Armenian Sports News Podcast

Leon Shahbazyan is officially in the UFC. Ahead of his short-notice debut against Levan Chokheli at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas, Shahbazyan joins Armenian Sports News to talk about finally getting the call, staying calm during fight week, his familiarity with the Apex, and why he believes he is ready to make a statement in the welterweight division. Leon also opens up about the difficult road back after his Contender Series loss, how faith helped him rebuild his career, the role of his coaches and family, his visualization process before fight night, and what it means to represent...

Edmen Shahbazyan is looking to take another major step toward the top of the UFC middleweight division. Shahbazyan returns to action in Las Vegas for a pivotal matchup against Brendan Allen, with a potential top-five ranking on the line.

The Armenian-American contender discusses the pressure, the opportunity and what this fight means for his career.

He speaks with Jason Takhtadjian about the fight, life as a father and working with Capo Nutrition.

In this week’s episode of the Armenian Sports News Podcast, Andre Khatchaturian sits down one-on-one with Hype FC CEO Armand Martirosian. Martirosian discusses a potential matchup between Arman Tsarukyan and Dillon Danis, and reveals that Georgio Poullas walked away from a $2.6 million opportunity to face Tsarukyan. Plus, special guest Lev Sarkisyan makes an appearance.

Armenia’s rise in women’s football isn’t accidental — it’s being built.

In this exclusive ASN interview, Maral Artin opens up about her journey from Bayern Munich to representing Armenia on the international stage, and why wearing the red, blue and orange means everything to her.

Artin discusses:

• Leaving the German pathway to take the “difficult way” with the Armenian women's national team

• Armenia’s recent momentum

• The growth of the Women’s National Team under its current staff • Playing for the Armenian diaspora around the world

• Inspiring the next...

At long last, Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani makes his UFC debut. The fast-rising welterweight prospect sits down with Jason Takhtadjian to discuss fight week emotions as he prepares for his UFC debut in Houston against Philip Rowe. He also discusses the pressure of finally arriving on MMA’s biggest stage, and why he believes this moment was destined. Lebosnoyani reflects on his journey, the sacrifices made, and the mindset he’s bringing into the Octagon. “It’s what I was born to do.” Full interview with one of the UFC’s most intriguing rising prospects.

Arman Tsarukyan’s longtime boxing coach Roma Kalantaryan joins Armenian Sports News to break down potential blockbuster matchups against Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway.

Kalantaryan explains how Arman’s striking would match up against both champions, what makes Tsarukyan different from the rest of the lightweight division, and why his discipline sets him apart.

Roma also opens up about:

• His own boxing journey

• His close relationship with former world champion Vanes Martirosyan

• Arman’s work ethic behind the scenes

• Why Tsarukyan is built for UFC gold

Full exclus...

Ken Topalian and Joe Almasian made history in 1994, becoming the first athletes to represent Armenia at any Olympic Games. Born in the United States, their road to Lillehammer was anything but conventional.

With no prior experience in bobsleigh, Topalian and Almasian took up the sport, rapidly developed their skills, and competed internationally to earn qualification for the Winter Olympics.

Now, Topalian and Almasian relive their improbable journey in a candid conversation with Armenian Sports News' Andre Khatchaturian and reflect on what it meant to represent Armenia on the world’s biggest stage, not just for th...

California's top-ranked high school wrestler Slava Shahbazyan goes one-on-one with Armenian Sports News' Andre Khatchaturian and reveals his plans to target the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. He also talks about his upbringing, his Armenian heritage and his commitment to Stanford, where he will team up with Grigor Cholakyan.

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Three-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots Matt Light speaks with Andre Khatchaturian about how appalled he was after Bill Belichick was snubbed from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He also talked about his relationship with Berj Najarian and how his playing day pranks got him in trouble with the Armenian. Light also spoke about Mike Vrabel and this year's talented Patriots team that will play against the Seattle Seahawks at Super Bowl 60...

In this week's episode of the Armenian Sports News Podcast, Andre Khatchaturian goes one-on-one with UFC veteran Katlyn Cerminara Chookagian, who talks about her fertility journey and her upcoming UFC comeback. She also breaks down UFC 324's main event between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett and talks about her Armenian heritage.

In this week's episode of the ASN Podcast, Andre Khatchaturian speaks with nutritionist Dr. Matteo Capodaglio, who works with UFC stars Arman Tsarukyan, Khamzat Chimaev, Edmen Shahbazyan and more.

Dr. Capodaglio dives deep into Tsarukyan's training camps, detailing his incredible discipline and professionalism when it comes to diet and training. He also comments on Arman's viral food videos, Edmen Shahbazyan's growth over the last decade and gives the truth on Tsarukyan's UFC 311 controversy.

Dr. Capodaglio shares firsthand experience working inside UFC fight weeks, offering rare insight into how elite fighters manage diet, recovery, and pressure...

Armenian cross-country skier Mikayel Mikayelyan was recently fined during an international competition after covering the word “Azerbaijan” on his race uniform.

The incident has reignited concerns about sportswashing, particularly as Azerbaijan continues to expand its presence across global sporting federations — including winter sports where the country has little historical involvement.

