Category Archives: Russia

Ivan Buchinger rebounds from title loss with impressive win over Andrey Krasnikov

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
“Buki” is back!
 
 
M-1 CHALLENGE 89 RESULTS

Ivan Buchinger is back!

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (March 10, 2018) — Former M-1 Challenge featherweight champion Ivan “Buki” Buchinger rebounded from his title loss last November with an impressive win over Andrey Krasnikov in tonight’s M-1 Challenge 89 main event, at M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

The judges had an uneventful evening as only one of a dozen fights on the overall M-1 Challenge 89 card went the full distance for a decision in this true International event. Fighters represented 11 different countries: Russia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Brazil, Azerbaijan, France, Belarus, Georgia, Bulgaria, Israel and Spain.
Buchinger (33-6-0, M-1: 7-2-0), fighting out of Slovakia, originally captured the M-1 Challenge featherweight title on October 17, 2014, stopping Tural Ragimov on punches in the fourth round, in the M-1 Challenge 52 Fight of the Night. Buchinger retained his title for more than three years, losing his title belt last November 24 at M-1 Challenge 86, when Khamzat Dalgiev knocked him out by punches in the opening round.
In the second round, Buchinger used his vast arsenal of skills to defeat the game Krasnikov, of Russia, by way of an anaconda choke for a second-round submission.
Buchinger’s strong comeback against his Ukrainian opponent, Krasnikov (14-4-0), who had won 13 of his last 14 MMA fights going into his showdown with Buchinger, should position the Slovakian for a possible rematch with Dalgiev.
Russian featherweight contender Viktor Kolesnik (12-3-1) went to the ground with a effective Guillotine Choke for a first-round triumph by submission over M-1 Global-debutingDavid “Davi Boxer” Silva de Souza (8-3-0), of Brazil, in the co-featured event.
Also fighting on the main card, Russian heavyweight Anton Vyazigin (9-2-0) knocked outZaur Gadzhibabayev (6-2-0) in the first round on punches
French lightweight Mickael “Ragnar” Lebout (17-8-2) turned in an impressive M-1 Global debut, knocking out Belorussian challenger Sergey Faley (20-11-0) on punches in the opening round.
Late replacement Oleg Aduchiev (4-0-0), of Russia, upset veteran Ukrainian flyweight Vitaliy Branchuk (23-8-0), stopping him on punches in the second round for a technical knockout.
On the preliminary card, Georgian flyweight Vazha Tsiptauri (4-1-0) used a Guillotine Choke to force Dimitar Kostov (9-5-0), of Bulgaria, in a second-round submission; Ukrainian light heavyweight Denis Vygovsky (7-3-0) won a three-round majority decision over Brendson “Zyzz” Ribeiro (9-3-0), of Brazil, and Russian featherweight Nikita Solonin(4-1-0) stopped Elizar Tariku (3-1-0) in the first round on punches.
Ali Albogachiev (5-0-0) punched out Rasul Magomedov (7-0-0) in the first round of a fight between undefeated Russian lightweight prospects, while Russian featherweight Ivan Kibala (3-0-0) stopped Spaniard Daniel “Diamond” Vasquez (4-3-0) in the second round on punches.
In pre-undercard action, Dmitry Novikov (1-0-1) locked in a rear naked choke on fellow Russian heavyweight Mikhail Makogon (0-2-0) for a victory by first-round submission. Russian middleweight knocked out fellow countryman Krill Mazhara (2-2-0) with a kick to the head in the second round.
Complete results and photo gallery below:
MAIN CARD
MAIN EVENT – FEATHERWEIGHTS
Ivan Buchinger (33-6-0, M-1: 8-2-0), Slovakia
WSUB2 – Anaconda Choke – 2:54)
Andrey Krasnikov (14-4-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Ukraine
CO-FEATURE – FEATHERWEIGHTS
Viktor Kolesnik (12-3-1, M-1: 3-1-1), Russia
WSUB1 (Guillotine Choke – 0:44)
David Silva de Souza (7-3-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Brazil
HEAVYWEIGHTS
Anton Vyazigin (9-2-0, M-1: 4-1-0), Russia
WKO1 (Punches – 0:16)
Zaur Gadzhibabayev (6-2-0, M-1: 4-1-0), Azerbaijan
          LIGHTWEIGHTS
Mickael Lebout (17-8-2, M-1: 1-0-0), France
WKO1 (Punches – 4:53)
Sergey Faley (20-11-0, M-1: 4-2-0), Belarus
FLYWEIGHTS
Oleg Aduchiev (4-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia
WTKO2 – (Punches – 3:09)
Vitaliy Branchuk (23-5-0, M-1: 2-4-0), Ukraine
PRELIMINARY CARD
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Denis Vygovsky (7-3-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Ukraine
WDEC3
Brendson Ribeiro (9-3-0 (M-1: 0-1-0), Brazil
LIGHTWEIGHTS
Ali Albogachiev (5-0-0, M-1: 5-0-0), Russia
WKO1 (Punches – 2:45)
Rasul Magomedov (6-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia
FEATHERWEIGHTS
Nikita Solonin (4-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia
WTKO1 (Punches – 0:51)
Elizar Tariku (3-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Israel
Ivan Kibala (3-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia
WTKO2 (Punches- 4:18)
Daniel Vasquez (4-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Spain
FLYWEIGHTS
Vazha Tsiptauri (4-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Georgia
WSUB2 (MOUNTED Guillotine Choke – 1:28)
Dimitar Kostov (9-5-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Bulgaria
PRE-UNDERCARD
HEAVYWEIGHTS
Dmitry Novikov (1-0-1, M-1: 1-0-1), Russia
WSUB1 (Rear Naked Choke – 4:03)
Mikhail Makogon (0-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia
MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Boris Medvedev (2-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Russia
WKO2 (Head Kick – 1:33)
Kirill Mazhara (2-2-0, M-1: 0-2-0), Russia

