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+12 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
Websitewww.ironmikezambidis.com
Last updated on: June 28, 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, Boxing, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Wrestling, sanshou 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.[7][8][9] 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.

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,[10] Kara Murat twice, Baris Nezif, Wanlop Sosathopan, Bakari Tounkara, Matteo Sciacca and Petr Polak. In 2002, he knocked out the strong and experienced[11][12] Dutch-Moroccan Hassan Kassrioui. On November 26, 2002 he won the K-1 Oceania MAX 2002 title after defeating John Wayne Parr in the final.

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."[13] 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 "The Voice" 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 December 15, 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.[14][15]

He was expected to compete in a four-man tournament in Russia on May 25, 2013, facing Dzhabar Askerov in the semi-finals.[16] However, he was replaced by Enriko Gogokhia.[17]

Zambidis beat Harun Kina by unanimous decision for the vacant SUPERKOMBAT Middleweight Championship at SUPERKOMBAT VIP Edition in Bucharest, Romania on August 31, 2013.[18][19]

He was scheduled to fight Elam Ngor at the K-1 World MAX 2013 World Championship Tournament Final 16 in Majorca, Spain on September 14, 2013.[20][21] However, he withdrew from the tournament and was replaced by Ismat Aghazade.[22]

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 January 3, 2014.[23]

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 March 28, 2014.[24] 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 January 17 at Iron Challenge 2015 from Athens, Greece.[25]