In this episode of the ASN Podcast, Andre Khatchaturian and Jason Takhtadjian break down:

Why the skier chose to cover the name

How Azerbaijan became involved in international skiing

Whether this incident reflects a broader sportswashing strategy

📺 Listen, s...

Boxer Noel Mikaelian sits down with Andre Khatchaturian of Armenian Sports News ahead of his WBC cruiserweight title clash with Badou Jack. Mikaelian opens up about earning his rematch opportunity, the flaws he sees in modern boxing officiating, the support he receives from Armenian fans, and his reaction to the tragic passing of Vanes Martirosyan.

WBC cruiserweight champoin Badou Jack goes one-on-one with Armenian Sports News' Andre Khatchaturian as they talk about Jack's upcoming WBC cruiserweight title bout against Noel Mikaelian.

Armenia’s Pickleball Queen Isabelle Papazyan goes one-on-one with Andre Khatchaturian for an in-depth conversation about the growth of pickleball in Armenia, the country’s progress on the world stage, and her own journey in the sport. 🇦🇲🏓

In this interview, Isabelle discusses:

• Armenia’s performance at the Pickleball World Cup

• The rising community of players in Yerevan and beyond

• Her personal path in the sport and future goals Pickleball is still a developing sport in Armenia, but momentum is building — and athletes like Isabelle Papazyan are helping lead the charge.

Armenian Sports News sits down with Anto Balian, a talented Armenian athlete and graduate of Alex Pilibos School, who’s now beginning his NCAA journey at Pepperdine University.

In this interview, Anto talks about his Armenian heritage, growing up in the Pilibos community, and what it means to represent Armenians at the collegiate level. He also shares his goals, mindset, and aspirations as he embarks on his freshman year.

🎙️ Interview by Andre Khatchaturian — Armenian Sports News

📲 Follow Armenian Sports News for exclusive interviews, highlights, and stories featuring Armenian athletes worldwide.

In this exclusive interview, Andre Khatchaturian chats with Keith Krikorian about his next steps in BJJ, the pride he takes in his Armenian heritage, and his journey through the jiu-jitsu world. Filmed at the Boston seminar! 🇦🇲💪

Coverage powered by Your Favorite Attorney Nelson Gevorkyan Esq.

Armenian Sports News' Andre Khatchaturian goes one-on-one with LSU and Armenia goalkeeper Sophine Kevorkian, who talks about her success at the NCAA and international levels, her Armenian heritage and the growth of soccer in Armenia.

It’s the final day of June and the ASN Podcast is back! Andre Khatchaturian and Jason Takhtadjian break down the wild week in combat sports and Armenian athletics:

⏳ TOPICS THIS WEEK:

🏆 UFC 317 Recap – Ilia Topuria dominates Charles Oliveira and calls out Paddy Pimblett

😤 Arman Tsarukyan Snubbed Again – Is there a conspiracy? Dana White’s comments raise questions

🇦🇲 Keith Krikorian Shines at UFC BJJ 1 – A dominant win and a proud Armenian moment; hear about his uncle’s incredible Artsakh War connection

🎾 Wimbledon Check-In – Can Karen Khachanov and Elina Avanesyan overcome recent struggles?

In this exclusive interview, Armenian Sports News host Andre Khachaturian sits down with UFC BJJ lightweight standout Keith Krikorian, fresh off a highlight-reel face crank submission win at the inaugural UFC BJJ event in Las Vegas. Krikorian opens up about:

💥 Bouncing back from an upset on Road to the Title

🇦🇲 The powerful impact of his Armenian heritage — including his uncle’s service in the Artsakh War

🥋 How he transitioned from boxing to jiu-jitsu and found his calling

🎖️ His family's proud military legacy, from World War II to defending Armenia

🌍 The rise of professional...

Nikolai and Sebastian Terteryan, twin brothers from Denmark with Armenian roots, join Armenian Sports News to discuss signing with Golden Boy Promotions, their Olympic dreams, and their father’s boxing legacy. The rising stars talk loyalty, culture, and pride—plus what's next in their pro careers with debut fights set for July 12 in Fresno.

🎙️ On this week’s ASN Podcast, Andre Khatchaturian and Jason Takhtadjian discuss the following:

🇦🇲 Arman Tsarukyan named UFC 317 backup

⚽ Henrikh Mkhitaryan & Inter Milan set for Club World Cup

🏆 FC Noah learns UCL opponent

🥊 Gor Yeritsyan returns to the ring

🏀 Armenia Basketball national team recap

Andre Khatchaturian of Armenian Sports News goes one-on-one with UFC middleweight Edmen Shahbazyan, who previews his upcoming fight against Andre Petroski at UFC Atlanta. The interview is proudly powered by Your Favorite Attorney Nelson Gevorkyan Esq.

Armenian Sports News' Andre Khatchaturian speaks with MMA super-prospect David Mgoyan, who talks about his recent success in professional circuits and desire to sign a UFC contract soon. Mgoyan also talks about his Armenian-Yezidi heritage and his goal of beating Jon Jones' record of becoming the youngest UFC champion.