Ivan Buchinger had top position here on way to his victory

Anton Vyazigin knockoyuts Zaur Gadzhibabayev

  Oleg Aduchiev drops Vitaliy Branchuk

Viktor Kolesnik (white trunks) finishes off David Silva de Souza

Mickael Lebout knocked out Sergey Faley

INFORMATION:

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UPCOMING EVENTS:
 
Mar. 30 – M-1 Challenge 90: Kunchenko-Butenko, M-1 Arena, Saint Petersburg, Russia

Ivan Buchinger vs. Andrey Krasnikov Tops solid M-1 Challenge 89 main card

Mar. 10 in Saint Petersburg at new M-1 Arena
SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (March 2, 2018) – Former M-1 Challenge featherweight champion Ivan “Buki” Buchinger hopes to bounce back strong from his title-losing loss against M-1 Global-debuting Andrey Krasnikov, March 10 in the M-1 Challenge 89 main event, at the new M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
M-1 Challenge 89 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 89 is available onwww.FITE.TV (preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card)
Buchinger (32-6-0, M-1: 7-2-0), fighting out of Slovakia, captured the M-1 Challenge featherweight title on October 17, 2014, stopping Tural Ragimov on punches in the fourth round, in the M-1 Challenge 52 Fight of the Night. Buchinger retained his title for more than three years, losing his title belt last November 24 at M-1 Challenge 86, when he was knockout by punches in the opening round by Khamzat Dalgiev.
“I did not suffer any injuries,” Buchinger reflected on his loss to Dalgiev. “Physically I felt good, but I was extremely disappointed because my opponent was so lucky to deliver a nice punch. It was just a lucky punch that knocked me out. Everything went as planned up until that moment, when I made a single fatal mistake. He was lucky that night, bit I don’t want to belittle Khamzat’s skills. He’s an excellent fighter and a great person.
“Would I win a rematch? I don’t want to make any predictions but, if we fight for the second time, we will see who is going to be the winner. But I am sure that I am a better fighter than him. Real champions do not care about who they fight, so I will fight any opponent to get my belt back. Everybody knows who the true champion is, so, as soon as I have an opportunity to win the title, I’ll do it.”
The road back to the top for Buchinger will not be easy. His opponent, Krasnikov (14-3-0, M-1: 0-0-0), plans to make a big splash in his first M-1 Global competition, positioning himself for a future M-1 Challenge title shot. The well-balanced Ukrainian, who has won 13 of his last 14 pro fights, is equally adept on his feet or ground.
“He is a young, strong opponent,” Buchinger spoke about his next opponent, “who is always ready to go until the end. I take all my fights seriously and the next one won’t be an exception. My coaches and team have watched some of my opponent’s fights and helped me to understand what I need to do in the fight, what I need to avoid. I am sure that I can get my strap back and this fight should become my first step. This time I feel a little bit different because I don’t feel any pressure, which I used to feel as champion.
“I am happy to fight in Saint Petersburg at the new M-1 Arena. I love Russian fans because they really understand MMA and are always very hospitable. I am going to make a huge comeback and win in style!”
Russian kickboxing specialist Viktor Kolesnik (11-3-1, M-1: 2-1-1) takes on M-1 Global first-time fighter David “Davi Boxer” Silva de Souza (7-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0) in an intriguing match-up of contrasting styles of fighting.
Former UFC and Bellator fighter, Canadian flyweight Chris “The Greek Assassin” Kelades (12-3-0, M-1: 1-0-0) may have found a new home in M-1 Global, but he faces a tough challenger, Vitaliy Branchuk (23-7-0, M-1: 2-3-0), of Ukraine.
The always popular heavyweights will also be in the spotlight as Zaur Hajibabayev (6-1-0, M-1: 4-0-0), Azerbaijan, attempts to extend his M-1 Global win streak to five against always dangerous Anton Vyazigin (8-2-0, M-1: 3-1-0), of Russia.
Rounding out the highly competitive main card is a lightweight match between another former UFC combatant, Frenchman Mickael “Ragnar” Lebout (16-8-2, 1 NC, M-1: 0-0-0) in his long-awaited M-1 Global debut, against veteran Sergey Faley (20-10-0, M-1: 4-1-0).
All fighters and fights are subject to change.
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
Mar. 10 – M-1 Challenge 89: Buchinger-Krasnikov, M-1 Arena, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Mar. 30 – M-1 Challenge 90: Kunchenko-Butenko, M-1 Arena, Saint Petersburg, Russia

