Category Archives: mixed martial arts

M-1, M-1 Challenge, mixed martial arts, MMA, Russia

M-1 CHALLENGE 92 RESULTS & PICTURES 

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Sergei Kharitonov vs. Anton Vyazigin declared
“No Contest”
Aleksander Doskalchuk crowned undisputed

M-1 Challenge flyweight champion

 

Aleksander Doskalchuk is now the undisputed M-1 Challenge flyweight champion

 

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (May 25, 2018) – Last night’s SuperFight between Russian heavyweight star Sergei Kharitonov and his main event challenger, Anton Vyazigin, was declared a “no contest” and Aleksander Doskalchuk established himself as the undisputed M-1 Challenge flyweight champion last night at M-1 Challenge 92 at M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

 

 

 

Kharitonov (27-6-0) originally was declared the winner by way of a second-round technical decision over his Russian opponent, Vyazigin (9-2-0), due to an illegal eye poke that prevented Kharitonov from continuing to fight.

 

 

 

The result was later changed to a “no contest” after the commission, assembled by M-1 Global president Vadim Finkelchtein, reviewed the fight video  and made the decision to change the result. A rematch will be scheduled for one of the next events, likely M-1 Challenge 95: Battle in the Mountains, which will happen in July in Ingushetia, Russia.

 

 

 

“A ‘no contest’ was the only possible decision in this situation,” Finkelchtein explained the change. “It was an accident and yesterday the judges made the decision according to the rules, giving the victory to Kharitonov, based on the scorecards. But this fight was an exception.”

 

 

 

“Changing the result to ‘no contest’ is the best choice,” Kharitonov agreed. “This was not the victory I wanted. I was sure the fight would be ruled as no contest, so I was surprised when the referee raised my hand. Anton did not want to poke me, so I think the decision now is fair. In the hospital I was told I’ve got an eye contusion and corneal abrasion. I hope to recover fast and get a rematch.”

 

 

 

Sergei Kharitonov (R) didn’t agree with the original decision declaring him the winner.

 

 

 

“I think ‘no contest’ is a fair result,” Vyazigin added. “I was sure that after that poke, Sergei would take a break, and then we will go on. But the fight was stopped and he was declared the winner. Talking about corneal abrasion, I have no idea how it could happen. I always cut my nails before fights and the referee checks that, so that is weird. Of course, I want a rematch, our story has not ended.”

 

 

 

Doskalchuk (9-1-0), fighting out of Ukraine, entered The Rage as the M-1 Challenge flyweight champion to take on M-1 Challenge Interim flyweight titlist Arman Ashimov (8-3-1), of Kazakhstan. Ashimov was unable to continue after two rounds due to a hand injury.

 

Brazilian welterweight Tiago “Bahia” Varejao (27-5-1) turned in an impressive M-1 debut, taking a majority decision from former M-1 Challenge title challenger Sergey Romanov (14-3-0).

 

 

 

Giga Kukhalashvili (9-4-0) was disqualified in the third round for “rope grabbing” against undefeated Russian light heavyweight Khadis Ibragrimov (4-0-0).

 

 

 

Russian lightweight Pavel Gordeev (11-1-0) took a split decision victory from Mickael “Ragnar” Lebout (17-9-2), of France.

 

 

 

On the preliminary card, Russian heavyweight Maksim Baruzdin (1-0-0) won his pro debut, stopping Cuban giant Freddi Gonzales (0-2-0) in the opening round via punches, Russian lightweight prospect Alexey “Phenomenal” Ilyenko (8-0-0) lived up to his nickname, remaining undefeated by unleashing a barrage of kicks and punches for a third-round knockout of Helson Henriques (9-6-1), of Angola.

 

 

 

Kyrgyzstan featherweight Azibek Satibaldiev (7-4-0) was disqualified in the second round for kicking a grounded fighter, German challenger Saba Bolaghi (9-1-1), Russian featherweight Mikhail Kuznetson (6-4-1) used a guillotine choke to submit fellow countryman Nikita Solonin (4-2-0) in round two, and Ukrainian bantamweight Ludwig Sholinyan (2-0-1) andAlexander Osetrov (4-0-1) fought to a three-round majority draw.

 

 

 

Georgian welterweight Amiran Gogoladze (6-1-0) won a three-round split decision over Russian Taymuraz Guriev, while Ruslan Shamilov (5-0-0) kept his undefeated intact with a three-round split decision versus Denis Tiuliulin (3-4-0) in a battle between Russian middleweights.

 

 

 

Fighters represented 10 different countries: Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Brazil, Georgia, France, Angola, Germany, Cuba and Kyrgyzstan.

