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

M-1 Challenge welterweight champion Alexey Kunchenko remains perfect Stops Alexander Butenko to go 18-0-0

March 31, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

And still champion…….Alexey Kuchenko (R)

M-1 CHALLENGE 90 RESULTS

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (March 31, 2018) – M-1 Challenge welterweight champion Alexey Kunchenko improved his professional MMA record to a perfect 18-0-0, stopping Russian challenger Alexander “Iron Capture” Butenko in the third round of last night’s M-1 Challenge 9- main event, at M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

The 33-year-old Kunchenko (17-0-0, M-1: 10-0-0), also fighting out of Russia, has been the M-1 Challenge welterweight champion for nearly two years, when he knocked out Murad Abdulaev in the fourth round at M-1 Challenge 65. Kunchenko notched his 13^th knockout against former M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Butenko (45-13-3, M-1: 11-3-1) in the third round on punches in his fourth successful title defense.

In the co-featured event, American veteran Joe “Diesel Riggs (47-18-1, M-1: 2-0-1) and Ukrainian middleweight Boris Polejay (18-6-1, M-1: 2-1-1) battled to a three-round split draw.

Brazilian flyweight Raphael Dias (15-5-0, M-1: 1-1-0) used an arm triangle choke to defeated former M-1 Challenge flyweight title challenger Vadim “Bad Santa” Malygin (12-4-1, M-1: 2-3-1), of Russia, for a second-round victory by submission.

Russian prospect Magomedkamil Malikov (5-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0) kept his perfect pro record intact, punching out Sado “The Panther” Ucar (5-5-0, M-1: 0-1-0), of Turkey, in the second round of a match contested at a catchweight.

In the main card opening fight, Russian middleweight Oleg Olenichev (10-5-0, M-1: 1-2-0) took a unanimous decision over Salmar “Sombra” Nunes (35-13-1, M-1: 0-1-0), of Brazil.

Most of the preliminary card action took place on that mat with five eight matches ending in submissions. Frenchman Bakary El Anwar (6-5-0, M-1: 1-0-0) won his M-1 Global debut with an ankle hook on Russian light heavyweight Alexander Popov (2-1-0, M-1: 2-1-0) for an opening-round submission, Russian light heavyweight Dmitry Tebekin (9-3-0, M-1: 3-1-0) took a majority decision over Abylkasym Yakubob (4-5-0, M-1: 0-1-0), of Kyrgyzstan, and Yakibob’s countryman, Nureles Aidarov (3-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), made the most of his M-1 Global debut, knocking out Russian Oleg Lichkovakha (3-3-0, 2 NC, M-1: 0-2-0, 1 NC) with a knee in round one.

In a battle of pro-debuting Russian middleweights at a catchweight, Vladimir Trisov‘s anaconda choke was too much to handle for Vyacheslay Babkin, Russian welterweight Movsar Bokov (4-1-0, M-1: 3-1-0) registered a submission win by way of a second-round submission versus Georgian Levan Solodovnik (5-3-0, M-1: 1-2-0) via an angle lock, and Russian lightweight Kurban Taygibov (7-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0) toon a unanimous decision fromLom-Ali Nalgiev (14-7-0, M-1: 5-2-0), of Russia.

In a match-up between a pair of undefeated lightweights, Russian Roman Bogatov (5-0-0, M-1; 4-0-0) submitted Tahir “Tank” Abdullaev (6-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), of Azerbaijan, in the second round with an arm triangle choke. French featherweight Damien Peltier (9-8-1, M-1: 1-0-0) had an impressive M-1 Global debut, locking in a triangle choke on Maksim Kuldashev (2-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0) for a second-round triumph.

Ten different countries were represented by fighters in this International event: Russia, USA, Ukraine, Brazil, Turkey, France, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

Complete results & picture gallery below:

MAIN CARD

MAIN EVENT — M-1 CHALLENGE WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Alexey Kunchenko (18-0-0, M-1: 10-0-0), Champion, Russia

WTKO3 (Punches – 4:04)

Alexander Butenko (45-13-3, M-1: 11-3-1), Challenger, Russia

(Kunchenko retains M-1 Challenge welterweight title)

CO-FEATURE – MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Joe Riggs (47-17-1, 1 NV, M-1: 2-0-1), USA

Boris Polejay (18-6-1, M-1: 2-1-1), Ukraine

FLYWEIGHTS

Rafael Dias (15-5-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Brazil

SUB2 (Arm Triangle Choke – 4:39)

Vadim Malygin (12-4-1, M-1: 2-3-1), Russia

CATCHWEIGHT

Magomedkamil Malikov (5-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Russia

WTKO2 (Punches – 0:30)

Sado Ucar (5-5-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Turkey

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Oleg Olenichev (109-5-0, M-1: 2-1-0), Russia

WDEC3

Salmar Nunes (35-13-1, 1 NC, M-1: 0-1-0), Brazil

PRELIMINARY CARD

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

Bakary El Anwar (6-5-0, M-1: 1-0-0), France

WSUB1 (0:27)

Alexander Popov (2-1-0, M-1: 2-1-0), Russia

Dmitry Tebekin (9-3-0, M-1: 3-1-0)

DEC3

Abylkasym Yakubov (4-5-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Kyrgyzstan

CATCHWEIGHT

Nureles Aidarov (3-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Kyrgyzstan

WKO1 (Knee kick – 0:12)

Oleg Lichkovakha (3-3-0, 2 NC, M-1: 0-2-0, 1 NC)

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Vladimir Trusov (1-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0)), Russia

Wseb1 (Anaconda Choke – 2:48)

Vyacheslav Babkin (0-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia

WELTERWEIGHTS

Movsar Bokov (4-1-0, M-1:3-1-0), Russia

WSUB2 (Ankle Lock – 1:35)

Levan Solodovnik (5-3-0, M-1: 1-2-0), Georgia

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Kurban Taygibov (7-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0)

WDEC3

Lom-Ali Nalgiev (14-7-0, M-1: 5-2-0), Russia

Roman Bogatov (5-0-0, M-1: 4-0-0), Russia

WSUB2 (Arm Triangle Choke – 1:21)

Tahir Abdullaev (6-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Azerbaijan

FEATHERWEIGHTS

Damien Peltier (9-8-1, M-1: 1-0-0), France

WSEB2 (Triangle Choke – 4:55)

Maksim Kuldashev (2-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Uzbekistan

Kunchenko (L) attacked Butenko

Polejay (L) & Riggs battled to a draw

Dias (R) got a kick out of Malygin

Olenichev (L) edged Nunes

Aidarov (R) showed concern for his fallen opponent Lichkovakha

INFORMATION:

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@Vadim_finkelchtein

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

Apr. 21 – M-1 Challenge 91: Dalgiev-Landwehr, M-1 Arena, Saint Petersburg, Russia

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

M-1 CHALLENGE 90 OFFICIAL WEIGHTS & PICTURES

March 29, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (March 29, 2018) — The official weigh in was held today for tomorrow’s M-1 Challenge 90 card to be held at M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Below find the official fighters’ weight and pictures.

MAIN CARD

MAIN EVENT — M-1 CHALLENGE WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP- 5 X 5

(R) Alexey Kunchenko (17-0-0, M-1: 9-0-0), Champion, Russia -169.32 lbs. (76.8 kg)

(L) Alexander Butenko (45-12-3, M-1: 11-2-1), Challenger, Russia -169.75 lbs. (77 kg)

CO-FEATURE – MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

(L) Joe Riggs (47-17-0, 1 NV, M-1: 2-0-0), USA – 183.86 lbs. (83.4 kg.)

(R) Boris Polejay (18-6-0, M-1: 2-1-0), Ukraine – 184.75 lbs. (83.8 kg.)

FLYWEIGHTS — 3 X 5

(L) Rafael Dias (14-5-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Brazil – 133.6 lbs. (60.6 kg.) – yellow card

(R) Vadim Malygin (12-3-1, M-1: 2-2-1), Russia – 124.78 lbs. (56.6 kg.)

CATCHWEIGHT – 3 X 5

(L) Sado Ucar (5-4-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Turkey – 160.72 lbs. (72.9 kg.)

