Tag Archives: Russia

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

 
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
Facebook:

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

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

Ivan Buchinger is back!

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

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

Ivan Buchinger had top position here on way to his victory

Anton Vyazigin knockoyuts Zaur Gadzhibabayev

  Oleg Aduchiev drops Vitaliy Branchuk

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

Mickael Lebout knocked out Sergey Faley

INFORMATION:

www.M1Global.tv

Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@Vadim_finkelchtein
@M1Global
Facebook:
 
UPCOMING EVENTS:
 
Mar. 30 – M-1 Challenge 90: Kunchenko-Butenko, M-1 Arena, Saint Petersburg, Russia

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

Mar. 10 in Saint Petersburg at new M-1 Arena
SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (March 2, 2018) – Former M-1 Challenge featherweight champion Ivan “Buki” Buchinger hopes to bounce back strong from his title-losing loss against M-1 Global-debuting Andrey Krasnikov, March 10 in the M-1 Challenge 89 main event, at the new M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
M-1 Challenge 89 will be live-streamed from Russia in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets. M-1 Challenge 89 is available onwww.FITE.TV (preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card)
Buchinger (32-6-0, M-1: 7-2-0), fighting out of Slovakia, captured the M-1 Challenge featherweight title on October 17, 2014, stopping Tural Ragimov on punches in the fourth round, in the M-1 Challenge 52 Fight of the Night. Buchinger retained his title for more than three years, losing his title belt last November 24 at M-1 Challenge 86, when he was knockout by punches in the opening round by Khamzat Dalgiev.
“I did not suffer any injuries,” Buchinger reflected on his loss to Dalgiev. “Physically I felt good, but I was extremely disappointed because my opponent was so lucky to deliver a nice punch. It was just a lucky punch that knocked me out. Everything went as planned up until that moment, when I made a single fatal mistake. He was lucky that night, bit I don’t want to belittle Khamzat’s skills. He’s an excellent fighter and a great person.
“Would I win a rematch? I don’t want to make any predictions but, if we fight for the second time, we will see who is going to be the winner. But I am sure that I am a better fighter than him. Real champions do not care about who they fight, so I will fight any opponent to get my belt back. Everybody knows who the true champion is, so, as soon as I have an opportunity to win the title, I’ll do it.”
The road back to the top for Buchinger will not be easy. His opponent, Krasnikov (14-3-0, M-1: 0-0-0), plans to make a big splash in his first M-1 Global competition, positioning himself for a future M-1 Challenge title shot. The well-balanced Ukrainian, who has won 13 of his last 14 pro fights, is equally adept on his feet or ground.
“He is a young, strong opponent,” Buchinger spoke about his next opponent, “who is always ready to go until the end. I take all my fights seriously and the next one won’t be an exception. My coaches and team have watched some of my opponent’s fights and helped me to understand what I need to do in the fight, what I need to avoid. I am sure that I can get my strap back and this fight should become my first step. This time I feel a little bit different because I don’t feel any pressure, which I used to feel as champion.
“I am happy to fight in Saint Petersburg at the new M-1 Arena. I love Russian fans because they really understand MMA and are always very hospitable. I am going to make a huge comeback and win in style!”
Russian kickboxing specialist Viktor Kolesnik (11-3-1, M-1: 2-1-1) takes on M-1 Global first-time fighter David “Davi Boxer” Silva de Souza (7-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0) in an intriguing match-up of contrasting styles of fighting.
Former UFC and Bellator fighter, Canadian flyweight Chris “The Greek Assassin” Kelades (12-3-0, M-1: 1-0-0) may have found a new home in M-1 Global, but he faces a tough challenger, Vitaliy Branchuk (23-7-0, M-1: 2-3-0), of Ukraine.
The always popular heavyweights will also be in the spotlight as Zaur Hajibabayev (6-1-0, M-1: 4-0-0), Azerbaijan, attempts to extend his M-1 Global win streak to five against always dangerous Anton Vyazigin (8-2-0, M-1: 3-1-0), of Russia.
Rounding out the highly competitive main card is a lightweight match between another former UFC combatant, Frenchman Mickael “Ragnar” Lebout (16-8-2, 1 NC, M-1: 0-0-0) in his long-awaited M-1 Global debut, against veteran Sergey Faley (20-10-0, M-1: 4-1-0).
All fighters and fights are subject to change.
INFORMATION:
Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@Vadim_finkelchtein
@M1Global
Facebook:
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Mar. 10 – M-1 Challenge 89: Buchinger-Krasnikov, M-1 Arena, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Mar. 30 – M-1 Challenge 90: Kunchenko-Butenko, M-1 Arena, Saint Petersburg, Russia

Salita Signs Top Light Heavyweight Umar Salamov to Co-Promotional Contract

Dmitriy Salita, of Salita Promotions, proudly announces the signing of world-class light heavyweight contender Umar Salamov to a co-promotional contract, along with KA Promotions.

