Tag Archives: Artem Frolov

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

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

Daniel Swain defeats Masu Nuertiebieke Mikhail Zayats decisions Caio Malgahaes

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M-1 CHALLENGE 91 OFFICIAL RESULTS
MMA fans in China turned out to watch M-1 Challenge 91
SHENZHEN, China (May 12, 2018) – American fighter Daniel “Agent Orange” Swain defeated Masu “Iron King” Nuertiebieke in this past Saturday night’s M-1 Challenge 91main event in Shenzhen, China.
The 27-year-old Swain (18-8-1), fighting out of Newport, Washington, used a knee bar to submit local favorite, Nuertiebieke (12-3-0), in the opening round of their fight that was contested at 147 1/2 pounds (67-kilograms.)
In the co-featured event, Russian National Sambo and hand-to-hand combat championMikhail Zayats (24-8-0) won a three-round unanimous decision over Brazilian middleweight Caio “Hellboy” Magalhaes (10-5-0), a past M-1 Challenge middleweight title challenger.
Brazilian lightweight Michel “Sassarito” Silva (19-7-1) defeated Li Bolin (7-5-0), of China, by way of an arm triangle for a first-round submission.
Chinese welterweight Kuerban Jiang (19-9-0) won a three-round unanimous decision against American Robert “TO” Turnquest (7-5-0), who has a black belt in judo.
In the main card opener, Ukrainian featherweight Andrey “Iron” Lezhnev (18-7-0) locked in a rear naked choke on Asikeerbai (14-7-0), of China, for a win by first-round submission.
On the preliminary card, Georgian flyweight Vazha Tsiptauri (5-1-0) and proved to be too much for his Chinese opponent, Liang Hui (10-3-0), who lost via submission in the first round thanks to a Guillotine Choke.
In a battle between undefeated female flyweights, China’s Yan Qi Hui improved to 10-0-0 with a first-round technical knockout of 9-1-0 Olga Golynska, of Russia, when their fight was stopped because of Hui’s relentless ground-and-pound attack.
Russian bantamweight prospect Selem Eloev (4-0-0) remained undefeated, submitting Xiaolong Wu (16-5-0), of China, with a rear naked choke hold in the opening round; Poland light heavyweight Rafal “Kjana” Kijanczuk (3-0-0) stopped Mathew Clempner (2-1-0), of the United Kingdom, in round one; Chinese bantamweight Huoyiybai Chuhayifu (10-3-1) took a three-round unanimous decision from Janne “Jamba” Elonen-Kulmala (16-7-1), of Finland.
M-1 Challenge 91 was a true International competition with featuring fighters representing nine different countries: Russia, China, United States, United Kingdom, Brazil, Ukraine, Georgia, Poland and Finland.
Complete results and photo gallery below:
MAIN CARD
MAIN EVENT – 67 KG. CATCHWEIGHT
Daniel Swain (18-8-1, M-1: 1-0-1), USA
WSUB1 (kneebar – 1:04)
Masu Nuertiebieke (12-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), China
CO-FEATURE – FEATHERWEIGHTS
Mikhail Zayats (24-8-0, M-1: 14-5-0), Russia
WDEC3
Caio Magalhaes (10-5-0, M-1: 1-2-0), Brazil
LIGHTWEIGHTS
Michel Silva (19-7-1, M-1: 1-2-0), Brazil
WSUB1 (Arm Triangle – 3:30)
Li Bolin (7-5-0, M-1: 0-1-0-), China
WELTERWEIGHTS
Kuerban Jiang (18-10-0, M-1: 0-1-0), China
 WDEC3
Robert Turnquest (8-4-0, M-1: 1-1-0), USA
            FEATHERWEIGHTS
Andrey Lezhnev (18-7-0, M-1: 6-3-0), Ukraine
WSUB1 (Rear Naked Choke – 3:11)
Asikeerbai (14-7-0, M-1: 0-1-0), China
PRELIMINARY CARD
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Rafal Kijanczuk (2-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Poland
WTKO1 (0:15)
Mathew Clempner (2-0-0, M-1: 0-0-0), UK
LIGHTWEIGHTS
Vazha Tsiptauri (5-1-0, M-1: 3-0-0), Georgia
WSUB1 (Guillotine Choke – 3:47)
Liang Hui (10-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), China
FEMALE LIGHTWEIGHTS
Yan Qi Hui (10-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), China
WTKO1 (Ground & Pound Stoppage – 3:35)
Olga Golymska (8-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia
BANTAMWEIGHTS
Selem Eloev (4-0-0, M-1: 4-0-0), Russia
WSUB1 (Rear Naked Choke – 2:42)
Xiaolong Wu (16-5-0, M-1: 0-1-0), China
Huoyiybai Chuhayifu (10-3-1, M-1: 1-0-0), China
WDEC3
Janne Elonen-Kulmala (15-7-1, M-1: 1-2-1)
Daniel Swain finished off Masu Nuertiebieke in the opening round with a knee-bar


Mikhail Zayats (R) won a hard fought decision over Caio Magalhaes

Andrey Lezhnev celebrates his win by submission over Asikeerbai

Kuerban Jiang was a winner

Michel Silva (R) was too much for Li Bolin to handle

INFORMATION:

www.M1Global.tv

Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
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@M1Global
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UPCOMING 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
M-1, M-1 Challenge, mixed martial arts, MMA, Russia

Joe “Diesel” Riggs vs. undefeated M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Artem Frolov on June 1st in Russia

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SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (April 27, 2018) – Eternal confrontation: experience vs. youth will continue June 1st at M-1 Challenge 93 in Chelyabinsk, Russia.

 

 

 

Undefeated M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Artem Frolov (10-0-0, M-1: 7-0-0), who was mentioned by Fighters Only Magazine among the 20 top MMA prospects for 2018, will defend his title for the first time against American favorite Joe “Diesel” Riggs (47-17-1, M-1: 2-0-1).  Frolov is known as a well-rounded fighter who has defeated all ten of his opponents, four of which he knocked out, and the other four submitted. Last October, Frolov captured the belt by defeating UFC veteran Caio Magalhaes, of Brazil, by unanimous decision, but he needed a break to heal his injuries.

 

 

 

 

At the same event, Riggs got his second victory in M-1 Global competition, extending his winning streak to six fights, all ended by TKO. Another impressive victory earned “Diesel” his title-shot and he is ready to add another championship belt to his collection. Since the champ (Frolov) could not fight and Riggs wanted to stay active, he took another fight against Ukrainian wrestler Borys Polezhai (18-6-0), which ended in a draw. “Diesel” was clearly not satisfied with that result, but his impressive unbeaten streak helped him get the June 1st title shot. Riggs, of course, will bring do his best to become world champion once again.

 

 

 

 

Will Riggs get his 48th career victory and bring another title back home to Arizona or will it be an easy job for the young Frolov?

 

 

 

 

Russian star Alexander “Storm” Shlemenko (56-10-1, 1 NC, M-1: 6-0-0) headlines M-1 Challenge 93 against Brazilian power-puncher Bruno Silva (17-6-0, M-1: 0-0-0).

 

 

 

 

Watch the event in the M-1 Global app, on M1Global.com or on FITE.TV for just $7.99 and enjoy a dozen stunning fights from the best European promotion M-1 Global!

 

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

www.M1Global.tv

www.mixfight.ru

www.wmmaa.org

 

 

 

 

Twitter & Instagram:

 

@M1GlobalNews

@VFinkelchtein

@M1Global

 

 

 

 

Facebook:

 

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews

 

 

 

 

Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:

May 12 – M-1 Challenge 91: Doskalchuk vs. Ashimov in Shenzhen, China.