 

 

 

Complete results & photo gallery below:

 

 

 

 

MAIN CARD

 

 

MAIN EVENT – HEAVYWEIGHTS

 

Sergei Kharitonov (27-6-0, M-1: 5-0-0), Russia

“No Contest”

Anton Vyazigin (9-2-0, M-1: 4-1-0), Russia

 

 

 

CO-FEATURE – M-1 CHALLENGE FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Aleksander Doskalchuk (9-1-0, M-1: 3-0-0), Champion, Ukraine

WTKO2 (5:00)

Arman Ashimov (8-3-1, M-1: 3-1-0), Interim Champion, Kazakhstan

(Doskalchuk becomes undisputed M-1 Challenge flyweight title)

 

 

 

WELTERWEIGHTS

Tiago “Bahia” Varejao (27-5-1, M-1: 1-0-0-), Brazil

WDEC3

Sergey Romanov (14-3-0, M-1: 5-2-0), Russia

 

 

 

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

Khadis Ibragimov (4-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Russia

WDQ3 (rope grabbing – 3:27)

Giga Kukhalashvili (9-4-0, M-1: 2-1-0), Russia by way of Georgia

 

 

 

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Pavel Gordeev (11-1-0, M-1: 5-0-0), Russia

WDEC3

Mickael “Ragnar” Lebout (17-9-2, 1 NC, M-1: 1-1-0), France

 

 

 

PRELIMINARY CARD

 

 

 

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Maksim Baruzdin (1-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia

WTKO1 (punches – 0:18)

Freddi Gonzales (0-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Cuba

 

 

 

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Ruslan Shamilov (5-0-0, M-1: 5-0-0), Russia

WDEC3

Denis Tiuliulin (3-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0)

 

 

 

WELTERWEIGHTS

Danila Prikaza (10-2-1, M-1: 7-2-0), Russia

WDEC3

Joilton “Peregrino” Santos (24-7-0, 1 NC, M-1: 0-1-0), Brazil

 

 

 

Amiran Gogoladze (6-1-0, M-1: 3-0-0), Georgia

WDEC3

Taymuraz Guriev (7-4-0, M-1: 2-2-0), Russia

 

 

 

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Alexey “Phenomenal” Ilyenko (8-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia

WKO3 (kicks & punches – 0:27)

Helson Henriques (9-6-1, M-1: 0-1-0), Angola

 

 

 

FEATHERWEIGHTS

Mikhail Kuznetsov (6-4-1, M-1: 4-3-1), Russia

WSUB2 (guillotine choke – 4:20)

Nikita Solonin (4-2-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Russia

 

 

 

BANTAMWEIGHTS

Ludwig Sholinyan (2-0-1, M-1: 0-0-1), Ukraine

D3

Alexander Osetrov (4-0-1), M-1: 3-0-1), Russia

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

 BANTAMWEIGHT BOUT ADDED TO ALREADY-STACKED PORTLAND FIGHT CARD

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Portland, Maine (May 24, 2018) – Last week New England Fights (NEF) released the official card for its upcoming return to Aura in Portland, Maine.  The mixed-martial-arts event, entitled “NEF 34: Home of the Brave,” is scheduled to take place on Saturday night, June 16, 2018 with a bell-time of 7:00 pm EDT.  NEF matchmakers, however, were still hard at work on adding fights to the card, and earlier today they announced the addition of an amateur bantamweight bout to the event.  Henry Clark (3-4) will face Dave Brown (1-3) at a fight weight of 135-pounds.

 

 

 

The lead-up to “NEF 34” has been somewhat of a wild ride for Henry Clark.  He was originally scheduled to face Florida’s Krishna Scott (0-1) on the card.  Just prior to the announcement of the full fight card, Scott’s camp informed NEF that he was pulling out of the fight.  Clark remained in training camp at the Choi Institute in Portland in the hope that NEF matchmakers would find him a replacement opponent.  When Dave Brown stepped up to the plate, Clark was quick to accept the opportunity to fight in front of his hometown fans and friends once more.

 

 

 

“I’m so grateful that Dave Brown stepped up,” said Clark. “It takes a lot of guts to take a short notice fight. I would have fought anyone on a week’s notice if it meant fighting in Portland. It’s great motivation for me to finish up my camp knowing who I’m fighting. I’m coming to showcase and steal the show.”

 

 

 

A native of North Andover, Massachusetts, Dave Brown is a three-fight veteran of the NEF cage.  Prior to his time competing in MMA, Brown wrestled for Plymouth State University in Plymouth, New Hampshire.  He will return to NEF after a three-year absence following his loss to Norman Fox in the spring of 2015.  Brown, “‘Downtown’ Dave Brown” as he is known to his fans and friends, is looking forward to his return to action.

 

 

 

“I’ve seen Henry Clark in action and I have a lot of respect for his abilities,” said Brown when reached for comment.  “But come June 16, I’m gonna take him down… all the way downtown!”

 

 

 

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 34: Home of the Brave,” will take place at Aura in Portland, Maine on Saturday, June 16, 2018.  Tickets are on-sale now online at www.AuraMaine.com.

