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Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:

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

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

April 29, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

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 1^st 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:

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@VFinkelchtein

@M1Global

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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

April 25, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

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:

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews

@VFinkelchtein

@M1Global

Facebook:

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

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

Heavyweight star Sergei Kharitonov To headline M-1 Challenge 92

April 24, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

May 24 at M-1 Arena in
Saint Petersburg, Russia

Sergei Kharitonov (R)

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (April 23, 2018)) – Russian heavyweight star Sergei Kharitonov returns to The Rage on May 24 to headline M-1 Challenge 92 at M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Kharitonov (27-6-0, M-1: 5-0-0) faces his fellow countryman, upset-minded Anton Vyazigin(9-2-1, M-1: 4-1-0), in this Heavyweight SuperFight.

The 6′ 4″, 258-pound Kharitonov is undefeated in five M-1 Challenge events having defeated Geronino dos Santos (SUB1 – ankle lock), Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (KO1 – punch), former M-1 Challenge heavyweight champion Kenny “Deuce” Garner twice, at M-1Challenge 59 in 2015 at Kazakhstan (WTKO1 – punches) and M-1 Challenge 53 in 2013 at China, (KO/TKO3 – injury), and to Alexei Kudin at M-1 Challenge 43 in 2013 Russia (KO2).

The 37-year-old Kharitonov, has defeated some of the greatest heavyweight MMA fighters of all-time, including Alister Overeem, Andrei Arlovski, Fabricio Werdum and Pedro Rizzo. Kharitonov has also fought in Strikeforce, K-1, Bellator and PRIDE.

Vyazigin, who stands 6′ 5″ and weights 250-pounds, is coming off a sensational 16-seconds knockout of Zaur Gadzhibabayev this past March at M-1 Challenge 89.

One other main card fight has been announced as striker Giga Kukhalashvili (9-3-0, M-1: 2-0-0) meets undefeated Khadis Ibragimov (3-0-0. M-1: 1-0-0) in a battle of undefeated Russian light heavyweights.

On the preliminary card, French lightweight Mickael “Ragnar” Lebout (17-8-2, 1 NC, M-1: 1-0-0) meets rising Russian prospect Pavel Gordeev (10-1-0, M-1: 4-0-0). Lebout vs. Gordeev was scheduled to happed at M-1 Challenge 87, but Lebout was injured during training camp, forcing the Frenchman out of that fight. Lebout’s M-1 debut at M-1 Challenge 89 resulted in a win by first-round knockout of Sergey Faley. Gordeev is riding a three-fight win streak, all ending in unanimous decisions.

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

INFORMATION:

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews

@Vadim_finkelchtein

@M1Global

Facebook:

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

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

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

April 22, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

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

April 20, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

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:

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews

@Vadim_finkelchtein

@M1Global

Facebook:

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

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

March 31, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

And still champion…….Alexey Kuchenko (R)

M-1 CHALLENGE 90 RESULTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Complete results & picture gallery below:

MAIN CARD

MAIN EVENT — M-1 CHALLENGE WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

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

WTKO3 (Punches – 4:04)

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

(Kunchenko retains M-1 Challenge welterweight title)

CO-FEATURE – MIDDLEWEIGHTS

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

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

FLYWEIGHTS

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

SUB2 (Arm Triangle Choke – 4:39)

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

CATCHWEIGHT

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

WTKO2 (Punches – 0:30)

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

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

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

WDEC3

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

PRELIMINARY CARD

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

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

WSUB1 (0:27)

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

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

DEC3

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

CATCHWEIGHT

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

WKO1 (Knee kick – 0:12)

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

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

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

Wseb1 (Anaconda Choke – 2:48)

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

WELTERWEIGHTS

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

WSUB2 (Ankle Lock – 1:35)

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

LIGHTWEIGHTS

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

WDEC3

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

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

WSUB2 (Arm Triangle Choke – 1:21)

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

FEATHERWEIGHTS

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

WSEB2 (Triangle Choke – 4:55)

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

Kunchenko (L) attacked Butenko

Polejay (L) & Riggs battled to a draw

Dias (R) got a kick out of Malygin

Olenichev (L) edged Nunes

Aidarov (R) showed concern for his fallen opponent Lichkovakha

INFORMATION:

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@M1GlobalNews

@Vadim_finkelchtein

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

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

Bellator, boxing, ESPN Boxing, M-1, M-1 Challenge, mixed martial arts, MMA, PFL, Rich Bergeron, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, Top Rank, UFC

FNU Combat Sports Show: Anthony Joshua’s Potential UFC Contract, Parker vs. Joshua Boxing Preview and Other Combat Sports News

March 30, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

This week on the FNU Combat Sports Show, Tom, Tony and Rich discuss a wide range of topics. We even touch on a little WWE news at the end of the show. We begin with discussions about Anthony Joshua possibly signing to fight under the UFC Boxing banner and move on later in the show to preview his fight against Joseph Parker this weekend. We also cover the temporary suspension of Canelo Alvarez and the involvement of Mark Burnett in the new Professional Fighters League. Listen to the full show in the player below:

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

M-1 CHALLENGE 90 OFFICIAL WEIGHTS & PICTURES

March 29, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

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

MAIN CARD

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

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

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

CO-FEATURE – MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

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

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

FLYWEIGHTS — 3 X 5

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

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

CATCHWEIGHT – 3 X 5

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

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

MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

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

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

PRELIMINARY CARD

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

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

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

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

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

CATCHWEIGHT – 3 X 5

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

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

MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

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

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

WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

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

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

LIGHTWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

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

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

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

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

FEATHERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

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

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

(all fights & fighters subject to change)

WHERE: M-1 Arena, Saint Petersburg, Russia

PROMOTER: M-1 Global

LIVE STREAM: www.m1global.tv (10.30 a.m. ET / 7:30 a.m. PT in USA). Also available on FITE.TV (preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card)

INFORMATION: