Josh Parisian

{{Infobox martial artist

| name = Josh Parisian

| image =

| image_size =

| other_names =

| birth_name =

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1989|06|28}}

| birth_place = Martinsburg, West Virginia, United States

| death_date =

| death_place =

| death_cause =

| residence =

| nationality =

| height = {{height|ft=6|in=4}}

| weight_lb = 266

| weight_class = Heavyweight

| reach = 79 in{{Cite web|title=Stats {{!}} UFC|url=http://www.ufcstats.com/fighter-details/b5da8f7d05e85a55|website=ufcstats.com|access-date=2021-10-04|archive-date=2021-10-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004062922/http://www.ufcstats.com/fighter-details/b5da8f7d05e85a55|url-status=live}}

| style =

| stance =

| fighting_out_of =

| team = Scorpion Fighting System

| years_active = 2014–present

| kickbox_win =

| kickbox_kowin =

| kickbox_loss =

| kickbox_koloss =

| kickbox_draw =

| kickbox_nc =

| mma_kowin = 11

| mma_subwin = 2

| mma_decwin = 2

| mma_koloss = 3

| mma_subloss = 2

| mma_decloss = 3

| mma_draw =

| mma_nc =

| sherdog = 181225

| footnotes =

| updated =

}}

Josh Parisian (born June 28, 1989) is an American mixed martial artist who previously competed in the heavyweight division of the UFC.

Background

Parisian grew up in Escanaba, Michigan after moving from Martinsburg, West Virginia before the second grade. Because of an abusive stepfather – who eventually got jail time for domestic violence – he and his mother stayed a lot in shelters. He graduated from Escanaba Senior High School before attending Bay College for two years.{{cite web|url=https://www.dailypress.net/sports/local-sports/2017/05/mixed-martial-arts-man/|title=Mixed martial arts man|date=May 4, 2017|author=Mike Mattson|work=Daily Press (Michigan)|access-date=September 13, 2021|archive-date=January 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104000320/https://www.dailypress.net/sports/local-sports/2017/05/mixed-martial-arts-man/|url-status=live}} In college, Parisian listened to his classmate's public speaking class speech on UFC and got interested in the sport. He tried it out and felt it improve his self-esteem and confidence, leading to dropping out of college in pursuit of a career in mixed martial arts.

Mixed martial arts career

=Dana White's Contender Series=

Racking up a record of 7–2 in the United States regional circuit before being invited to the Dana White's Contender Series. He faced Greg Rebello at Dana White's Contender Series 30 on June 26, 2018. Despite scoring a first-round knockout win, Parisian was not offered a UFC contract directly, but a spot in The Ultimate Fighter: Heavy Hitters.{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/tuf-heavy-hitters-blog-josh-parisian-introduction|title=TUF Heavy Hitters Blog: Josh Parisian Introduction|date=September 4, 2018|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship|author=Josh Parisian}}

=The Ultimate Fighter: Heavy Hitters=

In the fifth episode of the season, Parisian faced Michel Batista in a quarter-final bout. He lost the fight via second-round technical knockout and was eliminated from the tournament.{{Cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/09/the-ultimate-fighter-28-heavy-hitters-episode-5-recap-ufc-tuf|title='The Ultimate Fighter 28: Heavy Hitters' Episode 5 recap|date=2018-09-27|work=MMAjunkie|access-date=2018-10-25|language=en-US}}

=Return to Contender Series=

After The Ultimate Fighter, Parisian returned to the regional circuit where he lost the first bout then went on a five-bout winning streak and earned another shot in Dana White's Contender Series. He faced Chad Johnson at Season 4 Week 3 on August 18, 2020. He scored a first-round knockout victory once again and was awarded a UFC contract.{{Cite web|date=2020-08-19|title=Dana White's Contender Series 29 results: Both Cosce brothers, two other fighters earn UFC contracts|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/08/dana-white-contender-series-29-results|access-date=2020-08-19|website=MMA Junkie|language=en|archive-date=2020-09-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903085907/https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/08/dana-white-contender-series-29-results|url-status=live}}