 

 

 

About New England Fights

 

 

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

M-1, M-1 Challenge, mixed martial arts, MMA, Russia

Sergei Kharitonov speaks out before Today’s SuperFight with Anton Vyazigin Headlining M-1 Challenge 92

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May 24 at M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia

Sergey Kharitonov

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (May 24, 2018) – MMA living legend Sergey Kharitonov (27-6-0, M-1: 5-0-0) outs his perfect M-1 record on the line today against fellow Russian heavyweight, “Cherepovets Giant” Anton Vyazigin (9-2-1, M-1: 4-1-0), in today’s (May 24) M-1 Challenge 92 main event SuperFight, at M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

 

 

 

M-1 Challenge 92 will be live-streamed from Russia in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets. M-1 Challenge 92 will also be available on www.FITE.TV(preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card)

 

 

 

The 37-year-old Kharitonov has defeated a Who’s Who of some of top heavyweight MMA fighters, including Alister Overeem, Andrei Arlovski, Fabricio Werdum and Pedro Rizzo.

 

 

 

Kharitonov had a few last words before the action officially begins:

 

 

 

Sergey, you have had 33 professional MMA during your career and now you are 37 years old. What is your motivation in MMA? Why do you keep fighting?

 

 

 

SK: “Fighting has become an essential part of my life. I literally can’t live without it. I love new challenges, and this is why I compete at different events and now, for example, I have a new challenge: two fights in one week. Tomorrow I have an MMA fight at M-1 Challenge 92 and in a week, I’ve got a kickboxing bout scheduled.

 

 

 

“This is life and we have to take risks, because no risk, no reward. So, I am ready for this. MMA is my passion, but I love kickboxing, too, and now I am interested in competing in both sports.”

 

 

 

It is said that for heavyweights the age of 35 is the prime, because this is the time when heavyweights are usually quite experienced, but still in shape. What do you think about it?

 

 

 

SK: “It all depends. One fighter can reach his prime at 25, another one at 35, but, in my opinion, it depends on his conscious. Take a look at some boxers like George Foreman, who fought until he was 48. Even in lighter divisions there are many examples of successful old fighters like Bernard Hopkins and even Floyd Mayweather Jr., who is not that young today. If you keep training hard, you can fight for a long time.”

 

 

 

Only twice in your career you won by decision. How does it happen that you finish almost all your opponents?

 

 

 

SK: “I always look at my opponent; if he gives me an opportunity to finish him, I do it. I don’t care how I win fights and I have no goal to finish my opponents. The only thing that really matters is the victory.”

 

 

 

Anton Vyazigin has power in his hands. Do you have a plan for the upcoming fight or do you need one?

 

 

 

SK: “My fighting style depends on the situation, but I think tomorrow we are going to have a stand-up fight. At this stage of my career, I do not really change my training camp for new opponents. I have pretty much experience, so I can just enter The Rage and do what I have to do. Nevertheless, I usually watch my opponents’ fights. I watched two fights of Vyazigin and can say that he is a great young athlete with heavy punches. I am very excited because it makes me happy that young guys like him are ready to replace us. Who knows how much time we have left, a year, two, three, maybe even five? These guys have long careers ahead and they have to keep growing and showing their best!”

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

 

 

 

www.M1Global.tv

www.mixfight.ru

www.wmmaa.org

 

 

 

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews

@Vadim_finkelchtein

@M1Global

 

 

 

Facebook:

 

 

 

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews

 

 

 

Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:

May 24 – M-1 Challenge 92: Kharitonov vs. Vyazigin in Saint Petersburg, Russia

June 1 – M-1 Challenge 93: Shelemnko vs. Siva in Chelyabinsk, Russia

LFA, mixed martial arts, MMA

LFA GETS THE FIREWORKS STARTED EARLY IN ARIZONA WITH LFA 44 – FRINCU vs. AGUILERA

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LFA 44 – FRINCU vs. AGUILERA
MAIN EVENT:
 
THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER
MATTHEW FRINCU
vs.
THE BEAST
CHRISTIAN AGUILERA
 
WELTERWEIGHT WAR
 
 
CO-MAIN EVENT:
 
TOP PROSPECT
CASEY KENNEY
vs.
UFC VETERAN
ROMAN SALAZAR
 
BANTAMWEIGHT BATTLE
 
FRIDAY, JUNE 29th LIVE on AXS TV
COMERICA THEATRE in PHOENIX, ARIZONA
Tickets are on sale NOW through  Ticketmaster.com

LAS VEGAS, NV – LFA CEO Ed Soares announced today that the promotion will return to Arizona at the end of June. Two of the promotion’s most feared knockout artists are set for a showdown in the Valley of the Sun when they clash at LFA 44.

