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M-1, mixed martial arts, MMA, Russia

“Road to M-1: USA” August 11 in Nashville

June 29, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Showcasing the American debut of “The Rage”

Worldwide Pay Per View from Music City

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 28, 2018) – “Road to M-1: USA”, presented by M-1 Global USA and Angel Fight Promotions, will be held August 11, airing on worldwide pay-per-view live from Global Mall in Nashville, Tennessee.

Russia-based M-1 Global has been promoting professional MMA events in Russia, China, Finland and other countries for the past 21 years, featuring many of the sport’s greatest fighters, including Fedor Emelianenko, Andrei Arlovski, Gegard Mousasi, Alistair Overeem and Sergei Kharitonov, among the more notables.

In the past, M-1 Global has promoted seven M-1 Challenges and four M-1 Selection events in the United States.

“We are excited to come back to the USA,” M-1 Global president Vadim Finkelchtein commented. “It’s been almost seven years since M-1 Global held its last show in the United States and the upcoming Road to M-1 is going to be the first step on our way back into American MMA. We’ve been working hard together with our American representatives, Angel Natal and Mike Merriman, to make it happen and on August 11th we are going to have a show to remember!”

A hybrid ring-cage, “The Rage”, will make its American debut at “Road to M-1: USA”, which allows fans optimum viewing, while fighters have the safety associated with a cage.

Integrated Sports Media will distribute “Road to M-1: USA” in North America on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV and DISH in the United States, as well as SaskTel and other outlets to be announced in Canada, and live-streamed worldwide on the FITE.TV app and website (www.fite.tv), starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, for a suggested retail price of only $19.95.

“I can’t describe how good it feels to be this close to this show airing,” said Merriman, head of operations for M-1 Global USA & Angel Fight Promotions. “Everyone loves to see sweat and blood in the ring, myself included, but so few people see the blood, sweat, and tears spilt while setting something like this up. This show is going to open a lot of eyes… and drop a few jaws!”

The main event pits Georgia middleweight Doug “Yamato” Usher (9-3-0) versus Reggie “The Regulator” Pena (14-6-0), of Florida, while Russian lightweight Vadim Ogar (6-3-0) takes on his Cuban opponent fighting out of North Carolina, Yoislandy “Cuba” Izquierdo(11-4-0) in the co-featured event.

Undefeated Russian bantamweight prospect Saidyokub Kakharamonov (5-0-0), fighting out of Chicago, throws down with Tony Gravely (12-5-0), of Virginia; Georgia flyweight C.J. “The Autobot” Hamilton (12-6-0) faces Floridian fighter Abdiel “The Nightmare” Velazquez (8-5-0), Kentucky welterweight “The Juggernaut” Brandon Bell (5-6-0) meets Jacob “Tick-Tock” McLintock (9-2-0), of Arizona; and Tennessee welterweight James Conway (3-0-0) squares off with P.J. Cajigas (5-7-0), of Chicago, to round out the main card.

Scheduled to fight on the undercard is California heavyweight Cody “The Moose” Goodale (5-4-0) vs. TBA, New Brunswick, Canada bantamweight Chris Johnson (5-6-0) vs. Jerrod “The Hillbilly Hammer” Jennings (2-1-0), of Kentucky, and local Nashville favorite Dwayne Herrelle (0-1-0) vs. pro-debuting Kentucky lightweight Kegan Agnew.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

CLICK HERE FOR PROMO VIDEO:https://drive.google.com/file/d/18ONIDbekTSAUUPhXXlhIpc_xCVqH5LGM/view?usp=sharing

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

Two M-1 Challenge title fights at M-1 Challenge 95 Kamzat Dalgiev vs. Nate Landwehr Movsar Evloev vs. Raphael Dias

June 21, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

July 21 in Ingushetia, Russia

Nate Landwehr (on top) pounded Mikhail Korobkov in his M-1 Global debut last September

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (June 19, 2018) — M-1 Global has announced that M-1 Challenge 95: Battle in the Mountains will feature a pair of title fights on July 21 in Ingushetia, Russia.

