Born on December 11, 1987, in Tehran, Iran, Amir Aliakbari emerged as a notable figure in the world of combat sports. Starting as a Greco-Roman wrestler, he showcased his skills and tenacity, later transitioning into a formidable mixed martial artist competing in the Heavyweight division of Rizin.
In his early wrestling career, from 2007 to 2008, Aliakbari represented the Ahvaz National Iranian Drilling Company Sports Club in the Iranian Premier Wrestling League. However, his dreams of participating in the 2012 Summer Olympics were shattered when he faced a doping suspension.
Undeterred, Aliakbari pushed forward and achieved a significant milestone in 2013 by securing a gold medal at the World Wrestling Championships in the 120 kg category, earning him the title of a two-time world champion. Nevertheless, his glory was short-lived as the International Wrestling Federation, FILA, imposed a lifetime ban on Aliakbari in December 2013 following a second doping offense. Consequently, he was stripped of his hard-earned gold medal.
Seeking a new path, in 2014, Aliakbari turned his attention to mixed martial arts, signing an agreement with the renowned MMA management company, Paradigm MMA Management, based in the United States. His venture into MMA marked a significant shift, as he became the first world-class Iranian wrestler to pursue a career in this thrilling combat sport.
Amir Aliakbari’s journey is one that encompasses both triumphs and setbacks, illustrating the complexities and challenges faced by athletes as they strive to leave their mark in the world of sports.