SugarHill Steward and Russian Heavyweight Apti Davtaev Inventing Their Own Language Along Way to Heavyweight Glory

When it comes to working in the gym, undefeated Russian heavyweight prospect Apti Davtaev (14-0-1, 13 KOs) and his US trainer, Kronk Gym’s Javan SugarHill Steward, have their own way of communicating.

“We play a form of charades a lot. I physically put him in position sometimes and show him the openings,” said Steward. “It’s a challenge for me, which makes me love it more, to teach him without talking.”
The pair are currently hard at work for the big Russian’s (from the Chechen Republic of Kurchaloi) ring return, scheduled for April.
“He wants to learn so badly that he’s a sponge,” continued Steward. “Russians don’t have the same level of training as they do in the US. This is a dream come true for him. Bringing a Russian fighter over here to train is much different than a US fighter coming to my gym. They’re already Americanized. These guys are hungry. They have very little else going on in their lives. He’s a married Muslim and all he cares about is his religion and his family. There’s no Facebook or Twitter in his world. All he wants is to be world champion.”
Steward says that Davtaev comes with a high level of skill and their training focuses more on the finer points.
“He’s a big powerful heavyweight. Good basics and he learns fast. He can read opponents and makes adjustments very easily. I’m working with him how to set up more shots. He’s big and he needs to use his jab and his big right hand to put himself in position to stay in control. We’re working on using more ring generalship. When you’re big like that, you can’t let someone crowd you.”
28-year-old Davtaev, co-promoted by Salita Promotions and KA Promotions, says he’s enjoying his working relationship with Steward.
“From the first days of our acquaintance, we immediately found a common language. He gives me a lot of attention and has taught me a lot in a very caring way. That’s why I’m very grateful to him.”
Davtaev agrees he’s not in the US for the fun. Hard work and dedication to his mission are the only things on his mind.
“A professional athlete should be focused only on one thing,” he explains, “the achievement of success. It is always necessary to approach your goals with full responsibility to the training process and the fight itself. Certainly, I miss the motherland and my family, but knowing why I’m here and getting support from relatives and friends, helps me endure much easier.”
Always a haven for world-class fighters, Davtaev currently has a quality training and sparring partner to work with at Detroit’s Kronk Gym. Former heavyweight champion Charles Martin is training at Kronk as well.
“These are 6’5 250-lb guys and their skill levels are very even,” said Steward. “They are learning from each other.”
This is Steward’s fifth Russian fighter he’s worked with and Steward says he’s enjoying himself very much.
“He’s trying to learn English, but he we communicate just fine. We have a good time. Learning has to be fun, so he has a good time and I enjoy teaching him. He learns fast, even though he doesn’t know English.”

