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Araz Araradian (left) and Andreh Haftvani. See More

By MANOUK AKOPYAN Araz Araradian and Andreh Haftvani love them some mixed . They love it so much, that over the course of the last three years, they have built a unique brand in the combat sports arena with the website HyeFighters, and now Legio, a recently launched clothing line. The fruits of the two men’s labor is simple, yet greater when the average and mixed martial arts fan realizes what they have created: a brotherhood among Armenian fighters and fans. Araradian and Haftvani have quickly become the symbol for combat sports outside of the ring and cage within the Armenian community with HyeFighters, a website dedicated to promoting and highlighting the careers of Armenian combats men in the professional fields of boxing, MMA, muay thai and . Now, the two have partnered their previous brainchild into the launch of the T- shirt line Legio. Legio, meaning “legion” in Latin, is based off of “Legio Prima Armeniaca,” an Armenian regime in the Roman Legion from the second and third century AD. The shirt’s are modern and stylish, but remain true to Armenian roots. Araradian notes that the symbol Legio is using for the “O” is the newsletter signup symbol of the Legio Prima Armeniaca. E-MAIL “We wanted to keep the Armenian theme, but also wanted it to crossover to the mainstream non- Armenian market,” says Araradian. “We are using Armenian symbols and iconology on each of our shirt designs – but do not make mention of or the flag colors. The imagery is very Armenian and as soon as an Armenian sees it they will recognize it, and in the same token, if a non- Armenian sees it they too will like it as well because of its cool imagery.” Haftvani says: “There is a real thirst for an international Armenian brand and we’re excited to be growing into that role. I think worldwide appreciate the new take on some of the most iconic Armenian themes and heroes. We have truly been blessed with all the help we’ve received from not just all the fighters but from the friends, family, and strangers who have contributed to getting it off of the ground. It’s a real Armenian experience!” Countless fighters – among them Gegard Mousasi, Manvel Gamburyan, Karo Parisyan, Vanes Martirosyan, Karen Darabedyan, Georgi Karakhanyan, – have brought in their personal and professional relationships and joined together as one under the HyeFighters umbrella – training, coaching, and standing in each of their corners come fight time while wearing the HyeFighters and Legio brand on the trunks of their shorts. “It’s been an amazing experience so far. It started out as just something to do in connection with all the MMA I enjoy, but it has grown far beyond that,” notes Haftvani. “We didn’t anticipate how wide the appeal would be.” poll Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment. As religious fans of combat sports, Araradian and Haftvani routinely organize watch parties in the

converted by Web2PDFConvert.com greater area where mostly all of the Armenian MMA’ers and boxers join them in support of their fellow fighters amongst the company of ardent fans. Now, the two have taken the fight from the cage to the chests of their followers. Currently, Legio has T-shirts featuring the Armenian Coat Of Arms, David of Sasoon, and an Armenian cross. They are in the process of making Hayk Nahabed, Katch Vartan and “Hayr Mer” shirts as well. For more information, visit Legio or follow them on Facebook. To read the history behind the Legio Prima Armeniaca, click here. [email protected]

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Araz Araradian wrote: Thank you very much for the great article. Mon Mar 28 01:39:27 2011

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