(R) Magomedkamil Malikov (4-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia – 161.71 lbs. (73.35 kg.)

MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

(L) Salmar Nunes (35-12-1, 1 NC, M-1: 0-0-0), Brazil – 182.32 lbs. (82.7 kg.)

(R) Oleg Olenichev (9-5-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Russia – 184.53 lbs. (83.7 kg.)

PRELIMINARY CARD

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

El Anwar Bakary (5-5-0, M-1: 0-0-0), France – 201.28 lbs. (91.3 kg.)

Alexander Popov (2-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Russia – 203.26 lbs. (92.2 kg.)

Abylkasym Yakubov (4-4-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Kyrgyzstan – 203.71 lbs. (92.4 kg.)

Dmitry Tebekin (8-3-0, M-1: 2-1-0) – 205.03 lbs. (93 kg.)

CATCHWEIGHT – 3 X 5

Nureles Aidarov (2-0-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Kyrgyzstan – 130.07 lbs. (59 kg.)

Oleg Lichkovakha (3-2-0, 2 NC, M-1: 0-1-0, 1 NC) – 129.63 lbs. (58.8 kg.)

MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Vyacheslav Babkin (pro debut), Russia – 184.75 lbs. (83.8 kg.)

Vladimir Trusov (pro debut), Russia – 184.30 lbs. (83.6 kg.)

WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Movsar Bokov (3-1-0, M-1: 2-1-0), Russia – 169.76 lbs. (77 kg.)

Levan Solodovnik (5-2-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Georgia – 169.53 lbs. (76.9 kg.)

LIGHTWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Lom-Ali Nalgiev (14-6-0, M-1: 5-1-0), Russia – 164.68 lbs. (74.7 kg.)

Kurban Taygibov (6-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Russia – 160.93 lbs. (73 kg.)

Tahir Abdullaev (6-0-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Azerbaijan – 154.32 lbs. (70.3 kg.)

Roman Bogatov (4-0-0, M-1: 3-0-0), Russia – 154.98 lbs. (72.9 kg.)

FEATHERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Damien Peltier (8-8-1, M-1: 0-0-0), France – 144.84 lbs. (65.7 kg.)

Maksim Kuldashev (2-0-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Uzbekistan – 144.84 lbs. (65.7 kg.)

(all fights & fighters subject to change)

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). Also available on FITE.TV (preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card)

INFORMATION:

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

M-1 LIVE: Kunchenko vs. Butenko + UFC star Joe Riggs in co-main event: Watch Here

March 29, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

M-1 steps its game up yet again with its 90th edition. Live from their arena in St. Petersburg we will watch a night of MMA stars go against each other.

The special guest will be Joe Riggs – a UFC and Bellator star who will face off against Boris Polezhay in the co-main event.

The main event will be a match between undefeated Aleksey Kunchenko who is on a 17 win streak against Alexander Butenko.

Full line up and more info in the link below.

M-1 Challenge 90

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

Undefeated M-1 Challenge welterweight champion Alexey Kunchenko to defend title belt against former M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Alexander Butenko

March 15, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Joe Riggs vs. Boris Polezhay in co-feature

M-1 Challenge 90, Mar. 30, in Saint Petersburg at M-1 Arena

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (March 14, 2018) – Undefeated M-1 Challenge welterweight champion Alexey Kunchenko (17-0-0) will put his perfect MMA professional record and title belt on the line March 30, against former M-1 Challenge lightweight titlist Alexander “Iron Capture” Butenko, in the M-1 Challenge 90 main event at the new M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

M-1 Challenge 90 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 90 is available on www.FITE.TV(preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card)

The 33-year-old Kunchenko captured his M-1 Challenge welterweight title nearly two years ago, at M-1 Challenge 65, when he knocked out Murad Abdulaev in the fourth round. Kunchenko has made three successful title defenses. He won two decisions in a rematch with Abdulaev and against Maksim Grabovich, and he stopped Sergey Romonav in the opening round.

The Russian-born Kunchenko is a legitimate knockout artist, stopping 12 of his 17 pro victims, and he is 9-0 in in M-1 Global competition.