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

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

“Storm” Warning! Star middleweight Alexander Shlemenko To headline M-1 Challenge 93

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Plus, Artem Frolov vs. Joe Riggs title fight
 
June 1 in Chelyabinsk, Russia

Alexander Shlemenko (R) is as tough as they come

 

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (April 24, 2018)) – One of the greatest middleweights in mix martial arts history, Alexander “Storm” Shlemenko, returns to The Rage on June 1 to headline M-1 Challenge 93 versus Brazilian power-puncher Bruno Silva (17-6-0, M-1: 0-0-0), at Chelyabinsk, Russia.

 

 

 

A hand-to-hand combat sports and kickboxing specialist, Shlemenko (56-10-0, 1 NC, M-1: 6-0-0) is a former Bellator champion, who took top honors in the 2016 M-1 Grand Prix, using a choke hold for a second-round submission of Vyacheslav Vasilevsky in the M-1 Challenge 68 Fight of the Night.

 

 

 

In his last M-1 action, “Storm” needed only 25 seconds to stop Brandon Halsey, avenging his Bellator title-fight loss, last June at M-1 Challenge 79.

 

 

 

An aggressive striker who has had registered 56 career pro victories, Shlemenko is known as a crowd pleaser, and the gifted Russian star still shines bright.

 

 

 

Silva, who will be making his M-1 debut, has stopped 14 of his 17 victims to date. The Shlemenko vs. Silva match-up is a guaranteed crowd pleaser, and few figures it will go the complete distance.

 

 

 

In the co-featured event, undefeated M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Artem Frolov(10-0-0, M-1: 7-0-0) makes his first title defense against former UFC fighter Joe “Diesel” Riggs (47-17-1, M-1: 2-0-1). The 26-year-old Frolov, of Russia, captured the M-1 Challenge title last October at M-1 Challenge 84, when he won a five-round unanimous decision over Caio Magalhaes, of Brazil. Riggs is a seasoned MMA fighter from America, who is an extremely dangerous, battle-tested opponent with as much experience as any fighter in the world.

 

 

 

M-1 Challenge 93 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 93 will also be available on www.FITE.TV (preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card)

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

 

 

 

 

www.M1Global.tv

www.mixfight.ru

www.wmmaa.org

 

 

 

 

Twitter & Instagram:

 

 

@M1GlobalNews

@VFinkelchtein

@M1Global

 

 

 

Facebook:

 

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews

 

 

 

Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:

May 12 – M-1 Challenge 91: Doskalchuk vs. Ashimov in Shenzhen, China.

 

 

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

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

FITE will stream M1 Challenge- 91 LIVE on May 12th from Shenzhen, China

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M-1 Challenge 91, May 12, in Shenzhen, China
SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (April 19, 2018)) – M-1 Global, in association with WKG, has announced an “undisputed” title bout May 12 for the M-1 Challenge 91 main event, pitting M-1 Challenge flyweight champion Aleksander Doskalchuk and Interim titlist Arman Ashimov, in Shenzhen, China.

 

 

 

M-1 Challenge 91 will be live-streamed from China 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. M-1 Challenge 91 will also be available onwww.FITE.TV(preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card)

 

 

 

The originally scheduled M-1 Challenge 91, April 21 in Saint Petersburg, featured M-1 Challenge featherweight champion Khamzat Dalgiev against American challenger Nate “The Train” Landwehr, has been cancelled. Dalgiev vs. Landwehr will be rescheduled during 2018.

 

 

 

Doskalchuk (8-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0), fighting out of Ukraine, won his title belt last September at M-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.

 

 

 

“I don’t care if my opponent has a belt or not,” Doskalchuk said. “The main thing is to properly prepare for the fight to determine the real flyweight champion. I am not expecting this fight to be easy. It’s going to be a tough battle and I will be looking for an opportunity to finish off my opponent. Fans will see a great fight. How will it end? We’ll see at The Rage!”