=Ultimate Fighting Championship=

Parisian made his UFC debut against Parker Porter on November 28, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Smith vs. Clark. He lost the bout by unanimous decision.{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2020-11-28|title=UFC Vegas 15 Results: Parker Porter Defeats Josh Parisian in Exhausting Affair|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/11/29/ufc-vegas-15-results-josh-parisian-vs-parker-porter/|access-date=2020-11-28|website=cagesidepress|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-11-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129051151/https://cagesidepress.com/2020/11/29/ufc-vegas-15-results-josh-parisian-vs-parker-porter/|url-status=live}}

In his sophomore appearance in the promotion, Parisian faced Roque Martinez at UFC on ESPN: The Korean Zombie vs. Ige on June 19, 2021.{{Cite web|last=DNA|first=MMA|date=2021-03-03|title=BREAKING: Josh Parisian vs. Roque Martinez toegevoegd aan UFC evenement op 19 juni|url=https://mmadna.nl/breaking-josh-parisian-vs-roque-martinez-toegevoegd-aan-ufc-evenement-op-19-juni/|access-date=2021-03-04|website=MMA DNA|language=nl|archive-date=2021-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304043825/https://mmadna.nl/breaking-josh-parisian-vs-roque-martinez-toegevoegd-aan-ufc-evenement-op-19-juni/|url-status=live}} He won the bout via controversial split decision. 12 out of 14 media scores gave the victory to Martinez.{{Cite web|last=Behunin|first=Alex|date=2021-06-19|title=UFC Vegas 29 Results: Josh Parisian Gets First UFC Win, Defeats Roque Martinez Via Split Decision|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/06/19/ufc-vegas-29-results-josh-parisian-gets-first-ufc-win-defeats-roque-martinez-via-split-decision/|access-date=2021-06-20|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-06-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619214520/https://cagesidepress.com/2021/06/19/ufc-vegas-29-results-josh-parisian-gets-first-ufc-win-defeats-roque-martinez-via-split-decision/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Josh Parisian def. Roque Martinez :: UFC on ESPN 25 :: MMA Decisions|url=http://www.mmadecisions.com/decision/12006/Josh-Parisian-vs-Roque-Martinez|access-date=2021-06-20|website=www.mmadecisions.com|archive-date=2021-06-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619213820/http://mmadecisions.com/decision/12006/Josh-Parisian-vs-Roque-Martinez|url-status=dead}}

Parisian faced Don'Tale Mayes on December 18, 2021, at UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Daukaus.{{Cite web|last=DNA|first=MMA|date=2021-09-10|title=Josh Parisian treft Don'Tale Mayes op 18 december|url=https://mmadna.nl/josh-parisian-treft-dontale-mayes-op-18-december/|access-date=2021-09-11|website=MMA DNA|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-09-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210911034641/https://mmadna.nl/josh-parisian-treft-dontale-mayes-op-18-december/|url-status=live}} He lost the bout via TKO due to elbows from crucifix position in the third round.{{Cite web|last=Evanoff|first=Josh|date=2021-12-18|title=UFC Vegas 45: Don'Tale Mayes Dominates, TKO's Josh Parisian|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/12/18/ufc-vegas-45-dontale-mayes-dominates-tkos-josh-parisian/|access-date=2021-12-19|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-12-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218221055/https://cagesidepress.com/2021/12/18/ufc-vegas-45-dontale-mayes-dominates-tkos-josh-parisian/|url-status=live}}