Kunchenko (R) is a lethal striker with 12 KOs in 17 pro fights

Butenko (45-12-3, M-1: 11-2-1) is an experienced fighter, who is attempting to become a two-division M-1 Challenge champion. The battle-tested Ukrainian won his M-1 Challenge lightweight crown at M-1 Challenge 67, back in June of 2016, when he won a five-round decision over Artem Damkovsky for the vacant title.

In his first title defense, Butenko was knocked out by Abukar Yandiev in the opening round, February 18, 2017 at M-1 Challenge 74. He has won his last two fight, at M-1 Challenge 82 & 86, respectively, against Keith Johnson (DEC3) and Eler Narmurzan(TSUB1).

Butenko (R) also has power

American middleweight and former UFC fighter,Joe “Diesel” Riggs (47-17-0, 1 NC, M-1: 2-0-0), fighting out of Phoenix, AZ, takes on Boris Polezhay (18-6-0, M-1: 2-1-0), of Ukraine, in the co-featured event.

Riggs is riding a six-fight win streak, including a pair of victories in M-1 Challenge events, in which he knocked out Oleg Olenichev and Dmitry Samoilov. Polezhay has won 13 of his last 14 fights.

Also fighting in the main card is Brazilian flyweight Rafael Dias (14-5-0, M-1¨0-1-0), who faces Vadim Malygin, of Russia. Dias has lost only two of his last 10 fights, both of those in bantamweight matches. Malygin lost his only M-1 Challenge title fight last September, when Aleksander Doskalchuk submitted him in the second.

All fighters and fights are subject to change. Additional main and full preliminary card bouts will soon be announced.

INFORMATION:

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews

@Vadim_finkelchtein

@M1Global

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Checkout this one-punch KO

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

Sergei Kharitonov puts Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou To sleep in opening round

June 18, 2017 FNU47 Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ivan Buchinger retains

M-1 Challenge featherweight title

OFFICIAL M-1 CHALLENGE 80 RESULTS

HARBIN, China (June 16, 2017) – MMA heavyweight star Sergei Kharitonov continued his dominance in M-1 Global competition, knocking out Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou midway through the opening round of last night’s M-1 Challenge 80 main event, held in Harbin, China.

Cameroon-native Sokoudjou (18-8-0, M-1: 0-1-0), fighting out of the United States, was nailed on the chin by a straight right thrown by Kharitonov (25-6-0, M-1: 4-0-0), who immediately jumped on top of his fallen foe, firing two more powerful hammer-punches to the head, until the referee halted the action.

But it really was a classic one-punch KO by Kharitonov, who remains undefeated in M-1 Global competition at 4-0-0.

or go here to view:

https://m1global.tv/news/m1_challenge_80_kharitonov_vs_sokoudjou_event_results/

M-1 Challenge featherweight champion Ivan “Buki” Buchinger (32-5-0, M-1: 7-1-0), of Slovakia, successfully defended his title, submitting Russian challenger Timur Nagibin (9-3-0, M-1: 5-2-0) in round three via a rear naked choke.

German featherweight Sascha Sharman (13-3-0, M-1: 1-1-0) did the same to his opponent, Musu “Iron King” Nuertiebieke (7-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), of China, except Sharman finished the show at the 1:03 mark of the opening round.

Australian welterweight Corey “Major” Nelson (18-6-2, M-1: 0-0-1) and Alexander “Iron Capture” Butenko (43-12-1, M-1: 9-2-1) fought to a three-round majority-draw, while Russian featherweight Mikhail Korobov (11-3-1, M-1: 1-2-1) also used a rear naked choke to submit Asirkebai Jinensibieke (12-5-0, M-1: 0-1-0) in the first round.

On the preliminary card, Russian middleweight Artem Kazbanov (8-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Chinese welterweight Kuerbanjiang Tuluosibake (2-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0) and Russian lightweight Adam Tsurov (7-5-0, M-1: 6-2-0) all won three-round unanimous decisions, respectively, against Nosherwan “Savage” Khanzada (3-4-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Ukrainian Makim “Mad Max: Melnik (3-4-0, M-1: 1-2-0) and previously undefeated Fu Kangkang (4-1-1, M-1: 0-1-0), of China.

Brazilian light heavyweight Carlos “Cachorrao” Edueardo (16-4-0, M-1: 2-0-0) stopped previously undefeated German, Rene Hoppe (7-1-0, M-1: 2-1-0), in the first round on the advice of the doctor. Georgian bantamweight Ivbragim Navruzov (4-0-1, M-1: 1-0-1) took a three-round split decision from Huyixibai Huyixibai (14-5-0, M-1: 0-1-0), of China.

Once again, M-1 Global promoted a true international event as the 20 competing athletes represented 10 different countries: Russia, United States, Slovakia, Germany, Brazil, Australia, Ukraine, Pakistan, Georgia and China.

Complete results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

(all winners listed first)

MAIN CARD

MAIN EVENT – HEAVYWEIGHTS

Sergei Kharitonov (25-6-0, M-1: 4-0-0), Russia

KO1 (Punches – 2:39)

Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (18-8-0, M-1: 0-1-0), USA

M-1 CHALLENGE FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSIP

Ivan Buchinger (32-5-0, M-1: 7-1-0), Slovakia

WSUB3 (Rear Naked Choke – 3:24)

Timur Nagibin (9-3-0, M-1: 5-2-0), Russia

(Buchinger retains M-1 Challenge featherweight title)

FEATHERWEIGHTS

Sascha Sharma (13-2-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Germany

WSUB1 (Rear Naked Choke – 1:03)

Muso Nuertiebieke (7-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), China

WELTERWEIGHTS

Alexander Butenko (43-12-1, M-1: 9-2-1), Ukraine

Corey Nelson (18-6-2, M-1: 0-0-1), Australia

FEATHERWEIGHTS

Mikhail Korobov (11-2-1, M-1: 1-2-1), Russia

WSUB1 (Rear Naked Choke – 1:18)

Asirkebai Jinensibieke (12-5-0, M-1: 0-1-0), China

PRELIMINARY CARD

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

Carlos Eduardo (16-4-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Brazil

WTKO1 (Doctor Stoppage – 1:06)

Rene Hoppe (7-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Germany

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Arten Kazbanov (8-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia

WDEC3

Nosherwan Khanzada (3-4-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Pakistan

BANTAMWEIGHTS

Ibragim Navruzov (4-0-1, M-1: 1-0-1), Georgia

WDEC3

Huyixibai Huyixibai (14-5-0, M-1: 0-1-0), China

WELTERWEIGHTS

Kuerbanjiang Tuluosibake (2-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0, China

WDEC3

Makim Melnik (3-4-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Ukraine

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Adam Tsurov (7-5-0, M-1: 6-2-0), Russia

WDEC3

Fu Kangkang (4-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), China

INFORMATION:

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews

@VFinkelchtein

@M1Global

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http://www.mixfight.ru/news/2017/6/14/Resulytaty_ceremonii_vzveshvaniya_pered_M_1_Challenge_80/photos/

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

M-1 Challenge 80 weights, pictures & video from China

June 15, 2017 FNU47 Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

M-1 CHALLENGE 80

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS FROM HARBIN, CHINA

MAIN CARD

MAIN EVENT – HEAVYWEIGHTS — 3 X 5

(L) Sergei “The Paratrooper” Kharitonov (24-6-0, M-1: 3-0-0), Russia 266 ½ lbs.

vs.

(R) “The African Assassin” Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (11-5-0, M-1: 2-1-0), USA 230 lbs.

M-1 CHALLENGE FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSIP – 5 X 5

(L)Ivan “Buki” Buchinger(31-5-0, M-1: 6-1-0), Champion, Slovakia 144 lbs.

vs.

(R) Timur Nagibin (9-2-0, M-1: 5-1-0), Challenger, Russia 144 lbs.

FEATHERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Sascha Sharma (12-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Germany 143 lbs.

vs.

Muso “Iron King” Nuertiebieke (7-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0), China 146 lbs.

WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Alexander “Iron Capture” Butenko (43-12-0, M-1: 9-2-0), Ukraine 165 lbs.
vs.
Corey “Major” Nelson (18-6-1, M-1: 0-0-0), Spain 168 lbs.

FEATHERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Mikhail Korobov (10-2-1, M-1: 0-2-1), Russia, 143 lbs.

vs.

Asirkebai Jinensibieke (12-4-0, M-1: 0-0-0), China 146 lbs.

PRELIMINARY CARD

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Rene Hoppe (7-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Germany 204 lbs.

vs.

Carlos “Cachorrao” Eduardo (15-4-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Brazil 204 lbs.

MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Arten Kazbanov (7-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Russia 185 lbs.

vs.

Nosherwan “Savage” Khanzada (3-3-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Pakistan 184 ½ lbs.

BANTAMWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Huyixibai Huyixibai (14-4-0, M-1: 0-0-0), China 135 lbs.

vs.

Ibragim Navruzov (3-0-1, M-1: 0-0-1), Georgia 132 lbs.

WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Kuerbanjiang Tuluosibake (1-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0, China 169 ½ lbs.

vs.

Makim “Man Max” Melnik (3-3-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Ukraine 167 lbs.

LIGHTWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Adam Tsurov (6-5-0, M-1: 5-2-0), Russia 154 ½ lbs.

vs.

Kangkang Fu (4-0-0, M-1: 0-0-0), China 153 lbs.

Go here for more weigh-in pictures:

Weigh-in video below:

WHEN: Thursday, June 15, 2017

WHERE: Harbin, China

PROMOTER: M-1 Global

LIVE STREAM: www.m1global.tv (12.00 p.m. ET / 9:00 a.m. PT in USA)

INFORMATION:

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews

@VFinkelchtein

@M1Global

Facebook:

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

M-1 Challenge lightweight title fight Butenko vs. Yandiev added to M-1 Challenge 74

January 17, 2017 FNU47 Leave a comment

February 18 in St. Petersburg, Russia

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (January 16, 2017) – M-1 Global has announced that M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Alexander “Iron Capture” Butenko will take on challenger Abukar Yandiev (8-1-0, M-1: 2-1-0) in the M-1 Challenge 74 co-feature on February 18, in St. Petersburg, Russia.

The previously announced main event pits undefeated M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion Rashid Yusupov (6-0-0, M-1: 4-0-0), of Russia, defends his title against former titlist Stephan “T-800” Puetz (15-2-0, M-1: 6-1-0), of Germany.

M-1 Challenge 74 will be streamed live from St. Petersburg 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 of the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.

Also announced is a fight between top bantamweights Vitaly Branchuk andMoktar “Le Kabyle” Benkaci will also be in action with the winner positioning himself for a potential title shot with M-1 Challenge bantamweight championPavel Vitruk in the not-too-distant future.

A strong Ukrainian with superior wrestling skills, Butenko (42-11-2, M-1: 9-1-0) is an eight-year MMA veteran who has found a welcomed home in M-1 Challenge competition and he has taken advantage of the opportunity. Riding a six-fight win streak, the 29-year-old Butenko captured the vacant M-1 Challenge lightweight title belt last June at M-1 Challenge 67, when he took a five-round unanimous decision over Artiom Damkovsky.

In his last action, at M-1 Challenge 71 in October, Butenko won a unanimous three-round decision against Rubenilton Pereira in a non-title fight.

Butenko’s first title defense will be against one of the most popular MMA fighters in Russia, the fighting powerhouse Yandiev, who also is a strong wrestler, plus a solid Judo background. The rising lightweight star will be a certain fan favor because of his nationality as well as his style of fighting, resulting in first-round endings in all his pro fights to date.

Last June at M-1 Challenge 68, Yandiev used an armlock for a first-round submission of Tony Christodoulou, fought at a 177 ½ lbs. catchweight.

Like Butenko, Branchuk (21-6-0, M-1: 1-2-0) also fights out of Ukraine. The 25-year-old fighter is a former M-1 Challenge bantamweight title challenger, who was riding an eight-fight into his last fight, in which he lost by fourth-round submission (choke) to the aforementioned Vitruk (see accompanying picture to left). In M-1 Challenge competition, Branchuk defeated Antun Racicone year ago, by way of a three-round split decision at M-1 Challenge 64.