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

“All of Kazakhstan is waiting for this fight,” Ashimov noted. “I can’t wait because I brought the Interim belt to Kazakhstan and, if God wills, soon I will bring back the undisputed title. I’m fighting a strong and experienced opponent, who I respect a lot, but I will be ready and that will show fight night. ”

 

 

The co-feature is a middleweight showdown between veteran Russian fighter Mikhail Zayats (23-8-0, M-1: 13-5-0) and past M-1 Challenge middleweight title challenger Caio “Hellboy” Magalhaes (10-4-0, M-1: 1-1-0), of Brazil. Zayats has fought in Bellator, Magalhaes in the UFC. Last October, Magalhaes lost his M-1 Challenge middleweight title challenge to champion Artem Frolov by way of a five-round unanimous decision, headlining M-1 Challenge 84.

 

 

 

One other main card fight was announced featuring one of China’s top MMA fighters, Musu “Iron King” Nuertiebieke (12-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0) versus American featherweight Daniel Swain (17-8-1, M-1: 0-0-1).

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

 

www.M1Global.tv

www.mixfight.ru

www.wmmaa.org

 

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews

@Vadim_finkelchtein

@M1Global

 

Facebook:

 

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews
M-1, M-1 Challenge, mixed martial arts, MMA

Undisputed M-1 Challenge Flyweight Championship Aleksander Doskalchuk vs. Arman Ashimov

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M-1 Challenge 91, May 12, in Shenzhen, China

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (April 19, 2018)) – M-1 Global, in association with WKG, has announced an “undisputed” title bout May 12 for the M-1 Challenge 91 main event, pitting M-1 Challenge flyweight champion Aleksander Doskalchuk and Interim titlist Arman Ashimov, in Shenzhen, China.

 

 

 

M-1 Challenge 91 will be live-streamed from China 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 91 will also be available onwww.FITE.TV(preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card)

 

 

 

The originally scheduled M-1 Challenge 91, April 21 in Saint Petersburg, featured M-1 Challenge featherweight champion Khamzat Dalgiev against American challenger Nate “The Train” Landwehr, has been cancelled. Dalgiev vs. Landwehr will be rescheduled during 2018.

 

 

 

Doskalchuk (8-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0), fighting out of Ukraine, won his title belt last September at M-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.

 

 

 

“I don’t care if my opponent has a belt or not,” Doskalchuk said. “The main thing is to properly prepare for the fight to determine the real flyweight champion. I am not expecting this fight to be easy. It’s going to be a tough battle and I will be looking for an opportunity to finish off my opponent. Fans will see a great fight. How will it end? We’ll see at The Rage!”

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

“All of Kazakhstan is waiting for this fight,” Ashimov noted. “I can’t wait because I brought the Interim belt to Kazakhstan and, if God wills, soon I will bring back the undisputed title. I’m fighting a strong and experienced opponent, who I respect a lot, but I will be ready and that will show fight night. ”

 

 

The co-feature is a middleweight showdown between veteran Russian fighter Mikhail Zayats (23-8-0, M-1: 13-5-0) and past M-1 Challenge middleweight title challenger Caio “Hellboy” Magalhaes (10-4-0, M-1: 1-1-0), of Brazil. Zayats has fought in Bellator, Magalhaes in the UFC. Last October, Magalhaes lost his M-1 Challenge middleweight title challenge to champion Artem Frolov by way of a five-round unanimous decision, headlining M-1 Challenge 84.

 

 

 

One other main card fight was announced featuring one of China’s top MMA fighters, Musu “Iron King” Nuertiebieke (12-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0) versus American featherweight Daniel Swain (17-8-1, M-1: 0-0-1).

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

 

 

www.M1Global.tv

www.mixfight.ru

www.wmmaa.org

 

 

Twitter & Instagram:

 

@M1GlobalNews

@Vadim_finkelchtein

@M1Global

 

 

Facebook:

 