Salamov (20-1, 15 KOs) hails from Alkhan-Kala, Russia, but is currently in Detroit training at the legendary Kronk Gym with Javan SugarHill Steward.
“Umar is a tall, rangy light heavyweight with crafty footwork and an arsenal of punches,” said Steward. “Being that Umar is only 23 years of age, his natural athleticism and creativity in the ring makes me excited to teach him that Kronk magic, which will make him a force in the strong light heavyweight division.”
“I have relocated my training base to Detroit and look forward to a big year,” said Salamov. “My goal this year is to become a mandatory challenger for a world title in one of the four sanctioning bodies and fight for a world title.”
The 23-year-old slugger has already amassed quite a collection of championships as professional. He is the former IBO Youth and World Light Heavyweight, WBO Youth World, European and International, and the IBF East/West Europe Light Heavyweight Champion.
“Umar is one of the best light Heavyweights in the world,” said Dmitriy Salita. “It’s a division that is packed with lots of very good fighters and big names. I believe Umar has the skills and the experience to be the best. He is only 23 years old and has lots of world-class experience on the elite level in the amateurs and the pros. Now with him training in Detroit, his skills and experience will go to new levels.”

 

 

 

 

 

Salamov says the decision to sign wit Salita was an easy one to make. “Dmitriy has a very good reputation and has done great work with the fighters he has worked with. He is very serious and responsible in his work. I have high hopes!”

M-1 CHALLENGE 88 RESULTS & PICTURES 

Damir Ismagulov & Movsar Evloev retain M-1 Challenge titles
 

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

Damir Ismagulov (R) strikes Raul Tutarauli

Movsar Evloev finished off Sergey Morozov


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

Valery Myasnikov blasted out Joseph Henle

INFORMATION:

www.M1Global.tv

Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@Vadim_finkelchtein
@M1Global
Facebook:
 
UPCOMING EVENTS:
 
March 10 – M-1 Challenge 89 in Saint Petersburg, Russia
March 30 – M-1 Challenge 90 in Saint Petersburg, Russia

Streaking Russian Female Star Elena Savelyeva to Fight 10 Rounds in Fourth Pro Fight

In just her fourth professional fight, rising female flyweight prospect Elena Savelyeva will take the leap to 10-rounders.
Formerly one of the most decorated female amateur boxers in the world and a 2012 Olympian, Savelyeva (3-0, 3 KOs), of Pushkino, Russia, will face former world title challenger Nevenka Mikulic of Croatia on Saturday, February 10 at Qin Shi Huang Restaurant in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
“I feel great,” said Savelyeva, “Everything has gone completely according to plan. The fight itself will show what great shape I’m in. My training is always very intense, and I always have planned-out goals in mind.”
Co-promoted by Salita Promotions and Russian-based Alexander Nevskiy Promotion Group, Savelyeva went 134-15-1 as an amateur, winning the world, European (2X) and Russian (6X) championships She represented her homeland in the 2012 Summer Olympics and competed in the first-ever women’s Olympic boxing match in history.
She has been preparing for her first 10-round fight between gyms in Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
“I haven’t experienced any difficulties at all so far,” said Savelyeva of the transition to the professional ranks. “My opponents allowed me to develop and progress properly. I have an extensive amateur background, fighting and beating the best in the world. I expect to do the same in the pros and win a professional world title, hopefully by the end of this year.”
“Elena is progressing quickly, as any fighter with her amateur experience would,” said co-promoter Dmitriy Salita. “After this fight, she will be looking for world-title fight, especially if its against her former amateur rival, (UK-based) Nicola Adams.”
###
About Salita Promotions
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe. For more information, visit salitapromotions.com.