M-1 Challenge 95 will be live-streamed from Ingushetia 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 95 will also be available on www.FITE.TV(preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card)

American fighter Nate “The Train” Landwehr (10-2-0, M-1: 2-0-0)), fighting out of Clarksville, Tennessee, challenges M-1 Challenge featherweight champion Khamzat Dalgiev (10-1-0, M-1: 7-1-0), while M-1 Challenge featherweight title-holder Movsar Evloev (9-0-0, M-1: 9-0-0) makes his second title defense versus Rafael Dias (15-5-0, M-1: 1-1-0).

Landwehr broke into M-1 Global last year and from the beginning he has become one of the most popular fighters of the promotion. “The Train” fights a not-a-step-back style and starts trading punches with the opponents from the first seconds of the fight. All his fights are spectacular and no matter how the fight goes, he is always ready to find a moment to knock out opponent.

Landwehr stopped Mikhail Korobkov via punches in the second round at M-1 Challenge 83 at September. He followed up that impressive M-1 Global performance with a win by decision last November over Viktor Kolesnik at M-1 Challenge 85.

Dalgiev (10-1-0, M-1: 7-1-0), of Ingushetia, is champion for several good reasons. He is riding a 10-fight win streak, including six consecutive finishes. Last November, he took full advantage of his first title shot, shocking the MMA world with a sensational knock out of defending M-1 Challenge featherweight champion Ivan Buchinger in the opening round at M-1 Challenge 86. Dalgiev has five submissions and three knockouts on his pro record, including five first-round finishes.

Evloev (9-0-0, M-1: 9-0-0), who will be fighting at home in Ingushetia, is one of the most dominant M-1 Global champions. A cardio machine who has been unstoppable, he is an extremely well-rounded fighter. Evloev is always ready for everything that may happen in The Rage, capable of finishing his opponent early, or torturing him for 25 minutes.

Dias (15-5-0, M-1 1-1-0) prefers to take his time to win by decision, but fans may also remember his stunning victory in his second fight in M-1 Global, locking in a great choke to submit Vadim Malygin at M-1 Challenge 90.

Additional fights will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

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July 21 – M-1 Challenge 95 in Ingushetia, Russia

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

M-1 CHALLENGE 94 RESULTS & PICTURES

June 16, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Damir Ismagulov defeats Artem Damkovsky

to retain M-1 Challenge lightweight title

Damir Ismagulov (L) retained his M-1 Challenge lightweight title

ORENBURG, Russia (June 15, 2018) – M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Damir Ismagulov defeated the original title-holder in their weight class, Artem Damkowsky, to retain his title in this evening’s M-1 Challenge 94: Battle in the Heart of the Continentmain event in Orenburg, Russia.

Ismagulov (16-2-0), fighting out of Russian, won by way of a first-round technical knockout when the referee stopped the fight due to an injury suffered by Damkowsky (22-10-0), of Belarus.

In the co-featured event, Russian lightweight prospect Roman Bogatov kept his undefeated pro record intact (6-0), in addition to graduating to contender, when he upset former M-1 Challenge title challenger Raul Tutarauli (18-5-0), of Georgia.

Russian middleweight Valery “The Russian Hammer” Myasnikov (13-1-1) won a majority decision over his countryman, Mikhail Ragozin (11-4-0), Russian welterweightMaksim Grabovich (8-5-0) took a unanimous decision from Finland’s Juho Valamaa(15-5-0), and Brazilian lightweight Rubenilton “Rubinho” Pereira (20-5-0) took care of previously unbeaten Baktybek Uku Oktom (4-1-0), of Kyrgyzstan, when the latter’s corner halted the action after one round.

On the preliminary card, Brazilian heavyweight Marcus “Montanha” Vinicius Lopes(13-6-0) and Russian Asioya Kluytiova (1-0-0) both used ground-and-pound attacks to win their matches, respectively, against Russian Maksin Yakobyuk (2-1-0) in the second found and Zejna “Sei” Krantic (0-2-0) in the third round of a rare M-1 female fight.