Benkaci (13-7-0, (M-1: 2-1-0) is a grappling specialist from France. Known and highly respected for his great conditioning and endurance, he lost a disputed three-round decision in his M-1 Challenge debut to Nikita Chistyakov 1-½ years ago, but the talented Frenchman bounced back to knockout his last two opponents, Vadim Malygin andAlexey Naumov, respectively, by knee and punch.

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Undefeated M-1 Challenge Welterweight Champion Alexey Kuchenko decisions Murad Abdulaev in rematch

November 19, 2016 FNU47 Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

M-1 CHALLENGE 72 RESULTS

MOSCOW (November 19, 2016) – In his first title defense, M-1 Challenge welterweight champion Alexey Kuchenko(15-0-0, M-1: 7-0-0) won a five-round decision over challenger Murad “Hunter” Abdulaev (15-5-0, M-1: 3-3-0) last night in a rematch to headline M-1 Challenge 72 in Mowcow.

Kunchenko, fighting out of Tyumen, Russia, defeated defending champion Abdulaev, of Russia, last April at M-1 Challenge 65 when he was unable to continue in round four.

Rising Russian middleweight star Artem Frolov (8-0-0, M-1: 5-0-0) also remained unbeaten, stopping veteran American fighter Luigi “The Italian Tank” Fioravanti (26-15-0, M-1: 4-4-0), a former M-1 Challenge middleweight title challenger, on punches in the opening round.

Former M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Artiom Damkovsky (22-10-0, M-1: 12-7-0), of Belarus, may have positioned himself for another title shot by defeating Russian Alexey “Ataman” Makhno (13-5-0, 3-2-0), whose corner stopped the fight in the third round.

Kazak lightweight Damir Ismagulov (9-2-0, M-1: 5-1-0), fighting out of Russia, won a three-round unanimous decision over Brazilian Rubenilton “Rubinho” Pereira (16-4-0, M-1: 0-2-0), while Croatian middleweight Kristijan “Pacman” Perak (9-3-2 (M-1: 0-2-2) and Talekh “The Azerbaijan Terminator” Nadzhafzade (4-1-1, M-1: 2-0-1) fought to a three-round draw.

In preliminary card action, Russian featherweight Timor Nagibin (8-2-0, M-1: 3-2-0) knocked out Russian Kurbanali Abdusalamov (6-3-0), M-1: 4-1-1) ibn the third round, French bantamweight Moktar “Le Kabyle” Benkaci (12-6-0, M-1: 2-1-0) punched out Ukrainian Alexey Naumov (13-4-0, M-1: 1-3-0) in three rounds, Russian welterweight Danila Prikaza (5-1-1, M-1: 3-1-0) won a hard fought three-round decision over Croatian veteran Ivica “Terror” Truscek (31-28-0, M-1: 0-4-0), Ukrainian bantamweight Alexsandr Lunga (9-8-0, M-1: 1-0-0) took a three-round split decision from Russian Bair Shtepin (3-2-0, M-1: 0-2-0), Russian light heavyweight Artur Tyulparov (1-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0) won his pro debut by way of an opening round submission by way of a guillotine choke over Czech Michal Kotalik (2-1-1, M-1: 0-1-0), and Russian welterweight Adam Bakaev (1-1-0, M-1: 1-0–0) submitted Maksim “Mad Max” Melnik (2-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0).

Results and photo gallery below:

MAIN CARD

MAIN EVENT — M-1 CHALLENGE WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Alexey Kuchenko (15-0-0, M-1: 7-0-0), Russia

WDEC5

Murad Abdulaev (15-5-0, M-1: 3-3-0), Russia

(Kuchenko retained M-1 Challenge welterweight title)

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Artem Frolov (8-0-0, M-1: 5-0-0), Russia

WTKO1 (Punches – 2:11)

Luigi Fioravanti (26-15-0, M-1: 4-4-0) USA

Kristijan Perak (9-3-2, M-1: 0-2-2, Croatia

Talekh Nadzhafzade (4-1-1, M-1: 2-0-1), Azerbaijan

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Artiom Damkovsky (22-10-0, M-1: 12-7-0), Belarus