Parisian faced Alan Baudot on June 25, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 38.{{Cite web |last=Behunin |first=Alex |date=2022-04-04 |title=Josh Parisian vs. Alan Baudot Set For June 25 UFC Event |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/04/04/josh-parisian-vs-alan-baudot-set-june-25-ufc-event/ |access-date=2022-04-05 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}} After being dropped in the first round, Parisian rebounded to win the fight via technical knockout in the second round.{{Cite web |last=Doherty |first=Dan |date=2022-06-26 |title=UFC Vegas 57: Josh Parisian Survives, Comes Back Against Alan Baudot |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/06/26/ufc-vegas-57-josh-parisian-alan-baudot/ |access-date=2022-06-27 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}} This win earned him his first Performance of the Night bonus award.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/platform/amp/2022/6/26/23182827/ufc-vegas-57-post-fight-bonus-winners-results-espn-mma-tsarukyan-gamrot-shavkat-rakhmonov-moises|title=UFC Vegas 57 bonuses: Shavkat Rakhmonov leads $50K winners with buzzer-beater submission|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Dan Hiergesell|date=2022-06-26|access-date=2022-06-26|archive-date=2023-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220082038/https://www.mmamania.com/platform/amp/2022/6/26/23182827/ufc-vegas-57-post-fight-bonus-winners-results-espn-mma-tsarukyan-gamrot-shavkat-rakhmonov-moises|url-status=live}}

Parisian was scheduled to face Chase Sherman on November 5, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 214.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2022-10-04 |title=Heavyweights Josh Parisian, Chase Sherman Collide at UFC's Nov. 5 Event |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/10/04/heavyweights-josh-parisian-chase-sherman-collide-ufcs-nov-5-event/ |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-10-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005004930/https://cagesidepress.com/2022/10/04/heavyweights-josh-parisian-chase-sherman-collide-ufcs-nov-5-event/ |url-status=live }} However, Parisian pulled out of the fight hours before it was to take place due to medical issues.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-05 |title=Josh Parisian out of UFC Fight Night 214 hours before bout against Chase Sherman |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/11/ufc-fight-night-214-news-josh-parisian-out-vs-chase-sherman-emergency-room-visit |access-date=2022-11-05 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-11-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105172553/https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/11/ufc-fight-night-214-news-josh-parisian-out-vs-chase-sherman-emergency-room-visit |url-status=live }}

Parisian faced Jamal Pogues on February 18, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 219.{{Cite web|date=2023-01-05|title=UFC: Jamal Pogues vs. Josh Parisian Heavyweight Bout Booked for Feb. 18|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/01/05/jamal-pogues-vs-josh-parisian-heavyweight-bout-booked-feb-18/|access-date=2023-01-05|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|archive-date=2023-01-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112223708/https://cagesidepress.com/2023/01/05/jamal-pogues-vs-josh-parisian-heavyweight-bout-booked-feb-18/|url-status=live}} He lost the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/02/18/ufc-vegas-69-josh-parisian-vs-jamal-pogues/|title=UFC Vegas 69: Jamal Pogues Captures Decision in Debut Win Over Josh Parisian|website=Cageside Press|author=Shawn Bitter|date=2023-02-18|access-date=2023-02-18|archive-date=2023-02-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219014728/https://cagesidepress.com/2023/02/18/ufc-vegas-69-josh-parisian-vs-jamal-pogues/|url-status=live}}

Parisian was scheduled to face Walt Harris on July 15, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 49.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=2023-04-25 |title=UFC: Walt Harris Set for Return, Booked Opposite Josh Parisian on July 15 |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/04/25/ufc-walt-harris-set-return-booked-opposite-josh-parisian-july-15/ |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-05-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502191700/https://cagesidepress.com/2023/04/25/ufc-walt-harris-set-return-booked-opposite-josh-parisian-july-15/ |url-status=live }} However, the bout was scrapped by USADA due to a potential anti-doping policy violation by Harris.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/platform/amp/2023/7/12/23792578/walt-harris-vs-josh-parisian-scrapped-from-ufc-vegas-77|title=Walt Harris vs. Josh Parisian scrapped from UFC Vegas 77|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Damon Martin|date=2023-07-12|access-date=2023-07-12|archive-date=2023-07-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712172646/https://www.mmafighting.com/platform/amp/2023/7/12/23792578/walt-harris-vs-josh-parisian-scrapped-from-ufc-vegas-77|url-status=live}}