Russian flyweight Kirill “Forma” Fomenkov (4-1-0) used a rear naked choke to submit Bulgarian Dimirar Kostov (9-6-0) in the opening round, as did French featherweightSoiksavanh “Yoda” Khampasath (11-9-1) versus Gegham Vardanyan (4-1-0), of Armenia.

Russian middleweight Vladimir Trusov (2-0-0) won a unanimous decision overLeonardo “Pitbull” Sinis (8-3-1), of Greece.

Below complete results and a picture gallery:

MAIN CARD

MAIN EVENT – M-1 CHALLENGE LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Damir Ismagulov (16-2-0, M-1: 10-1-0), Champion, Russia

WTKO1 (referee stoppage due to injury / 3:53)

Artem Damkovsky (22-11-0, M-1: 13-8-0), Belarus

(Ismagulov retained M-1 Challenge lightweight title)

CO-FEATURE – LIGHTWEIGHTS

Roman Bogatov (6-0-0, M-1: 5-0-0), Russia

WSUB2 (von flue choke / 3:05)

Raul Tutarauli (18-5-0, M-1: 6–0), Georgia

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Valery Myasnikov (13-1-1, M-1: 4-1-2), Russia

WDEC3

Mikhail Ragozin (11-4-0, M-1: 3-2-0), Russia

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Rubenilton “Rubinho” Pereira (20-5-0, M-1: 4-2-0), Brazil

WTKO1 (corner stoppage / 5:00)

Baktybek Ulu Oktom (4-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Kyrgyzstan

WELTERWEIGHTS

Juho Valamaa (15-4-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Finland

Maksim Grabovich (7-5-0, M-1: 4-3-0), Russia

PRELIMINARY CARD

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Marcus Vinicius Lopes (13-6-0, M-1: 32-1-0), Brazil

WTKO2 (ground-and-pound stoppage / 4:54_

Maksim Yakobyuk (2-1-0, M-1: 2-1-0-), Russia

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Vladimir Trusov (2-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Russia

WDEC3

Leonardo Sinis (8-3-1, M-1: 0-1-0), Greece

FEATHERWEIGHTS

Souksavanh Khampasath (10-9-1, M-1: 0-0-0), France

WSUB1 (rear naked choke / 3:08)

Gegham Vardanyan (4-0-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Armenia

FLYWEIGHTS

Kirill Fomenkov (4-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia

WSUB1 (rear naked choke / 315)

Dimirar Kostov (9-6-0, M-1: 0-2-0), Bulgaria

FEMALE CATCHWEIGHT

Asiya Kluytova (1-0-0, M-1: 12-0-0), Russia

WTKO3 (ground-and-ground stoppage / 4:22)

Zeina “Sei” Krantic (0-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Spain

Roman Bogatov (on top) made a major statement in the lightweight division

Valery Mysasnikov (R) got the better of Mikhail Ragozin

Rubenilton Pereira (L) was too much for Baktybek Ulu Oktom

Maksim Grabovich (R) nailed Juho Valamaa on his way to a unanimous decision victory

INFORMATION:

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Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:

June 15 – M-1 Challenge 94, Ismagulov vs. Samkovsky

July 21 – M-1 Challenge 95 in Ingushetia, Russia

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

Damir Ismagulov to defend M-1 Challenge lightweight title vs. Artem Damkovsky

June 11, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

M-1 Challenge 94, June 15, in Orenburg, Russia

Damir Ismagulov (on top) puts his M-1 Challenge lightweight title on the line June 15

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (June 10, 2018) – M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Damir Ismagulov will defense his title versus Belarus challenger Artem Damkovsky, this Friday (June 15) in the M-1 Challenge 94: Battle in the Heart of the Continent” main event, in Orenburg, Russia.

M-1 Challenge 94 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).

Ismagulov (15-2-0, M-1: 9-1-0), fighting out of Russia, captured his M-1 Challenge title belt 13 months ago at M-1 Challenge 78, when he stopped Maxim Divnich on punches in the fifth round.