In this week's jampacked episode of the ASN Podcast, Andre Khatchaturian and Jason Takhtadjian analyze the breaking news of Albert Tadevosyan signing a UFC contract to fight Khaos Williams at UFC 316.

They also preview the UEFA Champions League final between Inter Milan and PSG and what Henrikh Mkhitaryan's future will be following the game.

Next, they examine David Mgoyan's chances of becoming the youngest UFC champion ever, talk about Elina Avanesyan's struggles at the French Open, Armenia Lacrosse's success at the Heritage Cup and much more.

In this week's episode of the ASN Podcast, Jason Takhtadjian and Andre Khatchaturian take a look at the biggest stories in the world of Armenian sports such as:

-- Karen Khachanov and Elina Avanesyan getting set for the French Open at Roland Garros

-- The Armenian men's and women's lacrosse teams prepare for the 2025 Heritage Cup

-- The Armenian gymnastics team featurning Artur Davtyan and Hamlet Manukyan get set for the European Gymnastics Championships

Andre Khatchaturian speaks with Armenia lacrosse head coach Morgan Radners and associate head coach Isabel Kubikian about the Armenian women's lacrosse team's upcoming international debut at the 2025 Heritage Cup in Boston.

In this week's episode of the ASN Podcast, Jason Takhtadjian and Andre Khatchaturian examine how Dana White's announcement of this summer's UFC 317 card -- which includes Ilia Topuria fighting Charles Oliveira for the UFC lightweight championship -- impacts Arman Tsarukyan's chances to get a title shot.

In this week's episode of the Armenian Sports News Podcast, Jason Takhtadjian and Andre Khatchaturian discuss whether Inter Milan's Henrikh Mkhitaryan was robbed of the game-winning goal late against FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League semifinals. They also discuss Armenia's success in the European Weightlifting Championship and the emergence of 17-year-old Hamlet Manukyan at the 2025 FIG World Cup.

Manouk Akopyan speaks with Andre Khatchaturian and breaks down Noel Mikaelian's WBC cruiserweight championship fight against Badou Jack.

Andre Khatchaturian of Armenian Sports News speaks with former Liberty University tennis star Marina Davtyan, who talks about her difficult journey from Armenia to professional tennis. Davtyan discusses the many injuries which held her back during her collegiate career and talks about how those hardships made her stronger. She also talks about how the Artsakh War impacted her family.

In this episode of the Armenian Sports News Podcast, Andre Khatchaturian and Jason Takhtadjian explore the likelihood of Paddy Pimblett taking on Arman Tsarukyan in the UFC. They also break down Artur Aleksanyan's disappointing performance at the 2025 European Wrestling Championships and Malkhas Amoyan's triumph. They also explore the Armenian national hockey team's return to the ice, the Armenian women's national football team's performance at the UEFA Nations League, and Hamlet Manukyan stealing the show at the FIG World Cup.

Armenia track and field star Allison Halverson goes one-on-one with ASN's Andre Khatchaturian as they talk about Allison's challenges from being left off Armenia's Olympic team to achieving greatness in the women's decathlon.

Jason Takhtadjian goes one-on-one with Armenian football midfielder Lara Kazandjian, who talks about making history for Armenian women's football and also playing professionally in France.

In this week's episode of the Armenian Sports News Podcast, Jason Takhtadjian and Andre Khatchaturian take a look at Armenia's success at the U23 European Wrestling Championships, where two Armenians defeated Azerbaijani opponents and the EuroLax Sixes, where Armenia finished in third place in their first tournament since being admitted to World Lacrosse.

They also examine Armen Petrosyan's future after yet another loss at UFC 313, and recap an incredible weekend in Burbank, where tennis star Elina Avanesyan held a clinic for kids at Glendale's Homenetmen Ararat chapter.

0:00 Introduction

2:32 Armen Petrosyan loses...

Andre Khatchaturian of Armenian Sports News goes one-on-one with Armenian women's national team defender Savannah Taylor, who talks about the newfound energy and vibe of the team, which is resulting into success in the UEFA Women's Nations League.

Andre Khatchaturian speaks with Mike and David Sargsyan, two pre-teen brothers who are dominating the sport of wrestling in Florida.

ASN's Andre Khatchaturian goes one-on-one with UFC featherweight fighter Melsik Baghdasaryan, who talks about his Armenian patriotism, upcoming fight against Jean Silva and his hilarious Toyo Tires commercial.

In this week's episode of the ASN Podcast, Andre Khatchaturian and Jason Takhtadjian examine Edmen Shahbazyan's latest UFC victory and discuss what is next for the middleweight fighter. (1:34)

They also preview Melsik Baghdasaryan's upcoming UFC bout and Gor Yeritsyan's boxing match this weekend. (7:00)

Finally, they take a deep dive and analyze the Armenian national football team's hire of John van 't Schip as the team's manager. (19:06)

Andre Khatchaturian goes one-on-one with Edmen Shahbazyan, who previews his upcoming fight against Dylan Budka, talks about the growth of Armenian MMA, his new baby boy and his desire to fight in Armenia one day.

Interview powered by your favorite attorney, Nelson Gevorkyan, Esquire.