Vovchanchyn received a rematch with Mark Kerr. Vovchanchyn's
advantage in the stand up fighting was countered by Kerr's superior grappling and takedowns, and the fight was ruled a draw after
two rounds. After an extra, third round, Vovchanchyn was awarded the victory via unanimous decision.
Pride decline
Vovchanchyn continued to fight in Pride over the next year, with a mixed record. After submitting Valentijn Overeem with a heel
hook, Vovchanchyn lost to Heath Herring by decision and Quinton Jackson by submission due to injury.
After beating Dutch boxer Bob Schrijber by submission, Vovchanchyn was knocked out by Mirko "Cro-Cop" Filipovic via left
roundhouse kick. This fight is considered a 'passing of the torch', as Igor never competed at the top level at heavyweight any
longer, and it elevated the newer striking sensation Filipovic into an interim heavyweight championship fight with Antonio Rodrigo
Nogueira.
Drop to Middleweight (205lbs)
Breaking his losing streak, Vovchanchyn then strung together a series of wins over Dan Bobish, Katsuhisa Fuji and Yoshiki
Takahashi. In the following year, Vovchanchyn moved down a weight division and entered PRIDE's 2005 Middleweight Grand
Prix. Vovchanchyn was matched against Yuki Kondo in PRIDE Total Elimination 2005, a man with wins over the likes of Guy
Mezger, Frank Shamrock and four-time K1 World Grand Prix champion and King of Pancrase Semmy Schilt. Vovchanchyn
controlled the fight, winning a unanimous decision. He then fought Alistair Overeem in the quarter finals and lost via submission.
Vovchanchyn received a second chance to progress when offered a fight against Kazuhiro Nakamura in PRIDE Final Conflict
2005, with the winner earning the right to be an alternate in the finals of the tournament. After 15 minutes, Vovchanchyn lost a
unanimous judges' decision in what would be his last competitive MMA fight.
Vovchanchyn retired at age 32, citing multiple injuries, including a right hand that remained seriously affected as of 2008.[4]
Personal life
Vovchanchyn is married and has one daughter.[5]
In a 2008 interview, Vovchanchyn stated that he was retired from martial arts competition and has students and a restaurant
business. [6]
Championships and accomplishments
* PRIDE World Grand Prix 2000 runner-up
* Mr. Powerman SEKAI 1996(Mr. Strong Guy 1996) winner
* Ukrainian Octagon winner (1996)
* International Fighting Championship 1 winner (1996)
* AROC 3 winner (1997)
* Absolute Fighting Championship 3 winner (1997)
* World ValeTudo Championship 5 winner (1998)