Stars coming out for M-1 Challenge 88

 
Two M-1 Challenge title fights
Damir Ismagulov vs. Raul Tutarauli
Movsar Evloev vs. Sergey Morozov
Feb. 22 in Moscow
SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (January 31, 2018) – A pair of M-1 Challenge title fights, along with the return of a former champion, are shock-and-awe fights on M-1 Challenge 88, February 22 at Olympic Stadium in Moscow, Russia.
M-1 Challenge 88 will be live-streamed from Russia in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.
M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Damir Ismaguluv (14-2-0, M-1: 8-1-0), the Kazakhstan native fighting out of Russia, defends his title against Georgian challenger Raul Tutarauli (18-3-0, M-1: 6-1-0) in the main event.
The 26-year-old Ismagulov is riding a nine-fight win streak, dating back more than 2 ½ years, including a third-round knockout of Tutarauli on May 27, 2016 in the M-1 Challenge 66 Fight of the Night. Ismagulov also won the M-1 Challenge 72 Fight of the Year, by way of a third-round unanimous decision on November 18, 2016.
Tutarauli, 25, has reeled off eight victories in a row since he lost to Ismagulov, including decisions wins last year over Artur Lemos at M-1 Challenge 77 and Vladimir Kanunnikov at M-1 Challenge 83.
In the co-main event, undefeated M-1 Challenge bantamweight title holder Movsar Evloev (8-0-0, M-1: 8-0-0) puts his perfect professional MMA record on the line against his Kazakh challenger, Sergey Morozov (10-3-0, M-1: 5-2-0).
Evloev has been unbeatable since his M-1 Global and professional debut on November 25, 2014, when the gifted Russian choked Jianwei Ha into a second-round submission at M-1 Challenge 53. At M-1 Challenge 76, Evloev captured the Interim M-1 Challenge bantamweight title, knocking out Alexey Nevzorov with a powerful kick last April, followed by an impressive five-round decision over veteran Pavel Vitruk this past July at M-1 Challenge 81 to capture the outright title.
Morozov earned his first title shot with back-to-back victories in 2017 against veteran Brazilian fighters, taking a three-round decision from Fabricio Sarraff at M-1 Challenge 76, and a second-round knockout by punches of Luan Fernandez at M-1 Challenge 83.
Also fighting on the main card is former M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion Stephan “T-800” Puetz (15-3-0, M-1: 6-2-0), of Germany, vs. Russian foe Khadis Ibragimov (2-0-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Brazilian bantamweight Helton dos Santos Davella(15-5-1, M-1: 0-1-1) vs. Bair Shtepin (5-2-0, M-1: 2-2-0), of Russia, and American middleweight Joseph “Leonidas” Henle (10-3-1, M-1: 0-1-0) vs. Valery “The Russian Hammer” Myasnikov (11-1-2, M-1: 2-1-2).
The preliminary card is loaded, as well, with unbeaten prospects Alexander Osetrov(3-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0) and Sergey Klyuev (5-0-0) in a battle of Russian bantamweights, former M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Maxim Divnich (13-4-0, M-1: 7-4-0), of Russia by way of Ukraine, vs. Busurmankul Abdibait Uulu (9-2-1, M-1: 1-0-1) , of Kyrgyzstan, German heavyweight Frank Tattoo” Kortz (4-4-0, M-1: 0-1-0) vs. unbeaten Russian Maxim Yakobyuk (7-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Talekh “The Azerbaijan Terminator” Nadzhafadze (6-2-1, M-1: 2-1-1) vs. Russian middleweight Vitaliy Slipenko (9-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0), and Brazilian lightweight Rubenilton “Rubinho” Pereira (18-5-0, M-1: 2-2-0) vs. Erlan Ulukbekov (7-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), of Kyrgyzstan.
All fighters and fights are subject to change.
INFORMATION

Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@Vadim_finkelchtein
@M1Global
Facebook:
 
UPCOMING EVENTS:
 
Feb. 9 – M-1 Challenge 87: Silander vs. Ashimov, M-1 Arena, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Feb. 22 – M-1 Challenge 88: Ismagulov vs. Tutarauli, Olympic Stadium, Moscow, Russia

Rising Star Elena Gradinar to Face Olivia Gerula for IBF Intercontinental Championship in Narva, Estonia, on March 24