 

 

 

The main event of LFA 44 will bring the fireworks five days early this summer. The headliner will see Australia’s aesthetic annihilator Matthew “Thunder From Down Under” Frincu battle southern California’s grim sleeper Christian “The Beast” Aguilera in one of the most explosive showdowns of the year. LFA 44 – Frincu vs. Aguilera takes place Friday, June 29that the Comerica Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona. The main card will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.

 

 

 

“I am excited to bring LFA back to Arizona on June 29th,” stated Soares. “Matthew Frincu is a sensational striker. He will face fellow knock out artist Christian Aguilera in the main event of LFA 44. They are two of the most dangerous welterweight prospects in the world and will be looking to make a big statement at the top of one of our most competitive divisions.”

 

 

 

Tickets for LFA 44 – Frincu vs. Aguilera are available for purchase NOW at Ticketmaster.com

 

 

 

Frincu (12-3) came to LFA last year as one of the most exciting exports hailing from The Land Down Under. He wasted no time in making a huge splash in his promotional debut at LFA 5. The native of Gold Coast, Australia assaulted Kris Hocum with a diverse and brilliant display of striking. “Thunder From Down Under” taught a masterclass on how to effectively utilize range and Muay Thai technique to dismantle a high-level grappler. He offered a crash course on the same subject ten weeks later, when he knocked out Brazilian prospect Maycon Mendonça in 96-seconds at LFA 11. Most recently, Frincu stopped previously undefeated Mexican prospect Roman Alcantar via TKO in January at LFA 31. Now the awesome Aussie looks to derail one of the heaviest hitters in the division.

 

 

 

Aguilera (11-4) has earned a reputation for possessing some of the scariest one-punch knockout power in all of MMA. LFA officials caught a glimpse of his gift of putting people to sleep early in his career when he gave Timothy Quiroga a canvas nap in just 52-seconds at RFA 23. A lot has happened in the three years since that prophetic night in Orange County. To start, “The Beast” got older, he got bigger, and inconceivable to many, he became even more powerful. Not surprising to anyone, however, is his propensity to wield his gift like a young super-hero discovering his ability for the first time. This has left a path of destruction in 2018 trailing 83 miles in California from Costa Mesa (LFA 30) to Cabazon (LFA 36). Aguilera looks to extend that path to Phoenix, Arizona on June 29th.

 

 

 

The co-main event of LFA 44 will feature an intrastate superfight when two-time LFA standout Casey Kenney (8-1-1) battles three-time UFC veteran Roman Salazar (12-6). Last year, Casey won a regional flyweight title before signing with LFA. After making his LFA debut last May, he competed twice in front of UFC President Dana White on the UFC boss’ Tuesday Night Contender Series. Casey returned to LFA in January with a dominant Unanimous Decision victory over Kendrick Latchman at LFA 31. He now looks to make a bigger statement by moving up a weight class to face one of Arizona’s most seasoned bantamweight forces.

 

 

 

That would be the man known as “El Gallito”. Salazar was signed by the UFC in 2014 after winning multiple regional titles in Arizona in multiple weight classes. He competed three times for the industry leader, which includes a bout at UFC 184 against Japanese MMA legend Kid Yamamoto in Yamamoto’s final fight. Most recently, Salazar has reasserted his dominance in his home state with a pair of TKO victories. Salazar now looks to continue his resurgence with a  marquee win over one of MMA’s most highly-touted prospects. Salazar hails from Mammoth, Arizona and will face Kenney of Tucson, Arizona in one the state’s biggest showdowns of the year.

 

 

 

Currently Announced Main Card (Televised on AXS TV at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT):

 

 

 

Main Event | Welterweight Bout (170 lbs)

– Matthew Frincu (12-3) vs. Christian Aguilera (11-4)

 

 

 

Co-Main Event | Bantamweight Bout (135 lbs)

– Casey Kenney (8-1-1) vs. Roman Salazar (12-6)

 

 

 

LFA 44 will serve as the fourth LFA event to take place in the state of Arizona. All of these events have taken place in the Grand Canyon State’s capital city of Phoenix. Further information about LFA 44 will be announced soon.  The entire main card of LFA 44 will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

 

 

 

Please visit LFAfighting.com for bout updates and information. LFA is on Facebook at Legacy Fighting Alliance. LFA is also on Instagram at @LFAfighting and Twitter at @LFAfighting.

 

 

 

In 2017 RFA and Legacy FC merged to form LFA, the premier developmental organization in Mixed Martial Arts. The combined forces of LFA launched the careers of over 130 athletes to reach the pinnacle of MMA by competing in the UFC.  In May of 2018 the promotion joined the London Trust Media Holdings group of companies.

