2012 World MMA Welterweight Scouting Report: #8 - Mohsen Bahari

Photo by Patrick Jenkinson
Name:	Mohsen Bahari
Nickname:	--
Age:	27
Height:	5'10"
Location:	Oslo, Norway

So far, the 2012 World MMA Scouting Report has featured three fighters from the Nordic region: Sirwan Kakai, Anton Kuivainen, and J.P. Vainikainen. Predictably, none of those fighters hail from Norway. It doesn't come as a surprise considering 99% of the fanbase can only name Joachim ‘Hellboy' Hansen as the only contribution the country has had to the sport. Fittingly, Hansen may change that perception.

The former Pride fighter heads up his own fight team, based out of Oslo, Norway. Among his protégés is 27-year-old knockout artist Mohsen Bahari (4-0). Bahari remains undefeated with four wins in a short two-year career, knocking out Farshad Farsiani at Superior Challenge 7 in April and blasting Lee Barnes in only forty seconds at BAMMA 5 in February.

With three of his four wins coming by way of technical knockout, Bahari's power is one of his most appealing attributes. Lee Barnes found out the hard way as he pressed Bahari against the cage. After jockeying for position, Barnes let off the pedal for a split second, and Bahari used the slight separation to his advantage, unleashing a barrage of short hooks that inevitably ended the bout.

To add to the fear, Bahari also sports a versatile kicking game, mixing in leg, body, and head kicks into his arsenal. The only problem has been his opponents' propensity to shoot for takedowns due to the excessive output of his kicks. Surprisingly, Bahari is no slouch on the ground. He possesses a good top control game, decent ground and pound, and the knowledge to transition and threaten his opponents in the scramble.

Joachim Hansen should be proud of Bahari's development. When we first took a look at Bahari, the perception was that he was a striker taking advantage of the abundance of lower level punchers in the region. We weren't expecting a solid supplemental grappling game and great takedown defense, but those revelations have vaulted him onto this year's countdown. He should be able to wreak havoc on the Nordic regional scene before making a play for the larger promotions in Europe.

Check out video footage of Mohsen Bahari after the jump...

Mohsen Bahari vs. Farshad Farsiani
Superior Challenge 7 - April 30, 2011

Mohsen Bahari vs. Leeroy Barnes
BAMMA 5 - February 26, 2011

Mohsen Bahari vs. Daniel Cubitt
ECFF Impact - July 17, 2010

East Coast Fight Factory "IMPACT" - Bahari Vs. Cubitt from Stuart Chase on Vimeo.