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M-1 CHALLENGE EVENT CALENDAR:

M-1 Challenge 74 – Feb. 18, 2017 – St. Petersburg, Russia

M-1 Challenge 75 – March 3, 2017 – Moscow, Russia

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

Sergey Romanov preparing to ruin Magomed Sultanakhmedov’s comeback party

January 6, 2017 FNU47 Leave a comment

M-1 Challenge 75, March 3 in Moscow, Russia

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (January 5, 2017) – Hot welterweight prospect Sergey “Streetfighter” Romanov is training hard to ruin the comeback of Russian veteran Magomed “The White Wolf” Sultanakhmedov in an interesting match-up March 3 at M-1 Challenge 75 in Russia.

The M-1 Challenge 75 main event, featuring a battle of undefeated welterweights between defending champion Alexey Kunchenko (15-0-0, M-1: 7-0-0), of Russia, takes on Kazakhstan challenger Shavkat Rakhmonov (7-0-0, M-1: 4-0-0),was previously announced.

Due to a series of injuries, Sulktanakhmedov (18-5-0, M-1: 10-1-0) has been inactive for the past five years, since he knocked out Tyson Jeffries in the second round of their 2011 fight at M-1 Challenge 24.

A former M-1 Selection champion, Sultanakhmedov is dropping down one weight class from middleweight to fight Romanov. During his MMA career, feared striker Sultanakhmedov has knocked out the likes of Dmitri Samoilov, Victor Nemkov, Pavel Kusch and Pliinio Cruz, among the more notables.

His tremendous flair and style makes him a fan favorite, especially his “one-shoot, one-kill” attack. The 32-year-old has fought outside of his native Russia, in the United States and Japan, and during his fighting hiatus he served as referee.

Although he isn’t looking past Sultanakhmedov, fellow Russian fighter Romanov hopes that an impressive victory over Sultankhmedov will position him for his first M-1 Challenge title shot against the Kunchenkp-Rakhmonov winner.

Romanov has had impressive victories in M-1 Challenge competition, including a decision over against Brazilian foe Carlos Pereira last October at M-1 Challenge 71, as well as a first-round stoppage via punches of Andreas Birgels this past June at M-1 Challenge 68.

“I’ve been working on my strength,” Romanov said from his training camp, “because the champion in my weight class, Alexey Kunchenko, is physically strong. I need to catch up. Not that I’m looking forward to a title fight, but I always have grandiose plans, so, we’ll see how that goes. Right now, I’m focused on Sultanakhmedov, and I think my fight with him would be no harder than a possible fight with Kunchenko.

“I started training camp with two workouts a day, but I felt sick and decided to cutback to only one workout a day until I soon return to full mode. I’ve been training at home (St. Petersburg) but will soon go to Ryazan to wrestling training camp. Then, I will go back to St. Petersburg to prepare at camp, and go to Borovaya for boxing. My opponent is left-handed, so I need appropriate sparring partners, but the guys in my camp are a great help.

“I know my opponent well having watched his fights as a youngster when he was champion. Now, we need to reevaluate him. He was a good fighter who trains at ‘Gorets’ where there is, in principle, guys there who are top level. It’s difficult to say what form he has now because he hasn’t fought in so long. Now, he is at the peak age for a fighter, 32, so we’ll see. I don’t think I’ll be favored in this fight, but I will go forward despite being the underdog.”

Romanov (R) is a solid all-around MMA fighter

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M-1 CHALLENGE EVENT CALENDAR:

M-1 Challenge 74 – Feb. 18, 2017 – St. Petersburg, Russia

M-1 Challenge 75 – March 3, 2017 – Moscow, Russia

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

M-1 Challenge Champion Alexey Kunchenko vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov To headline M-1 Challenge 75 in Battle of Undefeated Welterweights

January 4, 2017 FNU47 Leave a comment

March 3 in Moscow, Russia

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (January 2, 2017) – M-1 Global has announced a battle of undefeated fighters to headline M-1 Challenge 75 as M-1 Challenge welterweight champion Alexey Kunchenko takes on top challenger Shavkat Rakhmonov, March 3, in Moscow, Russia.

M-1 Challenge 75 will be streamed live from Moscow 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.

Kunchenko (15-0-0, M-1: 7-0), fighting out of Tyumen, Russia, used his tremendous Muay Thai skills to capture the coveted M-1 Challenge welterweight title belt last April at M-1 Challenge 65, when defending titlist Murad Abdulaev retired during the fourth round.

In a non-title fight, Kunchenko won a 3-round unanimous decision over Eduardo Ramon at M-1 Challenge at M-1 Challenge 70 last September. His first title defense was December 5 at M-1 Challenge 72, in which Kunchenko (pictured below) won a 5-round unanimous decision over Abdulaev in a rematch.

Fighting out of Karaganda, Kazakhstan, Rakhmonov (7-0-0, M-1: 4-0-0) is a former MMA amateur star who captured gold medals at the World Mixed Martial Arts Association (WMMAA) world and Asia Championships. The prodigy has continued his dominance as a professional, consistently displaying his world-class Combat Sambo talent.

Rakhmonov (pictured below) received the M-1 Challenge 59 Submission of the Night on July 3, 2015, as he choked out Michal Wiencek only 49-seconds into the opening round. In his most recent M-1 Challenge fight, Rakhmonov knocked out Marcelo Brito in the first-round last June at M-1 Challenge 67.

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M-1 CHALLENGE EVENT CALENDAR:

M-1 Challenge 74 – Feb. 18, 2017 – St. Petersburg, Russia

M-1 Challenge 75 – March 3, 2017 – Moscow, Russia

boxing

PROMOTER DON KING HOPES WBC WILL DECLARE BERMANE STIVERNE WBC INTERIM HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP

December 18, 2016 FNU47 Leave a comment

LAS VEGAS (Dec. 17, 2016) – In the aftermath of Saturday’s news that the WBC Interim heavyweight title fight in Russia between former heavyweight champion Bermane Stiverne and top-ranked Alexander Povetkin had been cancelled because Povetkin tested positive for drugs again, Hall of Fame promoter Don “Only In America” King offered a simple solution:

Declare his fighter, Stiverne (25-2-1, 21 KOs), of Las Vegas, the interim champion.

“I’ve had a long-standing respect with the WBC, beginning with Jose Sulaiman and now with his son, Mauricio, who has done an incredible job filling his father’s shoes as WBC president and just got re-elected for four more years. I stand with them and with the WBC for trying to do things the right way and with their organization’s safety procedures in regard to the boxers and the sport.

“It’s sad but this guy, Povetkin, has become a total embarrassment. He’s now tested positive in two WBC heavyweight title fights in a row. I’m all for winning and losing fights in the ring, but it’s time for justice to prevail. I don’t know what’s going on over there with so many Russian athletes in so many sports testing positive for drugs, but it has to stop. They cannot be allowed to continue to do things the way they are.

“The WBC should declare Stiverne world champion, make him the mandatory for (WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay) Wilder, and let’s move on with it. There are a lot of great heavyweight fights that can be made with willing boxers who don’t break the rules every fight.

“I’m very disappointed for Bermane, who’s now gone through two training camps with nothing to show for it. Why put up all that money for travel and expenses and then have no fight. He was ready to beat Povetkin and regain a part of the WBC title.

“And then – worse yet — for them to try and put it on Bermane for not fighting is just ludicrous. They’re taking the victim and trying to set him up as the criminal in this.’’

Stiverne pulled out after the WBC withdrew its sanction because Poverkin tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman revealed the positive test by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) on Saturday morning. Then, the WBC withdrew its recognition of the fight.

“There’s no reason to fight if the WBC won’t sanction the bout,” said Stiverne, who could have gone through with the bout but without the sanction opted not to. “I’m very disappointed in the actions of Povetkin. I’ve been training for months to be victorious.

“To wake up the day of the fight, have breakfast, take a nap and then find out he tested positive is the worst possible situation.”

This is the second time in seven months Povetkin (30-1-0, 22 KOs) has tested positive for a banned substance. He tested positive for Meldonium ahead of a scheduled May bout with Wilder, cancelling that fight.

If it had transpired, the winner of the fight for the WBC interim heavyweight title would have become the mandatory challenger to Wilder. Stiverne lost the WBC title to Wilder on a 12-round decision on Jan. 15, 2015. He’s the only fighter to go the distance with Wilder.

boxing

Warriors Boxing Congratulates Murat Gassiev for Title Winning Victory and Issues Challenge to the Entire Boxing World

December 18, 2016 FNU47 Leave a comment

‘Explain to me why Denis Lebedev is still world champion.’

