Armenian Sports News Podcast

by Andre Khatchaturian

Season 2

Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani on UFC Oklahoma City Win, Armenian Roots & Arman Tsarukyan

UFC welterweight Jean-Paul “Mufasa” Lebosnoyani joins Andre Khatchaturian on the ASN Podcast following his unanimous-decision victory over Seokhyeon Ko at UFC Oklahoma City—his second consecutive UFC win. Lebosnoyani discusses his performance, the eye injury he sustained during the fight and his goal of returning to the Octagon for another fight in 2026. He also responds to criticism surrounding his decision victories and explains why predictions that he would lose never affected his confidence. The rising UFC prospect opens up about his Armenian heritage, the influence of his father, his family’s connection to Royce Gracie and the story behind the Lebosnoyani surname. He also shares his thoughts on Arman Tsarukyan’s pursuit of a UFC title shot and remembers competing against Armenian-American jiu-jitsu star Keith Krikorian earlier in their careers.

S2 · E19

Jul 22, 2026

19:08

Chris Hacopian: Highly-Touted ARMENIAN Baseball Prospect Projected For First Round Of MLB Draft

Texas A&M infielder Chris Hacopian joins the ASN Podcast ahead of the 2026 MLB Draft. Projected as one of the top Armenian baseball prospects in years, Hacopian opens up about his road to draft day, his time at Maryland and Texas A&M, battling through injuries, playing in front of the Aggie faithful, and what it means to follow in the footsteps of his father, who was drafted by Cleveland in the 1990s. Chris also discusses his Armenian identity, the support he has received from the Armenian community, his relationship with his brother Eddie, his faith, and the possibility of one day helping build an Armenian national baseball team. Follow Armenian Sports News for more interviews, features, and coverage of Armenian athletes around the world. #ChrisHacopian #ArmenianSportsNews #MLBDraft #TexasAMBaseball #ArmenianAthletes #Baseball

S2 · E18

Jul 9, 2026

19:35

Leon Shahbazyan Ready To “Shake Up” UFC Welterweight Division In Debut | ASN Interview

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 the Armenian community on the UFC stage. Fight week coverage is powered by Your Favorite Attorney, Nelson Gevorkyan, Esq.

S2 · E17

Jun 18, 2026

16:33

Edmen Shahbazyan Seeking Top 5 UFC Ranking As He Prepares For Battle With Brendan Allen In Las Vegas

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.

S2 · E16

Jun 3, 2026

8:46

Hype FC CEO Armand Martirosian Talks Arman Vs. Danis, Claims Georgio Poullas Declined $2.6M Offer

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.

S2 · E15

Mar 17, 2026

15:57

From Bayern Munich To Armenia… To The Women’s World Cup?? | The MARAL ARTIN Interview

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 generation of young Armenian girls • Armenia’s World Cup qualifying push and what comes next From pride to patience to ambition, this is a conversation about identity, responsibility, and building something bigger than yourself. Can Armenia make a serious push toward the Women’s World Cup? The journey continues.

S2 · E14

Mar 2, 2026

14:49

UFC's HOTTEST Prospect Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani Set For Long-Awaited Debut:'It's What I Was Born To Do'

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.

S2 · E13

Feb 19, 2026

12:45

Arman Tsarukuyan's Boxing Coach Previews Potential UFC Fights Vs. Ilia Topuria And Max Holloway

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 exclusive interview with one of the key architects behind “The Armenian Batman.”

S2 · E12

Feb 17, 2026

27:25

Armenian Cool Runnings: Armenia’s First Olympians Relive Improbable Bobsled Journey To 1994 Olympics

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 themselves, but for their families as well.

S2 · E11

Feb 9, 2026

57:17

California's TOP HS WRESTLER Slava Shahbazyan Targeting LA28 Olympics, PUMPED To Compete At Stanford

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.

S2 · E10

Feb 2, 2026

15:47

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