They met at the Armfight #43, to test their skills against the top fighters in armwrestling. 4 fights took place at 12^th July, the first of them was Vazgen Soghoyan vs Chris Gobby.

- I think it was a great fight – comments Vazghen. – I trained hard for it, the opponent was strong and tough to match. It was a hard fight, although not the hardest ever. I had some uncomfortable positions in the first two rounds, but I kept control in general, I think. My opponent used his classic technique – side pressure and hook. I use the same technique, I love it and I expected it from him. I just overpowered him with it. This fight showed me my weak sides. Thanks to it, I can get in my best shape for the WC’s. Learning by experience.

Engin Terzi has a different opinion on this, he expected a much tougher fight.

- I expected a superfight – says Terzi. – And it would have been, if Gobby was quicker. Vazghen knew exactly how to fight Chris, he flashed him so fast that he put him in the losing position, where Chris couldn’t use joint pressure. Vazgen kept the fight from going over the top. His forearm and his speed won him this fight. Knowledge and experience speak for themselves. If this fight had a slower start, Chris might have won, but armwrestling is a sport where strategy, speed and technique matter equally.

According to Soghoyan, the score is the proof of his respect for his opponent.

- Before the fight I’m always a little nervous – he says.

– when coming out to the podium, everything inside me is quiet and calm. I was totally calm, I put a lot of work in the gym, and the results were clearly visible at the fight. The result, 5:1, was just because I had respect for my opponent, I wanted to beat him, but also leave him some honor. I hope someone does that for me one day.

And what does Vazgen think of his colleagues’ fights?

- I was a little surprised with Lupkes, I expected him to fight more strongly, but he did nothing against Pushkar – says Soghoyan. – As for Bresnan vs Prudnyk – I thought it would go 50 / 50 in first two rounds, and then Prudnyk will win. I thought Bresnan would get tired. I never expected what happened., Prudnyk could do nothing. Maybe it was his injury from the EC’s, and something happened with his wrist in first round.

In Soghoyan’s opinion, Armfight #43 was something that the world has never seen before.

- It was perfection in armwrestling promotion – says the fighter. – It might even be better than the UFC fights that took place in Vegas at the same time! And after some computer TV magic, it’s going to look great on CBS Sports. Igor’s phone must be ringing off the hook right now! I loved Vendetta and I hope to continue working with PAL.

Soghoyan vs Gobby went 5:1.

- The whole world was watching us. Some results were to be expected, some were a complete surprise. It was a great show, all in all – comments Soghoyan.

Armfight #43 took place on 12^th July, Sunday, 15 – 18 at the Vinyl Club in Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Iza Małkowska