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews

M-1, mixed martial arts, MMA, Russia

M-1 Global’s 20th anniversary a smashing success in 2017

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M-1 Global president Vadim Finkelchtein
SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (December 27, 2017) — M-1 Global celebrated its 20thanniversary in style this past year, reestablishing itself as the preeminent mixed-martial-arts organization in Europe and Russia.
M-1 promoted 13 Challenges in 2017, 11 across Russia, as well as one each in China and Finland. Fighters from around the world competed including MMA superstars such as Sergey Kharitonov and Alexander Shlemenko, as well as rising stars Alexey Kunchenko and Artem Frolov.
M-1 Global founder and president Vadim Finkelchtein reviewed the 2017 season, answering a series of questions below:
Overall, how do you evaluate the 2017 M-1 Challenge season in terms of achievements and accomplishments as a promotional company?
VF: “First of all, we increased the number of events. Some were even rated among top 5 monthly sporting events on television, which is really an incredible achievement. We’ve almost finished building our new M-1 Arena and produced our own M-1 Be Strong Protein milkshake.”
You promoted events in different countries this past year like Finland.  Was M-1 embraced by those fans and, if so, why do you think so?
VF: “We held our first event in Finland and it was really successful. M-1 Challenge 82took place in Hartwall Arena, one of the largest venues in Finland, located in the capital of Helsinki. Many fans came to watch our promotion’s debut in that country and it became one of the biggest MMA events in Finland history. Scandinavia is a very interesting region for us. We have many fighters from Finland and next year we are going to hold another event there.
“We also had a big event in Harbin, China, which was a part of cultural program of Economic Forum. Many VIP visitors and thousands of fans gathered to watch the fights and it was a superb event. China is a prospective MMA market and we are going to work further, featuring more fighters from this country, and promote one or two event a year there.
“Next year, we are going to promote even more events in other countries, planning to hold M-1 Challenge shows in Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, China, Finland, Germany and the USA.”
What was the M-1 highlight of the year?
VF: “This past year we had a lot of remarkable events and fights, so it’s very difficult to choose just one highlight. If I had to choose, the rematch between Alexander Shlemenko and Brandon Halsey was the highlight of the year. Thousands of people in Saint Petersburg on June 1st came to see the rematch and that liver-kick Alexander delivered made the crowd go crazy. In the first fight, Brandon won in 35 seconds, so Alexander wanted to revenge fast and it took him just 25 seconds. That was unbelievable and unforgettable!”
Compared to past years in what areas did M-1 improve in 2017?
VF: “Each year we have more high-level fighters and that is the main difference. MMA has been developing around the world and the competition is always getting tougher. Only the best fighters receive an opportunity to sign a contract with M-1 Global. We have an opportunity to choose the best fighters, increasing the level of fights, to make it impossible to predict the winners in advance. Furthermore, we increased the number of events and TV coverage with some new TV contracts worldwide.”
This was your 20th year.  When you started 20 years ago did you envision the success M-1 has had in MMA?
VF: “I could not imagine MMA would become so popular. I went through the entire MMA evolution and the past 20 years I’ve been working on the promotion to make it better each year. The path was not easy because many years ago this kind of sport was considered criminal. Many called it fights without rules and I had to work hard to make people think about it as a legitimate sport.”
M-1 added the flyweight division this past year.  Why and was it successful in the eyes of fans?
VF: “Flyweight fighters can produce incredible performances. It was necessary for us to create this division because we knew that there were lot of good flyweight fighters. They wanted to fight in M-1 and we made it happen. We already have the first champion and a several tough contenders. In 2018, the flyweight division will be very interesting.”
M-1 CHALLENGE CHAMPIONS
HEAVYWEIGHT (265 lbs., 120,2 kg)
VACANT
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT (205 lbs., 93,0 kg)
VACANT
MIDDLEWEIGHT (185 lbs., 83,9 kg)
 
Artem Frolov (10-0-0 (M-1: 7-0-0), Russia
WELTERWEIGHT (170 lbs., 77,1 kg)
 
Alexey Kunchenko (17-0-0 (M-1: 9-0-0), Russia
LIGHTWEIGHT (155 lbs., 70,3 kg)
 
Damir Ismagulov (14-2-0 (M-1: 9-1-0), Russia by way of Kazakhstan
FEATHERWEIGHT (145 lbs., 65,8 kg)
 
Khamzat Dalgiev (10-1-0 (M-1: 7-1-0), Russia
BANTAMWEIGHT (135 lbs., 61,2 kg)
 
Movsar Evloev (8-0-0 (M-1: 8-0-0), Russia
 
FLYWEIGHT (125 lbs., 56,7 kg)
 
Aleksander Doskalchuk (8-1-0 (M-1: 3-4-1), Ukraine
INFORMATION:
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M-1, M-1 Challenge, mixed martial arts, MMA, Russia

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

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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
D3
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
INFORMATION:

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

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

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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 3rd-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
INFORMATION

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

M-1 Challenge welterweight champion  Alexey Kunchenko to make first title defense vs. Maxim Grabovich at M-1 Challenge 70

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September 10 in Syktyvkar, Russia
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (August 19, 2016) – M-1 Challenge welterweight Alexey Kunchenko will put his title belt and undefeated record on the lineSeptember 10 versus upset-minded challenger Maxim Grabovich, headlining M-1 Challenge 70 in Syktyvkar, Russia, M-1 Global has announced.
M-1 Challenge 70 will be streamed live 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 of the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.
 
The 32-year-old Kunchenko (13-0-0, M-1: 6-0-0), fighting out of Tyumen, Russia, captured the title in his last fight, when defending M-1 Challenge welterweight champion Murad Abdulaev retired during the fourth round this past April at M-1 Challenge 65.  Kunchenko (pictured below) is a Muay Thai specialist originally slated to defend his title in a rematch with Abdulaev, who was unable to accept the challenge at this point do to an injury.
 

Kunchenko is a feared, powerful striker
 
Grabovich (4-2-0, M-1: 3-0-0), a fellow Russian, earned his title shot by going undefeated in thre M-1 Challenge fights to date. Known for his Greco-Roman wrestling skills, Grabovich’s last action was in June at M-1 Challenge 68, in which he took a decision against Danill Prikaza in the Fight of the Night. 
 

Talented wrestler Grabovich hopes to pull off a major upset
 
Other fighters expected to be in action Sept. 10 on the M-1 Challenge 70card include former M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Maxim Divnich(12-1-0, M-1: 6-0-0) and former M-1 Challenge lightweight title challengerArtem Damkovsky (20-10-0, M-1: 10-7-0), along with Russian fighters such as  light heavyweight Andrey Seledtsov (5-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0),  featherweight Timur Nagibin (7-1-0, M-1: 3-0-0) and middleweight Artem Frolov (6-0-0, M-1: 3-0-0).
 
Information

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ABOUT M-1 GLOBAL: Founded in 1997, M-1 Global has established itself in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as the premier entity for discovering and developing the world’s next-generation of superstar fighters. With its office in St Petersburg, Russia, the M-1 brand has staged more than 160 events worldwide, including M-1 Selection, M-1 Challenge, M-1 Global and M-1 Global HWGP events, in addition to co-promoting Strikeforce events and M-1 Global on the U.S. network, Showtime. Captivating live, television and broadband audiences with its superior production values and match-ups, M-1 Global events have featured some of the sport’s top names, including legendary heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko, Andrei Arlovski, Gegard Mousasi, Alistair Overeem, Keith Jardine, Ben Rothwell, Melvin Manhoef, Sergei Kharitonov, Aleksander Emelianenko, Roman Zentsov, Yushin Okami, Mike Pyle, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Amar Suloev, Chalid Arrab and Stephan Struve. 2016 has been another sensational year of world-class competition, featuring a full calendar of Challenge events, fueled by a talent-rich contention system ranking M-1 Global Champions among the greatest fighters in the sport.

 
ABOUT M-1GLOBAL.TV:  Enjoy MMA action now in high definition brought to you by M-1Global.tv, offering only the best fights from M-1 Global and other MMA organizations. M-1Global.tv is a great platform developed specifically to bring together the most exhaustive fight video database.  It also provides an easy and intuitive interface, helping everyone to start using the platform in no time while avoiding any spoilers.  Besides watching the past fights on demand at any time convenient to the customer, viewers are able to enjoy the action LIVE, all available to M-1Global.tv users through a low-priced month to month digital subscription. Your world of action. Anytime!