LFA, mixed martial arts, MMA

LFA STARTS THE SUMMER IN BEAUMONT, TEXAS WITH LFA 43 – ALLEN vs. CROWE

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MAIN EVENT:
TWO-TIME LFA TITLE CHALLENGER
BRENDAN ALLEN
vs.
TWO-TIME LEGACY FC TITLE CHALLENGER
LARRY CROWE
 
MIDDLEWEIGHT SHOWDOWN
FRIDAY, JUNE 22nd LIVE on AXS TV
BEAUMONT CIVIC CENTER in BEAUMONT, TEXAS
Tickets are on sale NOW through  Ticketmaster.com

LAS VEGAS, NV – LFA CEO Ed Soares announced today that the promotion will kick off the 2018 summer season with a middleweight showdown between two former title challengers when the promotion heads to Beaumont, Texas at LFA 43.

 

 

 

The main event of LFA 43 will feature a middleweight showdown between two-time LFA title challenger Brendan “All In” Allen and two-time Legacy FC title challenger Larry “Tae Kwon” Crowe. LFA 43 – Allen vs. Crowe takes place this Friday, June 22nd at the Beaumont Civic Center in Beaumont, Texas. The main card will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.

 

 

 

“Brendan Allen and Larry Crowe have a well-documented history of being top contenders in our organization,” stated Soares. “They have been two of our top middleweights for years, but somehow their paths have never crossed. Our fans will finally get to see them square off this summer when we head south to Beamount, Texas at LFA 43. ”

 

 

 

Tickets for LFA 43 – Allen vs. Crowe are available for purchase NOW at  Ticketmaster.com.

 

 

 

Allen (8-3) enters the LFA 43 headliner looking to reassert himself at the top of the LFA middleweight standings. The 22-year-old Louisianian is a two-time LFA middleweight title challenger and will be making his fifth appearance for LFA. He also competed twice for Legacy FC before the promotion merged with RFA to create LFA. Allen has gained valuable experience early in his career, which is now being cultivated along with his raw talent at Roufusport MMA Academy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The popular and talented southern submission specialist has built a reputation for being one of the most clinical finishers in the division. All eight of his victories have come via KO, TKO, or submission. The man known as “All In” will now go all in as he looks for the biggest win of his career.

 

 

 

Crowe (10-6) returns to the LFA Octagon fresh off a win over LFA mainstay Bilal Williams in the co-main event of LFA 26. The 34-year-old Texan is a two-time Legacy FC middleweight title challenger and one of the longest tenured fighters in Legacy FC history. Crowe made his debut for Legacy FC in his second professional fight in July 2010. That bout occurred at the third-ever Legacy FC event. In many ways, Crowe and Legacy FC grew up together. The man known as “Tae Kown” Crowe grew into one of the promotion’s most revered fighters, while Legacy FC grew into one of the top two developmental organizations in the world. Now the Houston native will add his name to another piece of history as he looks to win the main event of LFA 43 in the promotion’s debut event in Beaumont.

 

 

 

 

Currently Announced Main Card (Televised on AXS TV at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT):

 

 

 

 

Main Event | Middleweight Bout (185 lb)

– Brendan Allen (8-3) vs. Larry Crowe (10-6)

 

 

 

Featherweight Bout (145 lb)

– Jake Heffernan (6-0) vs. Peter Stanonik  (5-3)

 

 

 

Featherweight Bout (145 lb)

– Kolton Englund (5-2) vs. Juan Gonzalez (5-1)

 

 

 

Lightweight Bout (155 lb)

– Cameron Graves (6-2) vs. Jordan Titoni (6-2)

 

 

 

Women’s Strawweight Bout ( 115 lb)

– Itzel Esquivel (2-2) vs. Desiree Yanez (1-0)

 

 

 

Heavyweight Bout (265 lb)

– Jeremy Hardy (5-3) vs. Joel Moore (3-0)

 

 

 

LFA 43 will be the first LFA event to take place in the City of Beaumont. It will also be the eleventh time that LFA has traveled to “The Lone Star State” of Texas. Further information about LFA 43 will be announced soon. The entire main card of LFA 43 will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

 

 

 

Please visit LFAfighting.com for bout updates and information. LFA is on Facebook at Legacy Fighting Alliance. LFA is also on Instagram at @LFAfighting and Twitter at @LFAfighting.

 

 

 

In 2017 RFA and Legacy FC merged to form LFA, the premier developmental organization in Mixed Martial Arts. The combined forces of LFA launched the careers of over 130 athletes to reach the pinnacle of MMA by competing in the UFC.  In May of 2018 the promotion joined the London Trust Media Holdings group of companies.

M-1, M-1 Challenge, mixed martial arts, MMA, Russia

One on one with M-1 Challenge Interim Flyweight Champion Arman Ashimov

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Aleksander Doskalchuk vs. Ashimov this Thursday at M-1 Challenge 92 in Saint Petersburg, Russia

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (May 22, 2018) – M-1 Challenge Interim flyweight champion Arman Ashimov takes on M-1 Challenge flyweight title-holder Aleksander Doskalchuk(8-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0) this Thursday (May 24) to determine the “undisputed” king of the M-1 Global flyweights, in the M-1 Challenge 92 co-featured event, at M-1 Arena in St. Petersburg, Russia.