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[26]
  • 2011 W.I.P.U. "King of the Ring" Oriental Rules Super Welterweight World Champion -70 kg (4th title defence)[27]
  • 2010 K-1 World MAX 3rd Place
  • 2009 World PROFI World Champion (1st title defence)[28][29]
  • 2008 W.I.P.U. "King of the Ring" Oriental Rules Super Welterweight World Champion -70 kg (3rd title defence)[30]
  • 2008 A-1 Combat Cup Super Welterweight World Champion[31]
  • 2006 W.I.P.U. "King of the Ring" Oriental Rules Super Welterweight World Champion -70 kg (2nd title defence)[32]
  • 2005 World PROFI World Champion
  • 2005 W.K.B.F. Super Welterweight World Champion[33]
  • 2005 W.I.P.U. "King of the Ring" Oriental Rules Super Welterweight World Champion -70 kg (1st title defence)[33]
  • 2004 A-1 World Combat Cup Champion -76 kg[34]
  • 2003 W.I.P.U. "King of the Ring" Oriental Rules Super Welterweight World Champion -70 kg[35]
  • 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[36]
  • 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[37]
157 Wins (87 (T)KOs), 24 Losses
Date Result OpponentEventLocation MethodRoundTime
2015-06-27WinAustralia Steve MoxonIron ChallengeAthens, Greece,Decision53:00
2015-05-09WinTurkey Erkan VarolIron Challenge 2015Limassol, CyprusDecision53:00
2015-01-17WinTurkey Harun KinaIron Challenge 2015Athens, GreeceKO (Right Kick/Left Hook)5
Defended the SUPERKOMBAT Middleweight Championship
2014-03-28LossRussia Batu KhasikovFight Nights: Battle of Moscow 15Moscow, RussiaDecision (Split)53:00
For WKN Super Welterweight Oriental Rules World Championship -72.6 kg.
2014-01-03LossChina Xu YanHero LegendsJinan, ChinaDecision (Unanimous)33:00
For the Hero Legends World Championship Title (-70 kg)
2013-08-31WinTurkey Harun KinaSUPERKOMBAT VIP EditionBucharest, RomaniaDecision (Unanimous)33:00
Won the vacant SUPERKOMBAT Middleweight Championship
2012-12-15LossNetherlands Murthel GroenhartK-1 World MAX 2012 World Championship Tournament Final, Semi FinalsAthens, GreeceTKO (Doctor Stoppage, Cut)23:00
2012-12-15WinEngland Reece McAllisterK-1 World MAX 2012 World Championship Tournament Final, Quarter FinalsAthens, GreeceDecision (Unanimous)33:00
2012-05-27WinNetherlands Chahid Oulad El HadjK-1 World MAX 2012 World Championship Tournament Final 16, First RoundMadrid, SpainKO (Left Hook)31:34
Qualifies for K-1 World MAX 2012 Final.
2012-04-29WinSyria Fadi MerzaIron ChallengeAthens, GreeceDecision (Unanimous)33:00
2011-11-05LossRussia Batu KhasikovW5Moscow, RussiaTKO (Doctor Stoppage)11:51
Losses W5 World Title (-71 kg)
2011-10-01WinRussia Danila UtenkovKings of the RingCyprusDecision (Unanimous)3-
2011-05-27LossAustralia John Wayne ParrPayback Time: "The Decider"Melbourne, AustraliaTKO (Referee Stoppage)1
2011-04-09WinRussia Dzhabar AskerovW5 Grand Prix K.O, FinalMoscow, RussiaDecision (Unanimous)33:00
Wins W5 World Grand Prix KO world title -71 kg
2011-04-09WinUkraine Enriko GogokhiaW5 Grand Prix K.O, Semi FinalMoscow, RussiaExt R. Decision (Unanimous)43:00
2011-03-12WinTurkey Ali GunyarIron ChallengeAthens, GreeceDecision (Unanimous)53:00
Retains W.I.P.U. "King of the Ring" Oriental Rules Super Welterweight World title.
2010-11-08LossItaly Giorgio PetrosyanK-1 World MAX 2010 Final Semi-finalTokyo, JapanDecision (Unanimous)33:00
2010-11-08WinJapan Yuichiro NagashimaK-1 World MAX 2010 Final Quarter-finalTokyo, JapanTKO (Referee Stoppage)30:53
2010-10-03WinNetherlands Chahid Oulad El HadjK-1 World MAX 2010 Final 16 - Part 2Seoul, South KoreaExt.R Decision (Unanimous)43:00
Qualifies for K-1 World MAX 2010 Final.
2010-03-20WinSouth Africa Warren StevelmansKickboxing Superstar XIXMilan, ItalyDecision (Unanimous)33:00
2009-11-20WinRussia Dzhabar AskerovWar of the WorldsBrunswick, AustraliaDecision (Majority)53:00
2009-10-26LossJapan Hinata WatanabeK-1 World MAX 2009 World Championship Super FightYokohama, JapanDecision (Unanimous)33:00
2009-05-07LossAustralia John Wayne ParrPayback TimeMelbourne, AustraliaDecision (Unanimous)53:00
2009-01-31WinDenmark Rhassan MuharebAthletic Club "Minoas"Heraklion, Crete, GreeceDecision (Unanimous)33:00
Retains World PROFI World title.
2008-07-07LossNetherlands Albert KrausK-1 World MAX 2008 World Championship Final 8 Super FightTokyo, JapanTKO (Doctor Stoppage)33:00
2008-06-23WinCroatia Sanel MuslicIron ChallengeAthens, GreeceTKO (Referee Stoppage)32:00
Retains W.I.P.U. "King of the Ring" Oriental Rules Super Welterweight World title.
2008-04-09LossNetherlands Andy SouwerK-1 World MAX 2008 World Championship Final 16Hiroshima, JapanExt.R KO (Left High Kick)42:05
Fails to qualify for K-1 World MAX 2008 World Championship although he will be invited to take part in a Super Fight.
2008-03-03WinAustralia Daniel DawsonNo Respect 4Melbourne, AustraliaDecision (Split)53:00
Wins A-1 World Combat Cup Super Welterweight World title.
2007-12-09WinSpain Bernardo Marban De La HorraUrban FightersAthens, GreeceKO (Right Hooks)31:05
2007-10-03LossUkraine Artur KyshenkoK-1 World MAX 2007 World Championship Quarter FinalsTokyo, JapanExt.R Decision (Unanimous)43:00
2007-06-28WinArmenia Gago DragoK-1 World MAX 2007 World Tournament Final EliminationTokyo, JapanExt.R Decision (Unanimous)43:00