M-1 CHALLENGE 88 RESULTS & PICTURES 

Damir Ismagulov & Movsar Evloev retain M-1 Challenge titles
 

Damir Ismagulov celebrates his successful title defense against Raul Tutarauli
MOSCOW (February 23, 2018) – M-1 Challenge champions Damir Ismagulovand Movsar Evloev both successfully defended their titles last night at M-1 Challenge 88 at Olympic Stadium on Moscow.
Ismagulov (15-2-0), fighting out of Russia, retained his M-1 Challenge lightweight title, taking a hard-fought five-round unanimous decision over his Georgian challenger, Raul Tutarauli (18-4-0) in the main event.
In the co-featured event, Evloev (9-0-0) kept his perfect pro record intact by way of a third-round submission of Sergey Morozov (10-4-0), of Kazakhstan, locking in a rear naked choke.
Natives of 10 different countries fought in this true international MMA event.
Former M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion Stephan “T-800” Puetz (15-4-0) was upset by late replacement and M-1 Global pro-debuting Khadis Ibragimov (3-0-0), of Russia, who employed a bulldog choke to knock off his heavily favored opponent in the third round in a fight contested at a catchweight.
Russian bantamweight Bair Shtepin (6-2-0) stopped Brazilian veteran Heliton Dos Santos Davella (15-7-1) midway through the first round, while middleweight Valery “The Russian Hammer” Mysnikov (12-1-2) registered a ground-and-pound, opening round technical knockout.
On the preliminary card, Kyrgyzstan featherweight Busurmankul Abdibait Uulu(10-2-1) took a three-round unanimous decision from former M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Maxim Divnich (13-5-0), Alexander Osterov (4-0-0) decisioned Sergey Klyuev (5-1-0) in a bantamweight battle of previously undefeated Russian prospects, and Brazilian lightweight Rebenilton “Rubinho” Pereira (19-5-0) had his hand raised in victory after three rounds versus Rinat “Riko” Sayakbaev (7-2-0), of Kyrgyzstan.
Undefeated Bulgarian Petur Petrov (4-0-0) used his knees and punches to score a first-round stoppage of Ukrainian Vadim Shabadash (6-3-0), Russian middleweight Ruslan Shamilov forced Frenchman Reda “Boom Boom” Oudgou (2-3-0) into submission (rear naked choke) in the second round, Talekh “The Azerbaijan Terminator” Nadzhafadze (7-2-1) won a three-round unanimous decision over Vitaliy Slipenko (9-2-0), of Russia, and Russian heavyweight Maksim Yakobyuk (3-0-0) used a ground-and-pound attack to defeat Frank “Tatoo” Kortz (4-5-0), of Germany..
Complete results and pictures below:
MAIN CARD
MAIN EVENT – M-1 CHALLENGE LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Damir Ismagulov (15-2-0, M-1: 9-1-0), Russia
WDEC5
Raul Tutarauli (18-4-0-1, M-1: 6-2-0), Georgia
(Ismagulov retained M-1 Challenge lightweight title)
CO-FEATURE – M-1 CHALLENGE BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Movsar Evloev (9-0-0, M-1: 9-0-0), Russia
WSUB3 (rear naked choke – 3:41)
Sergey Morozov (10-4-0, M-1: 5-3-0), Kazakhstan
(Evloev retained M-1 Challenge bantamweight title)
CATCHWEIGHT
Khadis Ibragimov (3-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia
WSUB3 (bulldog choke – 2:12)
Stephan Puetz (15-4-0, M-1: 6-2-0), Germany
MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Valery Myasnikov (11-1-2, M-1: 2-1-1), Russia
WTKO1 (ground & pound – 4:41)
Joseph Henle (10-3-1, M-1: 0-1-0), USA
BANTAMWEIGHTS
Bair Shtepin (6-2-0, M-1: 3-2-0), Russia
WTKO1 (punches – 2:16)
Heliton Dos Santos Davella (15-7-1, M-1: 0-2-1), Brazil
PRELIMINARY CARD
HEAVYWEIGHTS
Maksim Yakobyuk (3-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0)
WTKO2 (ground & pound – 4:05)
Frank Kortz (4-5-0, M-1: 0-2-0), Germany
CATCHWEIGHT
Vadim Shabadash (7-2-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Ukraine
WTKO1 (kneed & punches – 0:46)
Petur Petrov (3-1-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Bulgaria
MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Ruslan Shamilov (4-0-0, M-1: 4-0-0), Russia
WSUB2 (rear naked choke – 3:12)
Reda Oudgou (2-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), France
Talekh Nadzhafadze (7-2-1, M-1: 3-1-1), Azerbaijan
WDEC3
Vitaliy Slipenko (9-2-0, M-1: 1-2-0), Russia
LIGHTWEIGHTS
Rebenilton Pereira (19-5-0, M-1: 3-2-0), Brazil
WDEC3
Rinat Sayakbaev (7-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Kyrgyzstan
FEATHERWEIGHTS
Busurmankul Abdibait Uulu (10-2-1, M-1: 2-0-1), Kyrgyzstan
WDEC3
Maxim Divnich (13-5-0, M-1: 7-5-0), Russia
BANTAMWEIGHTS
Alexander Osterov (4-0-0, M-1: 3-0-0), Russia
WDEC3
Sergey Klyuev (5-1-0, M-1: 3-1-0), Russia
 