Warriors Boxing and Ural Boxing wish to congratulate the fighter they co-promote, brand-new IBF Cruiserweight World Champion Murat “Iron” Gassiev, for his title-winning victory on December 3 against Denis Lebedev at the Khodynka Ice Palace in Moscow, Russia.

In an entertaining fight, Gassiev (24-0, 17 KOs) of Vladikavkaz, Russia, dropped his countryman Lebedev in the fifth round and won a split decision by scores of 116-112 and 116-111 against a score of 114-113 for the now-former champ.

In losing, Lebedev remained the WBA World Champion, as that belt was not on the line in the fight… which is where Warriors’ challenge to the boxing world lies.

“I challenge anyone in the boxing world to give me a logical explanation why Denis Lebedev was allowed to keep his WBA title after losing,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing. “Neither fighter was over the cruiserweight limit. This was a unified champion defending his titles. It’s absurd and it sets a dangerous precedent in boxing. Why would any unified champion ever put all their belts on the line again if they could keep one or two, even if they lose?”

The pair were supposed to meet for both the WBA and IBF belts, but somehow less than a week before the fight, the WBA was convinced to allow this highly irregular move, which allowed Lebedev to remain WBA Super World Cruiserweight Champion, win or lose, above WBA “Regular” World Champion Beibut Shumenov and WBA “Interim” World Champion Yunier Dorticos.

“We went along with this travesty and fought anyway, but only because Lebedev’s team threatened to pull the fight if we didn’t. It’s a ridiculous situation and I want the boxing world to know what went down here.”

Margules says Lebedev’s camp are now using the Russian media to claim Gassiev is refusing a rematch.

“Let me set that straight right now. We would LOVE to fight Lebedev again. We’ll beat him even more easily this time. But only if he actually puts the WBA belt on the line, the one my guy has already won from him in the eyes of everyone but the sanctioning body.”

Boxing politics aside, Margules and his team say they are happy with the way the 23-year-old Gassiev looked in going 12 rounds for the first time in his life.

“Murat fulfilled the promise he has shown throughout his ascension to the top of the division,” said Margules. “He was in his first 12-rounder and he kept his composure. He didn’t blow his energy when he had the guy down in the fifth. And he didn’t panic when the champion, who is a very tough guy, had a few good rounds in the middle of the fight. I am very happy to be promoting a terrific fighter like him.”

“He reminds me of a young Rocky Marciano,” said Warriors Boxing’s COO Luis DeCubas. “He’s like a tank coming forward that you can’t stop. He will get to you eventually. He’s a star in this sport. I am sure the Shumenov/Dorticos winner would much rather fight the real unified champion Gassiev, instead of the loser Lebedev. These types of situations really hurt our sport.”

About Warriors Boxing

Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation.

With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to its credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table.

When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibragimov-Holyfield.

For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.

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

KO & Submission of the Night M-1 Challenge 73 co-winners announced

December 16, 2016 FNU47 Leave a comment

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (December 15, 2016) – M-1 Global has announced Knockout of the Night and Submission of the Night bonus performance award co-winners for last Friday night’s M-1 Challenge 73: Battle of Narts in Ingushetia, Russia.

Co-Knockouts of the Night

Feared striker Magomed Idrisov (7-0-0, M-1: 4-0-0), of Russia captured the M-1 Challenge bantamweight title by knocking out defending champion Ivan “Buki” Buchinger (31-5-0, M-1: 6-1-0), fighting out of Slovakia, who rode a 10-fight win streak into M-1 Challenge 73, Idrisov put Buchinger to sleep with one devastating punch in the opening round for a shocking ending.

American bantamweight “The Punisher” Josh Rettinghouse (14-4-0, M-1: 2-0-0) knocked out his Kazakh opponent, Sergey Morozov (6-2-0, M-1: 3-2-0), in the first round.

Co-Submissions of the Night

Hometown favorite Khamzat Dalgiev (8-1-0, M-1: 5-1-0), chocked out British lightweight Christian “The Animal” Holley (10-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0) in the second round.

Brazilian bantamweight Diego “The Pride” Davella (16-5-0, M-1: 1-0-0) won his M-1 debut in impressive fashion, choking Zalimbeg Omarov (7-2-1, M-1: 4-2-1) into a second-round submission.

