 His opponent was intended to be Akira Maeda, but the promoters were unable to sign him and instead matched Chivichyan against Bill Maeda, who was dubbed "Mr. Maeda".Chivichyan submitted Maeda via armbar in 50 seconds.He was named by "Black Belt Magazine" as “Judo Instructor of the Year” in 1998 and received the prestigious “Hall of Fame” spot.