Qualifies for K-1 World MAX 2007 World Championship.
2007-04-04WinJapan Kozo TakedaK-1 World MAX 2007 World Elite ShowcaseYokohama, JapanDecision (Unanimous)33:00
2006-09-04WinJapan TatsujiK-1 World MAX 2006 Champions ChallengeTokyo, JapanDecision (Unanimous)33:00
2006-04-05LossJapan Yoshihiro SatoK-1 World MAX 2006 World Tournament OpenTokyo, JapanDecision (Split)33:00
Fails to qualify for K-1 World MAX 2006 Championship.
2006-03-12WinCzech Republic Michal HansgutGreat Kickboxing Spectacle in GreeceThessaloniki, GreeceDecision (Unanimous)33:00
Retains W.I.P.U. "King of the Ring" Oriental Rules Super Welterweight World title.
2006-02-04LossThailand Buakaw Por. PramukK-1 World MAX 2006 Japan TournamentSaitama, JapanDecision (Unanimous)33:00
2005-11-07WinTurkey Kara MuratNo Respect 3Melbourne, AustraliaDecision (Unanimous)53:00
2005-10-12WinJapan Satoru SuzukiK-1 World MAX 2005 Champions' ChallengeTokyo, JapanKO21:17
2005-07-20LossJapan MasatoK-1 World MAX 2005 Championship Quarter FinalsYokohama, JapanDecision (Unanimous)33:00
2005-06-05WinTurkey Kara MuratProfessional Title GalaAthens, GreeceDecision (Unanimous)53:00
2005-05-04WinJapan Norifumi YamamotoK-1 World MAX 2005 World Tournament OpenTokyo, JapanKO (Right Hook)30:39
Qualifies for K-1 World MAX 2005 Championship.
2005-03-12WinCroatia Goran BorovićGreece and Serbia Fight the WorldSydney, AustraliaKO (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.
2005-02-20WinPapua New Guinea Stanley NandexKicker vs BoxerMelbourne, AustraliaKO1
2004-10-13WinJapan KojiroK-1 World MAX 2004 Champions' ChallengeTokyo, JapanKO (3 Knockdowns, Punches)12:21
2004-11-28WinTurkey Gurkan OzkanA-1 World Combat Cup 2004, FinalMelbourne, AustraliaDecision (Unanimous)33:00
Wins A-1 World Combat Cup 2004 title -76 kg.
2004-11-28WinMorocco Hamid BoujaoubA-1 World Combat Cup 2004, Semi FinalsMelbourne, AustraliaDecision (Unanimous)33:00
2004-11-28WinUnited States Pete SprattA-1 World Combat Cup 2004, Quarter FinalsMelbourne, AustraliaTKO (Ref Stop/3 Knockdowns)2
2004-04-07LossJapan Takayuki KohiruimakiK-1 World MAX 2004 World Tournament Quarter FinalsTokyo, JapanDecision (Unanimous)33:00
2004-04-07WinJapan HayatoK-1 World MAX 2004 World Tournament OpenTokyo, JapanDecision (Unanimous)33:00
Qualifies for K-1 World MAX 2004 World Tournament.
2003-11-30WinTurkey Gurkan OzkanNo Respect 2Melbourne, AustraliaKO (Overhand Right)12
2003-07-05LossJapan MasatoK-1 World MAX 2003 World Tournament Quarter FinalsSaitama, JapanDecision (Split)33:00
2003-05-17WinThailand Wanlop SitPholekKickboxing Superstar XIIMilan, ItalyDecision53:00
Wins W.I.P.U. "King of the Ring" Oriental Rules Super Welterweight World title.
2003-03-01WinNetherlands Albert KrausK-1 World MAX 2003 Japan Grand PrixTokyo, JapanKO (Right Hook)20:16
2003-02-18WinFinland Niklas WinbergK-1 No Respect 2003Melbourne, AustraliaKO31:12
2002-11-26WinTurkey Jenk BehicK-1 Oceania MAX 2002 Semi FinalsMelbourne, AustraliaTKO (Referee Stoppage)52:48
2002-12-08WinTurkey Jenk BehicW.O.K.A. Super Welterweight World Title FightMelbourne, AustraliaKO61:46
Retains W.O.K.A. Super Welterweight World title.
2002-11-26WinAustralia John Wayne ParrK-1 Oceania MAX 2002 FinalMelbourne, AustraliaDecision33:00
Wins K-1 Oceania MAX 2002 title.
2002-11-26WinPapua New Guinea Billy MamuK-1 Oceania MAX 2002 Quarter FinalsMelbourne, AustraliaTKO (Corner Stoppage)2
2002-11-03LossMorocco Youness El MhassaniTulp Thaiboks galaHoofddorp, NetherlandsDecision (Unanimous)53:00
2002-10-05LossNetherlands Noel SoaresThaiboxing @ TopsportcentrumRotterdam, NetherlandsDecision (Unanimous)53:00
2002-05-19WinNetherlands Hassan KassriouiKickboxing ManiaAthens, GreeceKO (Punches)6
2002WinCzech Republic Petr Polak"King Of The Ring" Italy Thai Boxing Tournament, FinalItalyKO (Left Hook)1
Wins W.I.P.U. "King Of The Ring" 2002 Italy Thai Boxing Tournament title.
2002WinItaly Matteo Sciacca"King Of The Ring" Italy Thai Boxing Tournament, Semi FinalsItalyKO (Right Hook)2
2002WinFrance Bakari Tounkara"King Of The Ring" Italy Thai Boxing Tournament, Quarter FinalsItalyTKO (Referee Stoppage)1
2002-03-02LossFrance Alain ZankifoLe Grand TournoiParis, FranceTKO (Referee Stoppage, Cut)3
2001-11-11LossAustralia Mike CopeK-1 Oceania MAX 2001 Quarter FinalsMelbourne, AustraliaTKO (Corner Stoppage, Cut)1
2001-09-08WinAustralia Shannon ForresterW.O.K.A. Super Welterweight World Title FightGold Coast, AustraliaKO (Punches)3
Retains W.O.K.A. Super Welterweight World title.
2001-09-01WinAustralia Paul ShearingW.O.K.A. Super Welterweight World Title FightSydney, AustraliaKO1
Retains W.O.K.A. Super Welterweight World title.
2001-04-03WinThailand Krongsak LekW.O.K.A. Super Welterweight World Title FightMelbourne, AustraliaTKO (Referee Stoppage, Punches)81:46
Retains W.O.K.A. Super Welterweight World title.
2000-11-19WinTurkey Baris NezifK-1 Oceania Star Wars 2000Melbourne, AustraliaKO (Punches)121:46
Wins W.O.K.A. Super Welterweight World title.
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

See also

References

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  2. "Πριν 11 χρόνια ο Ζαμπίδης υπέταξε τον Murat".
  3. "Ζαμπίδης στο WE: 'Παλαίμαχος εγώ; Μου σηκώνεται η τρίχα!'".
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