Damkovsky (22-10-0, M-1: 13-7-0), who was the original M-1 Challenge lightweight champion, earned his title shot by winning his last three fights, knocking out Divnich in the second round with a lethal kick at M-1 Challenge 70, registered the M-1 Challenge 72Knockout of the Night against Alexey Makhno, and unanimous decision over Erivan Pereira Silva at M-1 Challenge 74.

Raul Tutarauli takes on undefeated Russian lightweight Roman Bogatov (5-0-0, M-1: 4-0-0) in the co-featured event. Also scheduled to fight on the main card is Valery “The Russian Hammer” Myasnikov (12-1-1, M-1: 3-1-2) against Mikhail Ragozin (11-3-0, M-1: 3-1-0) in a battle of Russian middleweights to determine the No. 1 M-1 Challenge middleweight contender.

Also, Brazilian lightweight Rubenilton “Rubinho” Pereira (19-5-0, M-1: 3-2-0) faces unbeaten Baktybek Uulu Oktom (4-0-0, M-1: 0-0-0), and Finnish welterweight Juho Valamaa (15-4-0, M-1: 1-0-0) meets Maksim Grabovich (7-5-0, M-1: 4-3-0), of Russia.

A rare M-1 female fight will be showcased on the preliminary card as Zejna “Sei” Krantic(0-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0), fighting out of Spain, squares off against pro-debuting Asiya Kluytova, of Russia.

Brazilian heavyweight Marcus “Montanha” Vinicius (12-6-0, M-1: 2-1-0) will throw-down with his unbeaten Russian prospect, Maksim Yakobyuk (2-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0).

All fighters and fights are subject to change.

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Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:

June 15 – M-1 Challenge 94, Ismagulov vs. Samkovsky

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

Bruno Silva shocks Alexander Shlemenko in 1st round

June 3, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Undefeated Artiom Frolov defeats

Joe Riggs to remain M-1 Challenge middleweight champ

M-1 CHALLENGE 93 RESULTS & PICTURES

CHELYABINSK, Russia (June 1, 2018) – Brazilian middleweight Bruno Silva shocked Alexander Shlemenko with an opening round stoppage to set-up a potential showdown with M-1 Challenge champion Artiom Frolov, who defeated American challenger Joe “Diesel” Riggs earlier this evening (Fri.) at M-1 Challenge 93 in Chelyabinsk, Russia.

To say the least, Silva (18-6-0) was impressive in his M-1 Global debut, knocking out the former Bellator champion Shlemenko (56-11-1), at the 2:54 of the first round. Russian star Shlemenko, who was the M-1 Grand Prix middleweight champion, had been 6-0-0 in M-1 Global competition going into The Rage to take on Silva in the main event.

Silva pounded Shlemenko and finished him off here

Silva trapped Shlemenko on the ropes and unloaded a powerful barrage of punches to the head and body, as well as one well-executed knee to the face, leaving the Russian star out cold on his feet and the stunned crowed silent.

In the co-featured event, Frolov improved his perfect MMA pro record to 11-0-0, 8-0-0 in M-1 fights, when the doctor stopped the fight in the second round due to a knee injury suffered by Riggs, the former UFC fighter.

Frolov (on top) retained his M-1 Challenge middleweight title

Ukrainian flyweight Alexander Pletenko (14-4-0), also fighting for the first time in an M-1 Global event, won a third-round unanimous decision over Chris Kelades (12-4-0), the native of Greece who lives in Canada.

Russian lightweight Alexey Makhno (18-6-0) took a three-round unanimous decision fromRogerio Karranza (13-4-0), of Brazil, while Finnish flyweight Mikael Silander (18-6-0) choked Nureles Aidarov (3-1-0), of Kyrgyzstan, into a first-round submission.

On the preliminary card, Russian heavyweights Yuriy Fedorov (1-0-0) in his pro debut andNikolay Savilov (12-3-0) both used ground-and-pound attacks to defeat, respectively, French heavyweight Charles-Henri Lucien (0-2-0) in round one and Nikolay Rachek (7-6-0), of Russia, in the third frame.