Parisian faced Martin Buday on August 12, 2023, at UFC on ESPN: Luque vs. dos Anjos.{{Cite web |last=Events |first=UFC |date=2023-08-02 |title=UFC Fight Night: Luque vs Dos Anjos / UFC |url=https://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-fight-night-august-12-2023#10768 |access-date=2023-08-02 |website=UFC |language=en |archive-date=2023-08-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802165941/https://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-fight-night-august-12-2023#10768 |url-status=live }} He lost the fight via a kimura submission in round one.{{Cite web |last=Law |first=Eddie |date=2023-08-12 |title=UFC Vegas 78: Martin Buday Hurts Parisian Early, Grabs Kimura For Win Late In First Round |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/08/12/ufc-vegas-78-josh-parisian-vs-martin-buday/ |access-date=2023-08-13 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-08-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812215015/https://cagesidepress.com/2023/08/12/ufc-vegas-78-josh-parisian-vs-martin-buday/ |url-status=live }}

Parisian faced Robelis Despaigne on March 9, 2024, at UFC 299.{{Cite web |date=2024-01-09 |title=Robelis Despaigne to debut on stacked UFC 299 lineup in Miami |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/01/ufc-299-robelis-despaigne-debut-vs-josh-parisian-booked |access-date=2024-01-09 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-01-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109225812/https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/01/ufc-299-robelis-despaigne-debut-vs-josh-parisian-booked |url-status=live }} He lost the bout via knockout eighteen seconds into the first round.{{Cite web |last=Bitter |first=Shawn |date=2024-03-10 |title=Robelis Despaigne Makes Quick Work Of Parisian With 18 Second KO|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/03/09/robelis-despaigne-makes-quick-work-of-parisian-with-18-second-ko/ |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}

Parisian was released from the UFC on March 21, 2024.{{Cite web |last=Richardson |first=Andrew |date=2024-03-22 |title=Midnight Mania: The Second Roster Purge This Month! |url=https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/22/24108277/midnight-mania-five-fighters-released-second-roster-purge-this-month-ufc-espn-mma |access-date=2024-03-22 |website=MMAmania.com |language=en |archive-date=2024-03-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322042634/https://www.mmamania.com/2024/3/22/24108277/midnight-mania-five-fighters-released-second-roster-purge-this-month-ufc-espn-mma |url-status=live }}

Personal life

Parisian and his fiancée have a daughter, Eva (born 2020).{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/josh-parisian-gets-second-shot-contract-dwcs|title=Josh Parisian Gets Second Shot At Contract On DWCS|author=Walker Van Wey|date=August 12, 2020|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship|access-date=September 13, 2021|archive-date=September 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913162705/https://www.ufc.com/news/josh-parisian-gets-second-shot-contract-dwcs|url-status=live}}

Championships and accomplishments

=Mixed martial arts=

Carlos Llinas International Productions
CLIP Heavyweight Championship (One time)
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Performance of the Night (One time) {{small|vs. Alan Baudot}}

Mixed martial arts record

{{MMArecordbox

| draws=

| nc=

| ko-wins=11

| sub-wins=2

| dec-wins=2

| ko-losses=3

| sub-losses=2

| dec-losses=3

| dq-wins=

| dq-losses=

| other-wins=

| other-losses=

}}

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|15–8

|Robelis Despaigne

|TKO (punches)

|UFC 299

|{{dts|2024|March|9}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:18

|Miami, Florida, United States

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|15–7

|Martin Buday

|Submission (kimura)

|UFC on ESPN: Luque vs. dos Anjos

|{{dts|2023|August|12}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|4:11

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|15–6

|Jamal Pogues

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Andrade vs. Blanchfield

|{{dts|2023|February|18}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|15–5

|Alan Baudot

|TKO (punches)

|UFC on ESPN: Tsarukyan vs. Gamrot

|{{dts|2022|June|25}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|3:04

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|14–5

|Don'Tale Mayes

|TKO (elbows)

|UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Daukaus

|{{dts|2021|December|18}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|3:26

