About Sergei Kharitonov
Russian heavyweight mixed martial artist and former kickboxer Sergei Kharitonov has a net worth of $1.5 million dollars, as of 2021. Kharitonov has been a professional MMA competitor since 2000. He has previously fought in Japanese MMA organizations PRIDE Fighting Championships, DREAM, Bellator MMA, M-1 Global, Strikeforce, and GLORY.
There are some fighters you just don’t want to tangle with. Sergei Kharitonov is one of them. It’s not because he’s unbeatable. No, the former Fedor Emelianenko mystique is not with him. Rather, it’s because opponents know that every second they’re in the ring with him, their lights could be turned out at any point.
No, Kharitonov is not unbeatable. But he can beat just about anyone on a given night. Here is his story.
- Date of Birth: Sergei Kharitonov was born on August 18, 1980, in Plesetsk, Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union.
- Training Camp and Fighting Organization: Kharitonov trains with Golden Glory in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He fights for the Strikeforce organization.
Martial Arts and Athletic Background
Kharitonov’s mother was a volleyball coach, and father engaged in boxing, skating, football, and marathon running. Therefore, his interest in combat sports was no surprise. Still, he didn’t start in such activities until a fight with another boy resulted in a drunken passer breaking up the scuffle by picking him up and hitting him in the face, cutting his eyebrow. Soon after, at the age of 10 or 11, he began boxing seriously. At the age of 16, he started studying Combat Sambo. Additionally, during his studies at the Airborne Troop Academy he also competed in hand-to-hand combat (simplified Sambo), as well as MMA.
Boxing Achievements
Kharitonov’s amateur boxing career began in 2000. He attempted to make the Russian Olympic Boxing team but was injured in the semifinals. Still, he was able to participate in the 2003 Central Asian Games for Tajikistan, winning a silver medal. He was offered the chance to earn an Olympic bid that year for Tajikstan, but turned it down to fight in the PRIDE 2004 Heavyweight Grand Prix. Amongst other boxing accomplishments, Kharitonov also competed in the Russian Boxing Championship in the fall of 2004, placing second; he won a silver medal at the 2004 Asian Amateur Boxing Championships as well.
School and Airborne Troops
In Russia, high school is a little different than in the United States. Along with this, Kharitonov graduated high school with a specialization in music, due to his knowledge of the accordion. From there, he enrolled in the Airborne Troops Academy in Ryazan, Russia. After the academy, he enlisted in the Russian Airborne Troops.
MMA Startnings
Kharitonov made his professional MMA debut on August 11, 2000, defeating Zamir Syrgabayev by submission at Brilliant 2. He then went on to win two more fights that day to take home a tournament victory. In fact, Kharitonov went on to win the first nine fights of his career, including PRIDE victories over Murilo “Ninja” Rua and Semmy Schilt, before dropping his first MMA contest to Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira by decision.
Fighting Style
Kharitonov has solid takedown defense. Further, his overall ground fighting, including takedowns, ground control, and submissions, is better than advertised. However, he’s known for his striking.
Along with this, Kharitonov has excellent boxing skills and hits very hard. Just ask fighters like Alistair Overeem, Pedro Rizzo, and Andrei Arlovski, all competitors that he’s been able to stop with strikes.
Kickboxing
Kharitonov has also fought in several K-1 style kickboxing matches. In one of his greatest kickboxing moments, he defeated Mighty Mo at the United Glory World Series Final in Moscow by first round KO.
Some of Kharitonov’s Noteworthyest MMA Victories
- Kharitonov defeats Andrei Arlovski by KO at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva: Everyone knew that someone was going to get knocked out in this Strikeforce World Heavyweight Grand Prix first round contest. In the end, once Arlovski tasted a powerful flurry from Kharitonov, it was all over.
- Kharitonov defeats Alistair Overeem by KO at Hero’s 10: Back at PRIDE 31, Overeem felled Kharitonov with knees. At Hero’s 10, Kharitonov gained his revenge with a convincing KO victory over the esteemed MMA fighter and kickboxer.
- Kharitonov defeats Fabricio Werdum by split decision at PRIDE 30: Werdum was one of the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and submission fighters in the heavyweight division. By winning a closely contested fight over him, Kharitonov proved he could handle a great ground fighter as well.
- Kharitonov defeats Semmy Schilt by TKO at PRIDE: Critical Countdown 2004: Schilt is one of the greatest strikers in the game. He’s also enormous. By overtaking him, Kharitonov proved that he wasn’t just good- he belonged on the world MMA map.
- Kharitonov defeats Murilo “Ninja” Rua by KO at PRIDE: Total Elimination 2004: Rua was the biggest win of Kharitonov’s career to date. Defeating such a well-known fighter by a convincing KO forced people to take notice.
This Sergei Kharitonov Net Worth profile originated at WealthyGenius.com
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