Damir Ismagulov (R) strikes Raul Tutarauli

Movsar Evloev finished off Sergey Morozov


Bair Shtepin (R) was too much for Helton Dos Santos Davella

Valery Myasnikov blasted out Joseph Henle

INFORMATION:

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UPCOMING EVENTS:
 
March 10 – M-1 Challenge 89 in Saint Petersburg, Russia
March 30 – M-1 Challenge 90 in Saint Petersburg, Russia

M-1 CHALLENGE 87 WEIGHTS & PICTURES 

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (February 8, 2018) — The official weigh in was held todau fpor tomorrow’s M-1 Challenge 87, highlighted by the grand opening of M1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
 
MAIN CARD

MAIN EVENT – M-1 CHALLENGE INTERIM FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – 5 X 5
 (L) Mikael “Hulk” Silander

(Finland) 124.56 LB. (56,5 kg.)

vs.
(R) Arman Ashimov (Kazakhstan) – 124.78 LB. (56,6 kg.)

CO-FEATURE – LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
(L) Kleber Raimundo “Orgulho” Silva (Brazil) – 204.37 LB. (92,7 kg.)
vs.
(R) Dimitry Mikutsa (Ukraine) – 205 LB. (93 kg.)
FEATHERWEIGHTS — 3 X 5
Timur Nagibin (Russia) – 144.62 LB. (65,6 kg.)
vs.
Jadison Dimitry “Tita” Silva (Brazil) – 144.84 LB. (65,7 kg.)
WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
(R) Shavkat Rakhmonov (Kazakhstan) – 169.76 LB. (77 kg.)
vs.
(L) Levan Solodovnik (Russia) – 168.87 LB. (76.6 kg.)
(L) Pablo Ortmann (Switzerland) – 169.76 LB. (77 kg.)
vs.
(R) Ingiskhan Ozdoev (Russia) – 170 LB. (77.1 kg.)
PRELIMINARY CARD
HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Jose “Agus” Augustin Jimenez Garcia (Spain) – 263.23 LB. (119,4 kg.)
vs.
Adam Bogatyrev (Russia) – 255.74 LB. (116 kg.)
WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Charles-Henri Tchoungui (France) – 170 LB. (77.1 kg.)
vs.
Artem Nenakhov (Russia) – 169.54 LB. (76.9 kg.)
Amiran Gogoladze (Georgia) – 170 LB. (77.1 kg.)
vs.
Stanislav “Stas” Podolsky (Russia) – 167.33 LB. (75.9 kg.)
Anderson “Fala Mansa” De Queiroz Diniz (Brazil) – 168.43 LB. (76,4 kg.)
vs.
Danila Prikaza (Russia) – 170 LB. (77.1 kg.)
LIGHTWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Pavel Gordeev (Russia) – 158.07 LB. (71,7 kg.)
vs.
Bobur “Karshinskiy” Kurbonov (Uzbekistan) – 158.51 LB. (71,9 kg.)
Jani Salmi (Finland) – 154.76 LB. (70,2 kg.)
vs.
Nikolay Goncharov (Russia) – 154.76 LB. (70,2 kg.)
Aleksandar Rakas (Croatia) – 154.54 LB. (70,1 kg.)
vs.
Anatoly Lyagu (Ukraine) – 155 LB. (70,3 kg.)
 
PRE-UNDERCARD
Tino Gilaranz (Spain) – 154.1 LB. (69,9 kg.)
vs.
Valentin Kryzhanovsky (Russia)151.46 LB. (68,7 kg.)
 
