Josh Parisian

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In his sophomore appearance in the promotion, Parisian faced Roque Martinez at UFC on ESPN: The Korean Zombie vs. Ige on June 19, 2021. He won the bout via controversial split decision. 12 out of 14 media scores gave the victory to Martinez.

Parisian faced Don'Tale Mayes on December 18, 2021, at UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Daukaus. He lost the bout via TKO due to elbows from crucifix position in the third round.

Parisian faced Alan Baudot on June 25, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 38. After being dropped in the first round, Parisian rebounded to win the fight via technical knockout in the second round. This win earned him his first Performance of the Night bonus award.

Parisian was scheduled to face Chase Sherman on November 5, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 214. However, Parisian pulled out of the fight hours before it was to take place due to medical issues.

Parisian faced Jamal Pogues on February 18, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 219. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Parisian was scheduled to face Walt Harris on July 15, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 49. However, the bout was scrapped by USADA due to a potential anti-doping policy violation by Harris.

Parisian faced Martin Buday on August 12, 2023, at UFC on ESPN: Luque vs. dos Anjos. He lost the fight via a kimura submission in round one.

Parisian faced Robelis Despaigne on March 9, 2024, at UFC 299. He lost the bout via knockout eighteen seconds into the first round.

Parisian was released from the UFC on March 21, 2024.

Personal life
Parisian and his fiancée have a daughter, Eva (born 2020).

Mixed martial arts

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