In a battle of Russian middleweights, Vladimir Migovich (1-2-0) won a three-round unanimous decision over Nikita Novikoov (5-3-0), South African middleweight Mark Hulme (6-2-0) submitted his Russian opponent, Vadim Shabadash (7-3-0), via a rear naked choke in the opening round.

Russian lightweight Magomed Magomedov (9-2-0) won a three-round split decision over his countryman, Nikita Podkovalnikov (2-1-0), Russian bantamweight Sergey Klyuev‘s (6-1-0) kimura forced previously undefeated Ilya Karetnikov (4-1-0), of Russia, into first-round submission, and Pierre Ludet (4-0-0), of France, locked a rear naked choke on Russian flyweight Egor Filidov (0-1-0) for a first-round victory by submission.

Complete Results and a picture gallery below:

MAIN CARD

MAIN EVENT – MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Bruno Silva (18-6-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Brazil

KO1 (punches – 2:54)

Alexander Shlemenko (56-11-1, M-1: 6-1-0), Russia

CO-FEATURE – M-1 CHALLENGE MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Artiom Frolov (11-0-0, M-1: 8-0-0), Russia

WKO2 (doctor stoppage /knee injury – 0:46)

Joe Riggs (47-18-1, M-1: 2-1-1), USA

FLYWEIGHTS

Alexander Pletenko (14-4-0, M-1: 1-0-0-), Ukraine

WDEC3

Chris Kelades (12-4-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Canada

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Alexey Makhno (18-6-0, M-1: 5-3-0), Russia

WDEC3

Rogerio Karranca (13-4-0, M-1: 0-2-0), Brazil

FLYWEIGHTS

Mikael Silander (18-6-0, M-1: 2-1-0), Finland

WSUB1 (d’arce choke – 4:26)

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

PRELIMINARY CARD

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Yuriy Fedorov (1-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia

WTKO1 (ground and pound stoppage – 1:31)

Charles-Henri Lucien (0-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), France

Nikolay Savilov (12-3-0, M-1: 4-1-0), Russia

WTKO3 (ground and pound stoppage – 4:26)

Nikolay Rachek (7-6-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Vladimir Migovich (1-2-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia

WDEC3

Nikita Novikov (5-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia

Mark Hulme (6-2-0, M-1: 1-0-0), South Africa

WSUB1 (rear naked choke – 2:20)

Vadim Shabadash (7-3-0, M-1: 2-1-0), Russia

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Magomed Magomedov (9-2-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia

WDEC3

Nikita Podkovalnikov (1-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia

BANTAMWEIGHTS

Sergey Klyuev (6-1-0, M-1: 4-1-0), Russia

WSUB1 (kimura – 2:25)

Ilya Karetnikov (4-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia

FLYWEIGHTS

Pierre Ludet (4-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), France

WSUB1 (rear naked choke – 3:36)

Egor Filidov (0-0-1, M-1: 0-0-1) , Russia

Silva celebrated after his shocking vicrory over Shlemenko

STILL THE CHAMP: Artiom Frolov has his hand raised in victory

(L) Alexander Pletenko won his M-1 Global debut

Alexey Makhno (on top) won a hard fought decision over Rogerio Karranca

Mikael Silander (R) submitted Nureles Aidarovn en route to a first-round victory

INFORMATION:

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

June 1 – M-1 Challenge 93: Shelemnko vs. Silva in Chelyabinsk, Russia

June 15 – M-1 Challenge 94: Ismagulov vs. Damkovsky in Orenburg, Russia

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

M-1 Challenge 93 Weights & Pictures

June 1, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (May 31, 2018) – The official weight in was held today fortomorrow’s M-1 Challenge 93 at Chelyabinsk, Russia.

American fighter Joe “Diesel” Riggs experienced a long, costly trip from the U.S. to Chelyabinsk to challenge undefeated M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Artiom Frolov in the co-featured event.