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|14–4

|Roque Martinez

|Decision (split)

|UFC on ESPN: The Korean Zombie vs. Ige

|{{dts|2021|June|19}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|13–4

|Parker Porter

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC on ESPN: Smith vs. Clark

|{{dts|2020|November|28}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|13–3

|Chad Johnson

|KO (punches)

|Dana White's Contender Series 30

|{{dts|2020|August|25}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|3:43

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|12–3

|Marcus Maulding

|TKO (punches)

|WXC 86: Warrior Wednesday 11

|{{dts|2020.01.29}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|3:57

|Southgate, Michigan, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|11–3

|Matunga Djikasa

|TKO (punches)

|ARES FC 1

|{{dts|2019.12.14}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|4:16

|Dakar, Senegal

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 10–3

| Charles Brown

| TKO (punches)

| CLIP: Motor City Cagefights 7

| {{dts|2019.10.18}}

| align=center|1

| align=center|1:55

| Detroit, Michigan, United States

|{{small|Won the CLIP Heavyweight Championship.}}

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 9–3

| Victor Jones

| TKO (submission to punches)

| Smuggler's: Rumble on the River

| {{dts|2019.08.31}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 2:16

| Wyandotte, Michigan, United States

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center|8–3

| Alejandro Santiago

|TKO (punches)

|NATO: Extreme Warriors 2

|{{dts|2019.04.18}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|4:41

|Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, United States

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center|7–3

| Brett Martin

| Submission (kimura)

|Lights Out Championship 2

|{{dts|2019.02.16}}

| align=center|1

| align=center|1:08

|Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

|{{small|For the LOC Heavyweight Championship.}}

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center|7–2

| Greg Rebello

| KO (spinning backfist)

|Dana White's Contender Series 11

|{{dts|2018|June|26}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:31

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center|6–2

| Zach Thumb

| TKO (punches)

|LFA 38

|{{dts|2018|April|27}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:39

|Minneapolis, United States

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 5–2

| Tony Lopez

|TKO (punches)

|KOTC: Supremacy

|{{dts|2017.04.29}}

|align=center| 2

|align=center| 3:27

|Wyandotte, Michigan, United States

|{{small|For the KOTC Heavyweight Championship.}}

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center|5–1

| Nathan Bryant

| Decision (majority)

| Caged Power 11

| {{dts|2017.02.24}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Morgantown, West Virginia, United States

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 4–1

| Josh Burns

|TKO (punches)

|TWC Pro Series: Anderson vs. Veerella

|{{dts|2016|November|12}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|1:50

|Lansing, Michigan, United States

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 3–1

| Anthony Coleman

| Submission (triangle choke)

| Dual Combat Sports 5

| {{dts|2016.06.25}}

| align=center|2

| align=center|1:18

| Detroit, Michigan, United States

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center|2–1

| Rasheed Oruche

|Submission (keylock)

|Total Warrior Combat 28

|{{dts|2015.11.21}}

| align=center|2

| align=center|2:03

|Lansing, Michigan, United States

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 1–1

| Ryan Pokryfky

| Decision (unanimous)

|Total Warrior Combat 27

|{{dts|2015.06.20}}

| align=center|3

| align=center|5:00

|Lansing, Michigan, United States

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center|1–0

| Destin Allen

| TKO (punches)

|Total Warrior Combat 26

|{{dts|2014.11.22}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|2:25

|Lansing, Michigan, United States

{{cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Josh-Parisian-181225|title=Josh Parisian|work=Sherdog|access-date=September 10, 2021|archive-date=October 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005172742/https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Josh-Parisian-181225|url-status=live}}