He is also notable for being a pioneer of the crucifix-style position from side control, which is often referred to as "The Salaverry" during mixed martial arts broadcasts, particularly by UFC commentator Joe Rogan.
Over the next four years Salaverry acquired an 8-2 professional record, his most notable fight taking place in Japan for Shooto against Akihiro Gono, which he lost via KO in the first round.
[citation needed] On 28 April 2011, it was announced that Salaverry would come out of retirement to replace the injured Phil Baroni at BAMMA 6.
[1] On 21 July 2012, he fought Fraser Opie for the Cage Contender Light Heavyweight title[2] - coming in as a late replacement for former UFC fighter, Jeff Monson, who failed to make weight for the fight.
He opened his own gym, Ivan Salaverry MMA, October 2005, in Seattle, Washington, where he lives with his wife and two sons.