WTKO3 (Corner Stoppage – 1:01)

Alexey Makhno (13-5-0, M-1: 3-2-0), Russia

Damir Ismagulov (9-2-0, M-1: 5-1-0), Russia by way of Kazakhstan

WDEC3

Rubenilton Pereira (16-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Brazil

PRELIMINARY CARD

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

Artur Tyulparov (1-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia

WSUB1 (Guillotine Choke – 0:47)

Michal Kotalik (2-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Czech Republic

WELTERWEIGHTS

Danila Prikaza (5-1-1, M-1: 3-1-0), Russia

WDEC3

Ivica Truscek (31-28-0, M-1: 0-4-0), Croatia

Adam Bakaev (1-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia

WSUB (Choke)

Maksim Melnik (2-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Ukfaine

FEATHERWEIGHTS

Timor Nagibin (8-2-0, M-1: 4-1-0), Russia

WTKO3 (Punches – 4:03)

Kurbanali Abdusalamov (6-3-0, M-1: 4-1-0), Russia

BANTAMWEIGHTS

Alexey Naumov (13-4-0, M-1: 2-2-0), Ukraine

WTKO3 (Punches – 4:08)

Moktar Benkaci (11-7-0, M-1: 1-2-0), France

Alexsandr Lunga (9-8-0, M-1: 1-0-0) Ukraine

WDEC3WDEC3DEC3

Bair Shtepin (3-2-0, M-1: 0-2-0), Russia

NEXT SHOW: Dec. 17, M-1 Challenge 73, Igushetia, Russia

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Four fights added to solid M-1 Challenge 72 main card

November 4, 2016 FNU47 Leave a comment

November 18 in Moscow

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (November 3, 2016) – The M-1 Challenge 72 main card is set with the recent announcement of four interesting bouts, headlined by M-1 Challenge welterweight champion Alexey Kunchenko‘s title defense against former title-holder Murad “Hunter” Abduleav, November 18 in Moscow, Russia.

M-1 Challenge 72 will be streamed live from Moscow in high definition onwww.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.

In addition to the rematch between Kunchenko (14-0-0, M-1: 6-0-0) and Abdulaev (15-4-0, M-1: 3-1-0), the lightweight fight between former champion Artiom Damkovsky and Alexey “Ataman” Makhno had already been announced by M-1 Global.

Undefeated Russian middleweight Artem Frolov (7-0-0, M-1: 4-0-0), a strong striker and Combat Sambo master, faces American opponent Luigi “The Italian Tank” Fiorvanti (26-14-0, M-1: 4-3-0) battle with future title fight implications on the line for the winner.

Frolov is coming off a three-round unanimous decision over Rafael Xavier at M-1 Challenge 70, while Fiorvanti is considered a good all-around fighter who is a former M-1 Challenge middleweight title challenger.

In a featherweight bout, fully recovered Kurbaneli Abdusalamor (6-2-0, M-1: 4-0-0) faces fellow Russian Timur Nagibin (7-2-0, M-1: 3-1-0). Abdusalamov has won four fights in a row, including his last 13 months ago against American Lee Morrison, which ended in a 3-round majority decision for the Russian fighter before he was sidelined with injuries.

Lightweight Damir Ismagulov (8-2-0, M-1: 4-1-0), a native of Kazakhstan fighting out of Russia, meets Brazilian Rubenilton “Rubinho” Pereira (16-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0). Ismagulov has won his last three fights, including a 3^rd-round knockout of Raul Tutarauli in the M-1 Challenge 66 Fight of the Night. Pereira is coming off a non-title fight loss by decision to M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Alexander Butenko.

Croatian middleweight Kristijan “Klitschko” Perak (9-3-1, M-1: 0-2-1) returns to action against Talekh “The Azerbaijan Terminator” Nadzhafzads (4-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0). Perak is seeking his first M-1 victory, Nadzhafzads hopes to improve his unbeaten M-1 record to 3-0.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Nov. 18 – M-1 Challenge 72: Kunchenko vs. Abdulaev in Moscow, Russia

Dec. 9 – M-1 Challenge 73: Emeev vs. Tokov in Ingushetia, Russia

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