NEXT SHOW: Feb. 18, M-1 Challenge 74, St. Petersburg, Russia

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

New M-1 Challenge featherweight champion Magomed Idrisov knocks out Ivan Buchinger

December 10, 2016 FNU47 Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ramazan Emeev decisions Anatoly Tokov

NAZRAN, Ingushetia, Russia (December 9, 2016) – Rising Russian MMA star Magomed Idriosov knocked out Ivan “Buki” Buchinger in the opening round of tonight’s M-1 Challenge 73: Battle of Narts main event to become M-1 Challenge bantamweight champion.

In the co-feature, M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Ramazan Emeev won a hard fought three-round split decision over Anatoly Tokov in Ingushetia, Russia.

Feared as a striker, Idrisov ((7-0-0, M-1: 4-0-0) lived up to his reputation and remained undefeated as a professional, putting Buchinger to sleep with a devastating punch in round one. In his 2013 MMA debut, Idrisov knocked out current M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Alexander Butenko in a non-M-1 Global fight. The Russian is now undefeated in four M-1 Global fights having previously defeated Yuri Maia (KO1 – punches) in the M-1 Challenge 49 Knockout of the Night, Max Coga (DEC3) and Sergej Grecicho (DEC3) in his last fight September 20, 2015 at M-1 Challenge 51.

Idrisov (R) put Buchinger to sleep to become M-1 Challenge Featherweight champion

Buchinger (31-5-0, M-1: 6-1-0), fighting out of Slovakia, rode a 10-fight win streak into M-1 Challenge 73, losing for the first time since 2012 to Conor McGregor. Buchinger stopped Tural Ragimov to capture the vacant M-1 Challenge title October 17, 2014 at M-1 Challenge 52.

Two of the best middleweight fighters in the world, Emeev (15-3-0, M-1: 9-1-0) and Tokov (24-3-0, M-1: 8-2-0), battled from to start to finish as Emeev won a three-round split decision for his fourth consecutive victory.

Emeev (L) & Tokov went toe-to-toe

Undefeated Russian Moysar Evoloev remained undefeated (6-0-0, M-1: 6-0-0) by taking a three-round unanimous decision over American Lee “American Bulldog” Morrison (15-8-0, M-1: 2-5-0) at a 140-pound (63.5 kilograms) catchweight.

Russian lightweight Khamzat Dalgiev (8-1-0, M-1: 5-1-0), fighting at home in Ingushetia, chocked British-invader Christian “The Animal” Holley (10-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0) into a submission in the second round.

Closing out the Main Card, American bantamweight “The Punisher” Josh Rettinghouse (14-4-0, M-1: 2-0-0) stopped his Kazakh opponent, Sergey Morozov (6-2-0, M-1: 3-2-0), in the first round.

Brazilian bantamweight Diego “The Pride” Davella (16-5-0, M-1: 1-0-0) won his M-1 debut, choking Zalimbeg Omarov (7-2-1, M-1: 4-2-1) in a second-round submission on the Over Card.

On the preliminary card, Kurban Ibragimov (6-2-0, M-1: 3-2-0) submitted fellow Russian heavyweight Denis Polekhin in the first round, Russian featherweight Alexey Nevzorov (12-2-0, M-1: 6-1-0) registered a second-round TKO of Ukrainian Andrey “Iron” Lezhnov (8-7-0, M-1: 3-3-0), Russian lightweight Pavel Gordeav (4-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0) cruised to a second-round victory by submission choke of Kyrgyzstan’s Erlan Ulukbekov (2-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russian welterweight Akhmed-Khan Ozdoev (1-1-0, M-1: 1-1-0) stopped previously undefeated Ukrainian Andrew Bilyk (4-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), and Akhmad-Khan Bokov (2-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0) submitted Elmar Mamedov (2-1-0, M-1: 1-1-0) in the first round of a battle of Russian featherweights.

