Background
Karaev was born in Digora, North Ossetia and graduated from North Ossetian State University.
Karaev was born in Digora, North Ossetia and graduated from North Ossetian State University.
He made his debut in mixed martial arts on March 26, 2005 against veteran fighter Gary Goodridge at Hero"s 1. Goodridge was able to submit Karaev with a forearm choke in the first round. He returned to face Bob Sapp at Hero"s 2 on July 6, 2005 and again lost in the first round, this time via knock out.
This earned his a return to the K-1 Hero"s promotion and he took on legendary kickboxer Jérôme Le Banner at K-1 PREMIUM 2005 Dynamite!! on New Year"s Eve, 2005.
Le Banner defeated Karaev via kicks to the body. His final fight came on February 4, 2006 when he submitted Koji Kanechika with an americana keylock at a MARS event.