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March 30 – M-1 Challenge 90 in St. Petersburg, Russia

April 21 – M-1 Challenge 91 in St. Petersburg, Russia

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

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

March 15, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

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.

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

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

March 12, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

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

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

Mar. 30 – M-1 Challenge 90: Kunchenko-Butenko, M-1 Arena, Saint Petersburg, Russia

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

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

March 3, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

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:

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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

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

M-1 CHALLENGE 88 RESULTS & PICTURES

February 24, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

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:

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

March 10 – M-1 Challenge 89 in Saint Petersburg, Russia

March 30 – M-1 Challenge 90 in Saint Petersburg, Russia

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

M-1 CHALLENGE 87 WEIGHTS & PICTURES

February 9, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (February 8, 2018) — The official weigh in was held todau fpor tomorrow’s M-1 Challenge 87, highlighted by the grand opening of M1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

MAIN CARD

MAIN EVENT – M-1 CHALLENGE INTERIM FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – 5 X 5

(L) Mikael “Hulk” Silander

(Finland) 124.56 LB. (56,5 kg.)

vs.

(R) Arman Ashimov (Kazakhstan) – 124.78 LB. (56,6 kg.)

CO-FEATURE – LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

(L) Kleber Raimundo “Orgulho” Silva (Brazil) – 204.37 LB. (92,7 kg.)

vs.

(R) Dimitry Mikutsa (Ukraine) – 205 LB. (93 kg.)

FEATHERWEIGHTS — 3 X 5

Timur Nagibin (Russia) – 144.62 LB. (65,6 kg.)

vs.

Jadison Dimitry “Tita” Silva (Brazil) – 144.84 LB. (65,7 kg.)

WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

(R) Shavkat Rakhmonov (Kazakhstan) – 169.76 LB. (77 kg.)

vs.

(L) Levan Solodovnik (Russia) – 168.87 LB. (76.6 kg.)

(L) Pablo Ortmann (Switzerland) – 169.76 LB. (77 kg.)

vs.

(R) Ingiskhan Ozdoev (Russia) – 170 LB. (77.1 kg.)

PRELIMINARY CARD

HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Jose “Agus” Augustin Jimenez Garcia (Spain) – 263.23 LB. (119,4 kg.)

vs.

Adam Bogatyrev (Russia) – 255.74 LB. (116 kg.)

WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Charles-Henri Tchoungui (France) – 170 LB. (77.1 kg.)

vs.

Artem Nenakhov (Russia) – 169.54 LB. (76.9 kg.)

Amiran Gogoladze (Georgia) – 170 LB. (77.1 kg.)

vs.

Stanislav “Stas” Podolsky (Russia) – 167.33 LB. (75.9 kg.)

Anderson “Fala Mansa” De Queiroz Diniz (Brazil) – 168.43 LB. (76,4 kg.)

vs.

Danila Prikaza (Russia) – 170 LB. (77.1 kg.)

LIGHTWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Pavel Gordeev (Russia) – 158.07 LB. (71,7 kg.)

vs.

Bobur “Karshinskiy” Kurbonov (Uzbekistan) – 158.51 LB. (71,9 kg.)

Jani Salmi (Finland) – 154.76 LB. (70,2 kg.)

vs.

Nikolay Goncharov (Russia) – 154.76 LB. (70,2 kg.)

Aleksandar Rakas (Croatia) – 154.54 LB. (70,1 kg.)

vs.

Anatoly Lyagu (Ukraine) – 155 LB. (70,3 kg.)

PRE-UNDERCARD

Tino Gilaranz (Spain) – 154.1 LB. (69,9 kg.)

vs.

Valentin Kryzhanovsky (Russia) – 151.46 LB. (68,7 kg.)

(all fights & fighters subject to change)

WHEN: Friday, February 9, 2018

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)

INFORMATION:

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@Vadim_finkelchtein

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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

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

Stars coming out for M-1 Challenge 88

February 1, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

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

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@M1GlobalNews

@Vadim_finkelchtein

@M1Global

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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

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

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

January 26, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

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

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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

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

2017 M-1 Global Fighter of the Year M-1 Challenge Lightweight Champion Damir Ismagulov

January 17, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (January 16, 2018) — M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Damir Ismagulov has been selected by mixed-martial-arts fans around the world as the 2017 M-1 Global Fighter of the Year.

Fighting out of Orenburg, Russia, the 26-year-old Ismagulov (14-2-0, M-1: 8-1-0) was 3-0-0 in 2017, all in M-1 Global action, including his M-1 Challenge lightweight title-winning performance, followed by one successful title defense.

Ismagulov, a native of Kazakhstan, started 2017 in grand style, knocking out Morgan Heraod of France, in the third round last February at M-1 Challenge 74.

Last May, Ismagulov faced former M-1 Challenge champion Maxim Divnich (13-2-0), at home, in Orenburg, for the vacant M-1 Challenge lightweight championship.

Their title fight commenced with a “feeling-out process” of simple exchanges of blows with Ismagulov working more with his feet, but the opening round ended with the hometown favorite holding a slight advantage.

Ismagulov, however, dominated the next three rounds and Divnich, whose severely damaged, bloody face showed the ill effects of Ismagulov’s continued assault, was unable to turn things around in the fifth. As the finish neared, Ismagulov failed to submit his game opponent until a barrage of unanswered punched rained on a defenseless Divnich. The referee halted the action with 13-seconds remaining on the clock for a hard-fought Ismagulov win by technical knockout.

After the fight 5,000 fans celebrated, roaring their approval for Ismagulov, who said, “I’m from the Orenburg region. I won the belt! Thanks for coming. I want to thank the MMA Orenburg, my coach,Victor Frolov, who saw me as a talent, and Alexander Shlemenko for believing in me. I thank my coaches, my family, and our fans.

“I’ve proved that a simple guy from a small village without the Internet can become champion. If I can, you can. The belt is in Orenburg, where it should be.”

Ismagulov is shown here in a ground-and-pound attack vs. Rogero Matias da Conceicao

Ismagulov won a hard-fought main event battle against upset-minded Rogero “Karranca” Matias da Conceicao, of Brazil, by way of a non-title, unanimous decision at M-1 Challenge 85.

Ismagulov defends his M-1 Challenge lightweight title February 22, when he takes on his Georgian challenger, Raul Tuturauli (18-3-0, M-1: 6-1-0), in the M-1 Challenge 88 main event at Olympic Stadium in Moscow.

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

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

M-1 Global kicks-off 2018 in February with M-1 Challenge 87 & 88

January 8, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (January 8, 2018) – M-1 Global will kick-off its 21^stseason with a pair of international events in February, M-1 Challenge 87 and M-1 Challenge 88, respectively, Feb. 9 in Saint Petersburg and Feb. 22 in Moscow.

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 at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.

Finnish flyweight Mikael “Hulk” Silander (17-5-0, M-1: 1-0-0) takes on Kazakh fighter Ariman Ashimov (10-2-1, M-1: 2-0-0) in the lone fight announced this far for M-1 Challenge 87, which will feature the grand opening of M-1 Arena. The Silander-Ashimov winner will be positioned for a potential title shot against M-1 Challenge flyweight champion Aleksander Doskalchuk, of Ukraine.

Mikael Silander (R) will be making his Russian MMA debut Feb. 9 in Saint Petersburg

Ariman Ashimov hopes to improve to 3-0-0 in M-1 Challenge competition on Feb. 9

Two M-1 Challenge title fights have been announced as the M-1 Challenge 88 co-main events on Feb. 22 in Moscow.

M-1 Challenge Lightweight Champion Damir Ismagulov (14-2-0, M-1: 8-1-0), of Russia, defends his belt against his dangerous Georgian challenger, Raul Tutarauli(18-3-0, M-1: 6-1-0), while M-1 Challenge Bantamweight Champion Movsar Evloev (8-0-0, M-1: 8-0-0) puts his perfect pro record on the line against Kazakhstan-native Sergey Morozov (10-3-0, M-1: 5-2-0), who also fights out of Russia.

Damir Ismagulov (on top) makes his second title defense Feb. 22

Raul Tutarauli (on top) gets his first title shot Feb. 22

Movsar Evloev (L) plans to keep his prefect record intact

Sergey Morozov is hoping to upset Movar Evloev to become M-1 Challenge Bantamweight Champion

All fights and fighters are subject to change. Additional matches for M-1 Challenge 87and M-1 Challenge 88 will soon be announced.

INFORMATION:

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews

@Vadim_finkelchtein

@M1Global

Facebook: