Peter Graham

Peter Graham (born 5 August 1975) is an Australian karateka, kickboxer, boxer and mixed martial artist. Background Originally from North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Graham began training in Kyokushin Karate at the age of 18. Graham quickly demonstrated his talents, winning his first tournament in an under yellow belt division about half a year later. In 1999 at the age of 23, Graham won the Amateur Australian and New Zealand Open Weight Championships and soon also became the South Pacific Champion. Graham then moved to Ikebukuro in Tokyo, Japan to further hone his skills and live in a dojo. However, Graham only completed three months of this rigorous training before having to return to Australia after his brother Matthew died of a heroin overdose. Graham would earn his black belt in only five years. Kickboxing career Graham began kickboxing and boxing at the age of 21 and before turning professional he captured the World Kickboxing Federation World Amateur Heavyweight Championship from New Zealand's Shane Wijohn, finishing his amateur career undefeated (17–0). Graham turned professional in 2000 and attained instant success, defeating Ben Hamilton in K-1 Oceania Revenge by TKO and then Clay Aumitagi. On 19 November 2000 he became the first Australian to go ten rounds with the legendary Stan "The Man" Longinidis.