 

 

 

Ashimov (8-2-1, M-1: 3-0-0), who captured his Interim crown at M-1 Challenge 87 last February,

Stopping Mikael Silander in round two voa punches, answered a series of M-1 Global questions:

 

 

 

Arman, how did the M-1 Challenge interim flyweight title change your life?

 

 

 

AA: “I was extremely happy to become the champion, but I would not say I felt such a big difference. Kazakhs knew me well even before I won the title, but after I won the belt, media started to pay more attention to me. It’s hard to say whether I won more fans because I had so many of them in Kazakhstan, but I hope that now in other countries there are more people who love the way I fight. People often recognize me on the streets of Kazakhstan, support me, ask for selfies. But I don’t feel like a star. I’m just a simple guy. Such attention does not bother me, because all Kazakhs are my relatives, how can I deny a selfie?

 

 

 

What is the secret of your knockout punch? Was it your goal to train such a hard punch?

 

 

 

AA: “It’s the will of Allah. We did not change the training plan, have been training striking and grappling as always. I am ready to go the full five round distance, if needed. I am strong enough for the 25-minute fight and this is exactly what I always have in mind. We consider an opportunity to go somewhere for training camp, but now I need to fulfil the target, and win the undisputed title.

 

 

 

Not many people know about it, but you are a great grappler. Can you tell us about your grappling experience?

 

 

 

AA: “Indeed, I don’t talk much about it, but I have some experience in grappling as well. The thing is that in The Rage, I don’t like grappling, I prefer a stand-up fight. If my opponent wants to check my skills, I will demonstrate them. I am a combat jiu-jitsu master of sports of international class for a reason, after all.”

 

 

 

What can you say about your opponent Aleksander Doskalchuk?

 

 

 

AA: “Aleksander Doskalchuk is a very experienced all-around fighter. His fighting style is like that of one of my previous opponents, Mikael Silander. He is good both at striking and grappling. I don’t know what game plan he is going to choose, but we will find it out very soon.”

 

 

 

Undoubtedly all of Kazakhstan will watch the broadcast, but will some fans of yours come to Saint Petersburg for the fight?

 

 

 

AA: “Many fans will come here from Kazakhstan, beside them will be a lot of Kazakhs living in Saint Petersburg, who will come to root for me. Even the Assembly of Kazakhs is going to support me. all this gives me an extra motivation!”

 

 

 

Russian heavyweight star Sergei Kharitonov (27-6-0, M-1: 5-0-0) headlines M-1 Challenge 92 versus Anton Vyazigin (9-2-1, M-1: 4-1-0) in their SuperFight.

 

 

 

M-1 Challenge 92 will be live-streamed from Russia in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets. M-1 Challenge 92 will also be available on www.FITE.TV(preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card)

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

 

 

www.M1Global.tv

www.mixfight.ru

www.wmmaa.org

 

 

 

Twitter & Instagram:

 

@M1GlobalNews

@Vadim_finkelchtein

@M1Global

 

 

 

Facebook:

 

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews

 

 

 

Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:

May 24 – M-1 Challenge 92: Kharitonov vs. Vyazigin in Saint Petersburg, Russia

June 1 – M-1 Challenge 93: Shelemnko vs. Siva in Chelyabinsk, Russia

M-1, M-1 Challenge, mixed martial arts, MMA, Russia

One on one with M-1 Challenge Flyweight Champion Aleksander Doskalchuk

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The Champ speaks!
 
 
Doskalchuk vs. Arman Ashimov this Thursday at M-1 Challenge 92 in
Saint Petersburg, Russia

 

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (May 21, 2018) – The “undisputed” M-1 Challenge flyweight title bout will be on the line this Thursday (May 24), when M-1 Challenge flyweight champion Aleksander Doskalchuk (pictured above) and Interim titlist Arman Ashimov square off in the M-1 Challenge 92 co-featured event, at M-1 Arena in St. Petersburg, Russia.

 

 

 

Doskalchuk (8-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0), fighting out of Ukraine, won his title belt last September atM-1 Challenge 83, when he used a Guillotine Choke to submit Vadim Malygin in the second round. Undefeated in M-1 competition, Doskalchuk won a majority decision in his M-1 debut last May, over Binh Son Le at M-1 Challenge 78.

 

 

 

Ashimov (8-2-1, M-1: 3-0-0) earned his Interim title shot this past February by stopping Gadzhimurad Aliev and Ervani Melonio with punches, respectively, in the second and first rounds. At M-1 Challenge 87, the powerfully striking Kazakh punched out Mikael Silander in two rounds to capture the M-1 Challenge Interim Flyweight Championship.

 

 

Doskalchuk (pictured above) sat down on the hot seat to participate in an exclusive one-on-one conversation:

 

 

 

It’s been seven months since you won the title. Why did you have to take such a long break?

 

 

 

AD: “I had to take time to heal all my injuries. There were problems with my ankle, so I could not train and fight for a few months. Soon, we’ll see how this break will affect my performance. All my injuries are in the past and I am ready to win the upcoming fight and become the undisputed M-1 Challenge flyweight champion.

 

 

 

What did you feel when you were told an interim title was to be introduced?

 

 

 

AD: “I felt nothing. The interim title does not mean anything to me and I have concentrated only on one thing: winning my fights. It is known that Ashimov is a very fast fighter and has power in his hands. I can’t say anything about his endurance, because it all depends on the way the fight goes. We’ll see how good his endurance is very soon into our fight.”

 

 

 

How do you think your fight will go? Are you going to use your advantage in grappling?

 

 

 

AD: “I am ready for a five-round battle and, of course, I will be looking for an opportunity to finish my opponent at all times. I would not say that my tactics will be focused on submissions. Take a look at my fights; I love boxing and in MMA you cannot rely on just one aspect.

 

 

 

Your fight against Ashimov was rescheduled from the last weekend’s show in China to May 24th in Saint Petersburg, Russia. How did it change your training plan?

 

 

 

AS: “I was ready to fight on May 12th, but Arman did not get his visa, so we had to change plans for the new date. Maybe it’s for the best. The flight to Saint Petersburg is easier and faster than to China. By the way, in Saint Petersburg, many more fans will come to root for me. Support is a very important part of the game and I am grateful to all the fans who will root for me at M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, and everybody who will hold their fingers crossed watching the broadcast!”

 

 

 

Russian heavyweight star Sergei Kharitonov (27-6-0, M-1: 5-0-0) headlines M-1 Challenge 92 versus Anton Vyazigin (9-2-1, M-1: 4-1-0) in their SuperFight.

 

 

 

M-1 Challenge 92 will be live-streamed from Russia in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets. M-1 Challenge 92 will also be available onwww.FITE.TV(preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card)

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

 

 

www.M1Global.tv

www.mixfight.ru

www.wmmaa.org

 

 

 

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews

@Vadim_finkelchtein

@M1Global

 

 

 

Facebook:

 

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews

 

 

 

Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:

May 24 – M-1 Challenge 92: Kharitonov vs. Vyazigin in Saint Petersburg, Russia

June 1 – M-1 Challenge 93: Shelemnko vs. Siva in Chelyabinsk, Russia

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

MIRKO CRO COP OUT OF BELLATOR 200 DUE TO INJRY

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RAFAEL CARVALHO DEFENDS MIDDLEWIGHT TITLE AGAINST GEGARD MOUSASI IN NEW HEADLINER, WHILE ‘MVP’ TAKES ON DAVID RICKELS IN CO-MAIN

 

LOS ANGELES – Due to injury, Mirko Cro Cop can no longer compete in his highly anticipated Bellator debut atBellator 200 against Roy Nelson. As a result, the Bellator 200 main event now sees reigning middleweight champRafael Carvalho (15-1) defend his title against top contender Gegard Mousasi (43-6-2) in a five-round affair, while the co-main event features undefeated British striker Michael “Venom” Page (12-0), better known as “MVP,” againstDavid Rickels (19-4, 2 NC) at welterweight. Bellator 200 takes place Friday, May 25 at The SSE Arena, Wembley in London and will air on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.

 

 

 

The main card also includes former titleholder Phil Davis (18-4) taking on Linton Vassell (18-6) in a light heavyweight matchup and reality star turned MMA fighter Aaron Chalmers (3-0) making his promotional debut against fellow BritAsh Griffiths (4-5). The remainder of the main card will be announced later this week.

 

 

 

Prior to the main card on Paramount Network, Bellator 200 will also feature plenty of exciting preliminary matchups showcasing many of the U.K.’s top young talent. The undefeated Anastasia Yankova (5-0) returns against the always-tough Kate Jackson (9-3-1), while a trio of former BAMMA champions are in action when former middleweight champion Mike Shipman (11-1) fights Carl Noon (7-2), former BAMMA featherweight kingpin Daniel Crawford (10-1) challenges Pedro Carvalho (6-3) and former BAMMA lightweight titlist Ryan Scope (11-1) faces Martyn Harris(4-4). Fans will see Bellator veteran Anatoly Tokov (25-3) clash with Vladimir Filipovic (10-2), SBG Ireland-productCharlie Ward (4-3) in action against Louis King (1-1) and Mousasi-trained prospect Costello van Steenis (9-1) meeting Kevin Fryer (6-2).

 

 

 

Tickets for the event are on sale now at The SSE Arena, Wembley box office (0844 815 0815), Ticketmaster.com,ssearena.co.uk and axs.com. Bellator 200 will be broadcast on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT.

 

 

 

*Card subject to change.

Bellator, boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, UFC

This Week’s Combat Sports Show: Nunes vs. Pennington Recap, Lomachenko vs. Linares analysis, Liddell Unretires and calls out Jon Jones

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This week’s fight news unlimited combat sports show is a great mix of boxing and mixed martial arts. Tom, Tony and Rich cover all the action from last weekend and marvel at the master of his craft that is Vasyl Lomachenko. We discuss Chuck Liddell coming out of retirement with Golden Boy MMA, and Tito Ortiz taking the debate to be his first opponent. We also have a bit of a debate about Raquel Pennington telling her corner she wanted to be done after the fourth round against Amanda Nunes. Her coaches pep talked her into continuing, which led to more blood loss and facial damage from a clearly more hyped up and fresh opponent. Weigh in right here in the comment section if you have your own opinion on the situation.

 

Listen to the show live through this link:

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/8igg415vwt22dij/tomtonyrichmay18th2018.mp3?dl=0

M-1, M-1 Challenge, mixed martial arts, MMA, Russia

One-on-One with Anton Vyazigin; SuperFight with Sergei Kharitonov To headline M-1 Challenge 92

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May 24 at M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia

Anton Vyazigin (R) is a powerful heavyweight

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (May 18, 2018) – Russian heavyweight “Cherepovets Giant” Anton Vyazigin (9-2-1, M-1: 4-1-0) challenges MMA living legend Sergey Kharitonov (27-6-0, M-1: 5-0-0) next Thursday (May 24), headlining M-1 Challenge 92 in a heavyweight SuperFight, at M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

 

 

M-1 Challenge 92 will be live-streamed from Russia in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets. M-1 Challenge 92 will also be available onwww.FITE.TV(preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card)

 

 

 

The 37-year-old Kharitonov, undefeated in five M-1 Challenge events, has defeated some of the greatest heavyweight MMA fighters of all-time, including Alistair Overeem, Andrei Arlovski, Fabricio Werdum and Pedro Rizzo.

 

 

 

The 6′ 6″, 265-pound Vyazigin, who is coming off a sensational 16-seconds knockout ofZaur Gadzhibabayev this past March at M-1 Challenge 89, sat in the “hot seat” leading up to Thursday’s showdown to answer some questions:

 

 

 

Tell us about your training camp. Did you change a lot of your regular training methods for a fight against Kharitonov?

 

 

 

AV: “My training camp was no different from any other camp. As always, I had many sparring sessions, wrestled a lot, and was focused on functional training. In general, it was just another camp. I trained at home in Cherepovets, because this is where I belong. I have good relations with fighters from many gyms, but I have never gone anywhere to a training camp. I don’t have enough money to go abroad for a camp, I work for myself.

 

 

 

I feel comfortable training in my gym. I have a great team, including some heavyweights, and we always help each other. If I have a fight scheduled, guys help me; if some other guys have fights, we all help them.”

 

 

 

 

How much will you weigh for the fight?

 

 

 

AV: “I think this time I will be at least 265 pounds before the fight, maybe even a bit heavier. I would not say I am that huge, there are many guys bigger than me. When I was a child, I used to be skinny and tall and only when I was n the Army did I start to gain weight. Now, when I am 265 pounds. I breath good, and I think this weight is perfect for me.

 

 

 

 

What are your predictions for the upcoming fight? Are you going to fight Kharitonov standing or would like to take him down?

 

 

 

AV: In our weight class, one missed punch can end the fight, so I think we have equal chances to win this fight. During camp, we train for everything, so I will be ready to fight him standing but, if needed, I will take him down, because it is very important in MMA to be able to change the game plan during the fight.”

 

 

 

 

Give us your thoughts on the vacant M-1 Challenge heavyweight title. Do you see yourself as champion in a couple more fights?

 

 

 

AV: “Now, I am concentrated on the upcoming fight but, yes, definitely if I win this fight I will be the No. 1 heavyweight contender. However, I do not think about it right now. My goal is to fight the strongest and most experienced opponents, who are rated higher than me.

 

 

 

“I am not fighting in Saint-Petersburg for the first time and I really enjoy competing in this city. I think some fans will root for Sergey, but there will also be a lot of fans supporting me in the M-1 Arena on May 24th!”

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

 

www.M1Global.tv

www.mixfight.ru

www.wmmaa.org

 

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews

@Vadim_finkelchtein

@M1Global

 

Facebook:

 

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews

 

Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:

May 24 – M-1 Challenge 92: Kharitonov vs. Vyazigin in Saint Petersburg, Russia

June 1 – M-1 Challenge 93: Shelemnko vs. Silva in Chelyabinsk, Russia