(all fights & fighters subject to change)

WHEN:           Friday, February 9, 2018
WHERE:         M-1 Arena, Saint Petersburg, Russia
 
PROMOTER:  M-1 Global
LIVE STREAM: www.m1global.tv (10.30 a.m. ET / 7:30 a.m. PT in USA)
INFORMATION:

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UPCOMING EVENTS:
 
Feb. 9 – M-1 Challenge 87: Silander vs. Ashimov, M-1 Arena, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Feb. 22 – M-1 Challenge 88: Ismagulov vs. Tutarauli, Olympic Stadium, Moscow, Russia

Stars coming out for M-1 Challenge 88

 
Two M-1 Challenge title fights
Damir Ismagulov vs. Raul Tutarauli
Movsar Evloev vs. Sergey Morozov
Feb. 22 in Moscow
SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (January 31, 2018) – A pair of M-1 Challenge title fights, along with the return of a former champion, are shock-and-awe fights on M-1 Challenge 88, February 22 at Olympic Stadium in Moscow, Russia.
M-1 Challenge 88 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 lightweight champion Damir Ismaguluv (14-2-0, M-1: 8-1-0), the Kazakhstan native fighting out of Russia, defends his title against Georgian challenger Raul Tutarauli (18-3-0, M-1: 6-1-0) in the main event.
The 26-year-old Ismagulov is riding a nine-fight win streak, dating back more than 2 ½ years, including a third-round knockout of Tutarauli on May 27, 2016 in the M-1 Challenge 66 Fight of the Night. Ismagulov also won the M-1 Challenge 72 Fight of the Year, by way of a third-round unanimous decision on November 18, 2016.
Tutarauli, 25, has reeled off eight victories in a row since he lost to Ismagulov, including decisions wins last year over Artur Lemos at M-1 Challenge 77 and Vladimir Kanunnikov at M-1 Challenge 83.
In the co-main event, undefeated M-1 Challenge bantamweight title holder Movsar Evloev (8-0-0, M-1: 8-0-0) puts his perfect professional MMA record on the line against his Kazakh challenger, Sergey Morozov (10-3-0, M-1: 5-2-0).
Evloev has been unbeatable since his M-1 Global and professional debut on November 25, 2014, when the gifted Russian choked Jianwei Ha into a second-round submission at M-1 Challenge 53. At M-1 Challenge 76, Evloev captured the Interim M-1 Challenge bantamweight title, knocking out Alexey Nevzorov with a powerful kick last April, followed by an impressive five-round decision over veteran Pavel Vitruk this past July at M-1 Challenge 81 to capture the outright title.
Morozov earned his first title shot with back-to-back victories in 2017 against veteran Brazilian fighters, taking a three-round decision from Fabricio Sarraff at M-1 Challenge 76, and a second-round knockout by punches of Luan Fernandez at M-1 Challenge 83.
Also fighting on the main card is former M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion Stephan “T-800” Puetz (15-3-0, M-1: 6-2-0), of Germany, vs. Russian foe Khadis Ibragimov (2-0-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Brazilian bantamweight Helton dos Santos Davella(15-5-1, M-1: 0-1-1) vs. Bair Shtepin (5-2-0, M-1: 2-2-0), of Russia, and American middleweight Joseph “Leonidas” Henle (10-3-1, M-1: 0-1-0) vs. Valery “The Russian Hammer” Myasnikov (11-1-2, M-1: 2-1-2).
The preliminary card is loaded, as well, with unbeaten prospects Alexander Osetrov(3-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0) and Sergey Klyuev (5-0-0) in a battle of Russian bantamweights, former M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Maxim Divnich (13-4-0, M-1: 7-4-0), of Russia by way of Ukraine, vs. Busurmankul Abdibait Uulu (9-2-1, M-1: 1-0-1) , of Kyrgyzstan, German heavyweight Frank Tattoo” Kortz (4-4-0, M-1: 0-1-0) vs. unbeaten Russian Maxim Yakobyuk (7-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Talekh “The Azerbaijan Terminator” Nadzhafadze (6-2-1, M-1: 2-1-1) vs. Russian middleweight Vitaliy Slipenko (9-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0), and Brazilian lightweight Rubenilton “Rubinho” Pereira (18-5-0, M-1: 2-2-0) vs. Erlan Ulukbekov (7-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), of Kyrgyzstan.
All fighters and fights are subject to change.
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Feb. 9 – M-1 Challenge 87: Silander vs. Ashimov, M-1 Arena, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Feb. 22 – M-1 Challenge 88: Ismagulov vs. Tutarauli, Olympic Stadium, Moscow, Russia

M-1 Challenge 87: Mikael Silander-Arman Ashimov Interim M-1 Challenge Flyweight title fight headliner

Grand Opening of M-1 Arena, Feb. 9
Saint Petersburg, Russia
SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (January 25, 2018) – The Interim M-1 Challenge flyweight title will be on the line February 9, when Mikael “Hulk” Silander and Arman Ashimov square off in the M-1 Challenge 87 main event, in the grand opening of M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Both events 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 atwww.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.
One of Scandinavia’s all-time best MMA fighters, the 32-year-old Silander (17-5-0, M-1: 1-0-0) earned his title shot by winning a three-round majority decision over Vitaliy Branchuk (23-6-0), last August at M-1 Challenge 82 in his native Finland.
Ashimov (7-2-1, M-1: 2-0-0), fighting out of Almaty, Kazakhstan, is unbeaten in M-1 Global fights having knocked out Rodrigo Melonio this past November at M-1 Challenge 85, and Gadzhimurad Aliev last July at M-1 Challenge 81.
A loaded main card also features undefeated Kazakh welterweight Shavkat Rakhmonov (7-0-0, M-1: 5-0-0) versus his Russian opponent, Levan Solodovnik (5-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0) Juho Valamma (15-4-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Brazilian light heavyweight Kleiber Raimundo “Orgugho” Silva (14-7-0, M-1: 1-0-0) vs. Dmitry Mikutsa (7-3-0, M-1: 1-1-0), of Ukraine, Russian featherweight Timur Nagibin (13-3-0, M-1: 5-2-0) vs. Jadison Dimitry “Tita” Silva (23-8-0, M-1: 0-0-0), of Brazil, and Pavel Gordeev (9-1-0, M-1: 3-0-0), of Russia, TBA.
The preliminary card has undefeated Swiss welterweight prospect Pablo Ortmann (7-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0) vs. Ingiskhan Ozdoev (5-3-0, M-1: 4-3-0), of Russia, unbeaten Russian heavyweight Adam Bogatyrev (5-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0) vs. Jose “Agus” Augustine Jimenez (5-3-0, M-1: 0-0-0), French welterweight Charles-Henri Tchoungui (9-7-1, M-1: 0-1-0), vs. Artem Nenakov (6-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), of Russia, and Georgian welterweight Amiran Gogoladze (4-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0) vs. Stanislav “Stas” Podolsky (5-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0).
All fighters and fights are subject to change.
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
 
Feb. 9 – M-1 Challenge 87: Silander vs. Ashimov, M-1 Arena, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Feb. 22 – M-1 Challenge 88: Ismagulov vs. Tutarauli, Olympic Stadium, Moscow, Russia

2017 M-1 Global Prospect of the Year   Rising flyweight star Arman Ashimov

  Arman Ashimov is shown above putting Rodrigo Melonio to sleep
SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (January 18, 2018) – Rising flyweight Arman Ashimov has been named the 2017 M-1 Global Prospect of the Year.
Ashimov (7-2-1, M-1: 2-0-0), 26, made his M-1 Global debut last July in M-1 Challenge 81, in which he stopped previously undefeated Gadzhimurad Aliev (6-0-0), of Russia, with one punch in round two.
Last November, Ashimov positioned himself for a title shot with an impressive opening-round knockout via punches of Brazilian veteran Rodrigo Melonio (16-3-0) at M-1 Challenge 85.
Five of Ashimov’s seven victories to date have ended by knockout, the other two by decision.
The gifted Kazakh fighter headlines his first M-1 Global event on February 9 against Finnish invader Mikael “Hulk” Silander (17-5-0, M-1: 1-0-0) for the Interim M-1 Global flyweight title, celebrating the opening of the beautiful, state-of-the-art M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
 
Feb. 9 – M-1 Challenge 87: Silander vs. Ashimov, M-1 Arena, Saint Petersburg, Russia

Feb. 22 – M-1 Challenge 88: Ismagulov vs. Tutarauli, Olympic Stadium, Moscow, Russia

2017 M-1 Global Fighter of the Year   M-1 Challenge Lightweight Champion   Damir Ismagulov

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (January 16, 2018) — M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Damir Ismagulov has been selected by mixed-martial-arts fans around the world as the 2017 M-1 Global Fighter of the Year.
Fighting out of Orenburg, Russia, the 26-year-old Ismagulov (14-2-0, M-1: 8-1-0) was 3-0-0 in 2017, all in M-1 Global action, including his M-1 Challenge lightweight title-winning performance, followed by one successful title defense.
Ismagulov, a native of Kazakhstan, started 2017 in grand style, knocking out Morgan Heraod of France, in the third round last February at M-1 Challenge 74.
Last May, Ismagulov faced former M-1 Challenge champion Maxim Divnich (13-2-0), at home, in Orenburg, for the vacant M-1 Challenge lightweight championship.
Their title fight commenced with a “feeling-out process” of simple exchanges of blows with Ismagulov working more with his feet, but the opening round ended with the hometown favorite holding a slight advantage.
Ismagulov, however, dominated the next three rounds and Divnich, whose severely damaged, bloody face showed the ill effects of Ismagulov’s continued assault, was unable to turn things around in the fifth. As the finish neared, Ismagulov failed to submit his game opponent until a barrage of unanswered punched rained on a defenseless Divnich. The referee halted the action with 13-seconds remaining on the clock for a hard-fought Ismagulov win by technical knockout.
After the fight 5,000 fans celebrated, roaring their approval for Ismagulov, who said, “I’m from the Orenburg region. I won the belt! Thanks for coming. I want to thank the MMA Orenburg, my coach,Victor Frolov, who saw me as a talent, and Alexander Shlemenko for believing in me. I thank my coaches, my family, and our fans.
“I’ve proved that a simple guy from a small village without the Internet can become champion. If I can, you can. The belt is in Orenburg, where it should be.”
Ismagulov is shown here in a ground-and-pound attack vs. Rogero Matias da Conceicao
Ismagulov won a hard-fought main event battle against upset-minded Rogero “Karranca” Matias da Conceicao, of Brazil, by way of a non-title, unanimous decision at M-1 Challenge 85.
Ismagulov defends his M-1 Challenge lightweight title February 22, when he takes on his Georgian challenger, Raul Tuturauli (18-3-0, M-1: 6-1-0), in the M-1 Challenge 88 main event at Olympic Stadium in Moscow.

 

 

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www.M1Global.tv

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UPCOMING EVENTS:
 
Feb. 9 – M-1 Challenge 87: Silander vs. Ashimov, M-1 Arena, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Feb. 22 – M-1 Challenge 88: Ismagulov vs. Tutarauli, Olympic Stadium, Moscow, Russia

M-1 Global kicks-off 2018 in February with M-1 Challenge 87 & 88

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (January 8, 2018) – M-1 Global will kick-off its 21stseason with a pair of international events in February, M-1 Challenge 87 and M-1 Challenge 88, respectively, Feb. 9 in Saint Petersburg and Feb. 22 in Moscow.
Both events 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.
Finnish flyweight Mikael “Hulk” Silander (17-5-0, M-1: 1-0-0) takes on Kazakh fighter Ariman Ashimov (10-2-1, M-1: 2-0-0) in the lone fight announced this far for M-1 Challenge 87, which will feature the grand opening of M-1 Arena. The Silander-Ashimov winner will be positioned for a potential title shot against M-1 Challenge flyweight champion Aleksander Doskalchuk, of Ukraine.
Mikael Silander (R) will be making his Russian MMA debut Feb. 9 in Saint Petersburg
  Ariman Ashimov hopes to improve to 3-0-0 in M-1 Challenge competition on Feb. 9
Two M-1 Challenge title fights have been announced as the M-1 Challenge 88 co-main events on Feb. 22 in Moscow.
M-1 Challenge Lightweight Champion Damir Ismagulov (14-2-0, M-1: 8-1-0), of Russia, defends his belt against his dangerous Georgian challenger, Raul Tutarauli(18-3-0, M-1: 6-1-0), while M-1 Challenge Bantamweight Champion Movsar Evloev (8-0-0, M-1: 8-0-0) puts his perfect pro record on the line against Kazakhstan-native Sergey Morozov (10-3-0, M-1: 5-2-0), who also fights out of Russia.
  Damir Ismagulov (on top) makes his second title defense Feb. 22
Raul Tutarauli (on top) gets his first title shot Feb. 22
Movsar Evloev (L) plans to keep his prefect record intact
  
 Sergey Morozov is hoping to upset Movar Evloev to become M-1 Challenge Bantamweight Champion
All fights and fighters are subject to change. Additional matches for M-1 Challenge 87and M-1 Challenge 88 will soon be announced.
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