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.

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