Rising female star, Elena Gradinar of Saint Petersburg, Russia, will compete for the first championship belt of her professional career when she takes on former world champion Olivia “The Predator” Gerula for the IBF Intercontinental Featherweight Championship.
The 10-round Gradinar vs. Gerula battle will take place on Saturday, March 24, at the Energia Sport Hall in Narva, Estonia.
The undefeated 27-year-old Gradinar (8-0, 2 KOs) went 73-8 as an amateur, winning numerous national and international amateur tournaments. Gradinar has also attained the designation of Sport Master of Russia.
A well-respected and accomplished professional, Gerula, from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, is the former WBC World Female Super Featherweight Champion and made two successful defenses. She has also held the well-respected WIBA World Championship.
“I am very glad to fight for IBF Intercontinental belt against former WBC World Champion Olivia Gerula,” said Gradinar. “We will bring for boxing fans a dramatic and exiting clash between us. I am very proud that I will represent my country Russia and I hope that IBF Intercontinental belt will find residence in the glorious Russian city of St. Petersburg!”
“I am very excited about what’s to come. I look forward to visiting Estonia and soaking up some of its culture while proudly representing Canada,” said Olivia Gerula. “I know Elena has an impressive amateur record and an undefeated professional record, but I don’t believe she has ever been in the ring with a fighter of my quality and experience, so I expect to shake things up.”
Gerula’s co-promoter Dmitriy Salita, along with Russian-based Alexander Nevskiy Promotion Group, says the Gerula fight will prove a lot about Gradinar’s transition to the professional ranks.
“This will be the toughest test of Elena’s young career,” said Salita. “Olivia Gerula has fought and beaten many top-level female fighters in the division. I am looking forward to a great fight and, with a victory, the continued development of our future world champion.”

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

Grand Opening of M-1 Arena, Feb. 9
Saint Petersburg, Russia
SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (January 25, 2018) – The Interim M-1 Challenge flyweight title will be on the line February 9, when Mikael “Hulk” Silander and Arman Ashimov square off in the M-1 Challenge 87 main event, in the grand opening of M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Both events will be live-streamed from Russia in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register atwww.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.
One of Scandinavia’s all-time best MMA fighters, the 32-year-old Silander (17-5-0, M-1: 1-0-0) earned his title shot by winning a three-round majority decision over Vitaliy Branchuk (23-6-0), last August at M-1 Challenge 82 in his native Finland.
Ashimov (7-2-1, M-1: 2-0-0), fighting out of Almaty, Kazakhstan, is unbeaten in M-1 Global fights having knocked out Rodrigo Melonio this past November at M-1 Challenge 85, and Gadzhimurad Aliev last July at M-1 Challenge 81.
A loaded main card also features undefeated Kazakh welterweight Shavkat Rakhmonov (7-0-0, M-1: 5-0-0) versus his Russian opponent, Levan Solodovnik (5-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0) Juho Valamma (15-4-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Brazilian light heavyweight Kleiber Raimundo “Orgugho” Silva (14-7-0, M-1: 1-0-0) vs. Dmitry Mikutsa (7-3-0, M-1: 1-1-0), of Ukraine, Russian featherweight Timur Nagibin (13-3-0, M-1: 5-2-0) vs. Jadison Dimitry “Tita” Silva (23-8-0, M-1: 0-0-0), of Brazil, and Pavel Gordeev (9-1-0, M-1: 3-0-0), of Russia, TBA.
The preliminary card has undefeated Swiss welterweight prospect Pablo Ortmann (7-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0) vs. Ingiskhan Ozdoev (5-3-0, M-1: 4-3-0), of Russia, unbeaten Russian heavyweight Adam Bogatyrev (5-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0) vs. Jose “Agus” Augustine Jimenez (5-3-0, M-1: 0-0-0), French welterweight Charles-Henri Tchoungui (9-7-1, M-1: 0-1-0), vs. Artem Nenakov (6-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), of Russia, and Georgian welterweight Amiran Gogoladze (4-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0) vs. Stanislav “Stas” Podolsky (5-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0).
All fighters and fights are subject to change.
INFORMATION:www.M1Global.tv
Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@Vadim_finkelchtein
@M1Global
Facebook:
 
UPCOMING EVENTS:
 
Feb. 9 – M-1 Challenge 87: Silander vs. Ashimov, M-1 Arena, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Feb. 22 – M-1 Challenge 88: Ismagulov vs. Tutarauli, Olympic Stadium, Moscow, Russia

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

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

www.M1Global.tv

Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@Vadim_finkelchtein
@M1Global
Facebook:
 
UPCOMING EVENTS:
 
Feb. 9 – M-1 Challenge 87: Silander vs. Ashimov, M-1 Arena, Saint Petersburg, Russia

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