Results and photo gallery below:

MAIN CARD

M-1 CHALLENGE FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Magomed Idrisov (7-0-0, M-1: 4-0-0), Russia

WKO1 (Punch – 3:25)

Ivan Buchinger (31-5-0, M-1: 6-1-0), Slovakia

(Idrisov won M-1 Challenge featherweight title)

MIDDLEWEIGHT SUPERFIGHT

Ramazan Emeev (15-3-0, M-1: 8-1-0), Russia

WDEC3

Anatoly Tokov (24-3-0, M-1: 8-1-0), Russia

CATCHWEIGHT (140 lbs. / 65.5 kg)

Sergey Morozov (7-1-0, M-1: 4-1-0), Kazakhstan

WDEC3

Lee Morrison (15-8-0, M-1: 2-5-0), USA

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Khamzat Dalgiev (8-1-0, M-1: 5-1-0), Russia

WSUB2 (Choke – 1:50)

Christian Holley (10-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), UK

BANTAMWEIGHTS

Josh Rettinghouse (14-4-0, M-1: 2-0-0), USA

WKO1 (4:30)

Sergey Morozov (6-2-0, M-1: 3-1-2), Russia

OVERCARD

Zalimbeg Omarov (7-1-1, M-1: 4-1-1), Russia

Diego Davella (15-5-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Brazil

PRELIMINARY CARD

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Kurban Ibragimov (6-2-0, M-1: 4-2-0), Russia

WSUB1 (4:15)

Denis Polekhion (2-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia

WELTERWEIGHTS

Akhmed-Khan Ozdoev (0-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia

WTKO2

Andrew Bilyk (4-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Ukraine

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Pavel Gordeav (4-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia

WSUB2 (Choke – 1:50)

Erlan Ulukbekov (2-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Kyrgyzstan

FEATHERWEIGHTS

Alexey Nevzorov (12-2-0, M-1: 6-1-0), Russia

WTKO2 (4:52)

Andrey Lezhnev (8-7-0, M-1: 3-3-0), Ukraine

Akhmad-Khan Bokev (2-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Ingushetia, Russia

WSUB1 (5:15)

Elmar Mamedov (2-1-0, M-1: 1-1-0), St. Petersburg, Russia

Ibragimov & Polekhin

Ulukbekov & Gordeav

Bilyk & Akhmed-Khan Ozdoev

Holley & Dalgiev

Lezhnev & Nevzorov

Davella & Omarov

Mamedpv & Bokov

Morrison & Evloev

NEXT SHOW: Feb. 18, M-1 Challenge 74, St. Petersburg, Russia

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

M-1 Challenge Light Heavyweight Champion Rashid Yusupov vs. Stephan Puetz to headline M-1 Challenge 74

December 8, 2016 FNU47 Leave a comment

February 18 in St. Petersburg, Russia

(L-R) – Rashid Yusupov and Stephan Puetz

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (December 6, 2016) – M-1 Global has announced a blockbuster match-up to kick-off its 2017 season as undefeated M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion Rashid Yusupov takes on former titlist Stephan “T-800” Puetz in the M-1 Challenge 74 main event, February 18, in St. Petersburg, Russia.

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

The 24-year-old Yusupov (6-0-0, M-1: 4-0-0), fighting out of Dagestan, Russia, will be making his first title defense having captured his coveted belt this past May at M-1 Challenge 66, by way of a 5-round unanimous decision over defending champion Viktor Nemkov.

Yusupov (2 KO/TKO, 1 SUB), representing Gorets fight club (Highlander), has three other victories in M-1 Challenge competition over Martin Zawada (DEC3), Mitry Madvedev (KO/TKO1 – Punch) and Charles Andrade (DEC3).

Puetz, 29, has won six of seven M-1 Challenge fights going into fifth title fight. The talented German (5 KO/TKO, 5 SUB) from Team Spirit burst upon the M-1 Global scene 2 ½ years ago, at M-1 Challenge 46, when he challenged M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion Nemkov that ended in a 5-round split decision in favor of the new champion, Puetz.

Puetz successfully defended his title, in order, against Luis Fernando(SUB2 – Choke) and Valery Myasnikov (KO2 – Punches), followed with a Super Fight knockout (nose injury) of M-1 Challenge heavyweight champion Marcin Tybura in the third round of their May 2, 2015 non-title fight at M-1 Challenge 72. Puetz then lost his title to Nemkov by way of a 5-round majority decision in the M-1 Challenge 63 Fight of the Night.

To get back into title contention, Puetz won his last two fights against Andrey Seledtsov (DEC3) and Marcus Vinicius (SUB3 – Choke) this past October at M-1 Challenge 71.

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Amateur MMA, Russia, WMMAA

Russia dominates 2016 World MMA Championship Sweeps all 7 weight classes

December 2, 2016 FNU47 Leave a comment

Team Russia celebrates its victory with (center) Fedor Emelianenko

(photo gallery of new champions below)

MONTE CARLO, Monaco (December 1, 2016)- Team Russia parlayed its recent European Championship domination into a repeat performance at this past weekend’s World MMA Championship, by sweeping all seven weight classes in Studio City, Macau, China.

Close to 100 fighters competed, representing 23 countries including Russia, Kazakhstan, Spain, Australia, Belgian, China, Colombia, France, Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Tajikistan, Germany, Hungary, Macao, Nepal, India, South Korea, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Chinese Taipei and Italy.

Russian middleweight Gamzat Hiramagomedov and light heavyweight Magomed Ankalayev are repeat world champions.

In team scoring, Asian team champion Kazakhstan won two Silver and four Bronze medals, Ukraine two Silver and two Bronze, Czech Republic one Silver and two Bronze, Chinas one Silver and two Bronze, Kyrgyzstan two Bronze, and one Bronze for France, India, Spain and Moldova.

“I would like to thank each athlete of our National MMA Team, our coaches, doctors and all the Russian MMA Union employees,” said MMA living legend Fedor Emelianenko, WMMAA honorary president and president of the Russian MMA Union. “The fighters had a long way, put in a lot of effort, and made it to the top. Despite an ever-growing competition level, our athletes achieved 100-percent of the set goals thanks to a great training camp, fight strategy and their spirit.

“We are proud to have two-time world champions in Magomed Ankalayev and Gamzat Hiramagomedov. It’s a pleasure to follow the fighters’ personal evolution from fight to fight. The world champions will receive their accolades of Sports Master of International Level.”

Here’s a breakdown of results from each weight class:

BANTAMWEIGHT DIVISION: -61.2 kg (135 lbs.)

1. Omar Nurmagomedov (Russia)

2. Artur Mykytenko (Czech Republic)

3. Mirat Bekishev (Kazakhstan)

3. Chun Bo Yuan (China)

FEATHERWEIGHT DIVISION: -65.8 kg (145 lbs.)

1. Kurban Taigibov (Russia)

2. Elnur Veliev (Ukraine)

3. Uulu Mustafa Rakhmatilla (Kyrgyzstan)

3. Roman Molodij (France)

LIGHTWEIGHT DIVISION: -70.3 kg (154 lbs.)

1. Murad Ramazanov (Russia)

2. Sheng Liu (China)

3. Altynbek Bakhtygeldinov (Kazakhstan)

3. Leos Brichta (Czech Republic)

WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION: -77.1 kg (170 lbs.)

1. Alibeg Rasulov (Russia)

2. Goyta Dazaev (Kazakhstan)

3. Syed Abdul Nazzeur Ibrahim (India)

3. Uulu Tologon Rakhmanberdi (Kyrgyzstan)

MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION: -84 kg (185 lbs.)

1. Gamzat Khiramagomedov (Russia)

2. Idris Gezalov (Ukraine)

3. Murad Abdurahmanov (Kazakhstan)

3. Rong Fan (China)

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION: -93 kg (205 lbs.)

1. Magomed Ankalaev (Russia)

2. Robert Lau (Germany)

3. Erkinbek Inzhel (Kazakhstan)

3. Darwin Rodriguez (Spain)

HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION: +93 kg (+205 lbs.)

1. Amirkhan Isagadzhiev (Russia)

2. Alimzhan Suleimanov (Kazakhstan)

3. Viktor Pavlichek (Czech Republic)

3. Nicolae Scorohod (Moldova)

World bantamweight champion Omar Nurmagomedov

World featherweight champion Kurban Taigibov

World lightweight champion Murad Ramazanov

World welterweight champion Alibeg Rasulov

World middleweight champion Gamzat Khiramagomedov

World light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev

World heavyweight champion Amirkhan Isagadzhiev

INFORMATION:

www.WMMAA.org

www.youtube.com/user/TheWMMAA

Twitter: @theWMMAA

Instagram: @worldmmaa

ABOUT WMMAA: The goal of the World MMA Association is to provide unbiased structure and guardrail the growth of MMA as the official world governing body for Mixed Martial Arts. A non-profit organization founded in 2012, WMMAA is on a mission to develop a standardized and regulated organization, including competition, training, officiating, testing and growth when necessary. More than 50 countries have been granted WMMAA membership.

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

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

INFORMATION: