Karo Parisyan Negotiating With Strikeforce

Karo Parisyan was once a top contender for the UFC welterweight championship but has since been besieged by injuries and rumors of an addiction to painkillers as well as a bout with depression. Now out of work after being released by the UFC in November, Parisyan is currently negotiating with Strikeforce, according to MMA Fighting.

Parisyan has not competed since defeating Dong Hyun Kim by split decision at UFC 94 in January of 2009. That fight was later changed to a no contest when Parisyan tested positive for three different pain medications, none of which he had a prescription for.

After serving a nine month suspension Parisyan was booked to face off against jiu-jitsu ace Dustin Hazelett at UFC 106 but once again “The Heat” left the UFC high and dry just days before the bout. UFC President Dana White severed ties with the Armenian fighter and stated he would never compete in the UFC again.

Strikeforce officials have yet to confirm or deny this report but if healthy Parisyan would be a nice addition to their welterweight division. Current champion Nick Diaz and Parisyan have a little bit of history together as they met back in 2004 with Parisyan walking away with a unanimous decision victory.