“On my way to Russia,” Riggs explained his journey, “we took an Uber to get to the airport. We had an accident. I wanted to take another Uber, but the cops would not let me leave, because they wanted to send me to the hospital to get checked. One of my cornermen had to go to the hospital because he was seated in the part of the car that has been damaged.

“I called the guys in M-1 Global and told them I was not going to make the flight to California. They were freaking out and said there is no way I could miss the flight and come the next day because it would mess everything up. I bought tickets for another flight to California, which would give me around 40 minutes to get in on time for the connection flight to Moscow. I had a choice of either taking my bags and staying overnight in California or leaving my bags and flying right away to Russia. I chose the second option, left my bags, and made it to Moscow. Now, I kind of regret that decision because it cost me around $20,000, which I will lose in sponsorship, but it’s all good, everything happens for a reason.

“Winning the belt would be a great end for my career. M-1 Global is a fantastic organization! This will be my fourth world title and it really means a lot for me. The guy I’m fighting, Artem Frolov, is not well-known, but he will probably be one of the best fighters I’ve ever fought! Anytime you fight for the title, you feel pressure. I was supposed to be the UFC champion when I was 22, but I would not show up for certain fights. I would not fight up to my potential and now I want to enter The Rage, show my best, and get that belt.”

Below find fighters’ weights and main-event pictures:

MAIN CARD

MAIN EVENT – MIDDELWEIGHTS — 3 X 5

(R) Alexander “Storm” Shlemenko

(56-10-1, M-1: 6-0-0), Russia 184.4 lbs. (83.65 kg)

vs.

(L) Bruno Silva (17-6-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Brazil 186.07 lbs. (84.4 kg)

CO-FEATURE – M-1 CHALLENGE MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – 5 X 5

(R) Artiom Frolov (10-0-0, M-1: 7-0-0), Champion, Russia 185.18 lbs. (84 kg)

vs.

(L) Joe “Diesel” Riggs (47-17-1, M-1: 2-0-1), Challenger, USA 185.18 lbs. (84 kg)

FLYWEIGHTS — 3 X 5

(L) Chris “The Greek Assassin” Kelades (12-3-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Canada 124.56 lbs. (56.5 kg)

vs.

(R) Alexander Pletenko (13-4-0, M-1: 0-0-0-), Ukraine 125 lbs. (56.7 kg)

LIGHTWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

(L) Rogerio Karranca (13-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Brazil 154.32 lbs. (70 kg)

vs.

(R) Alexey “Ataman” Makhno (17-6-0, M-1: 4-3-0), Russia lbs. 161.82 lbs. (73.4 kg)

(yellow card) –

FLYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

(L) Mikael “Hulk” Silander (17-6-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Finland 124.78 lbs. (56.6 kg)

vs.

(R) Nureles Aidarov (3-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Kyrgyzstan 124.56 lbs. (56.5 kg)

PRELIMINARY CARD

HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Charles-Henri Lucien (0-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0), France228.62 lbs. (103.7 kg)

vs.

Yuriy Fedorov (pro debut), Russia 260.15 lbs. (118 kg)

Nikolay Rachek (7-5-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Russia 249.12 lbs. (113 kg)

vs.

Nikolay Savilov (11-3-0, M-1: 3-1-0), Russia 231.82 lbs. (105.15 kg)

MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Nikita Novikov (5-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Russia 184.42 lbs. (83.65 kg)

vs.

Vladimir Migovich (0-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Russia 182.87 lbs. (82.95 kg)

Mark Hulme (5-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0), South Africa 183.76 lbs. (83.35 kg)

vs.

Vadim Shabadash (7-2-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Russia 184.64 lbs. (83.75 kg)

LIGHTWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Magomed Magomedov (8-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Russia 154.98 lbs. (70.3 kg)

vs.

Nikita Podkovalnikov (1-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Russia 154.54 lbs. (70.1 kg)

BANTAMWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Sergey Klyuev (5-1-0, M-1: 3-1-0), Russia 135.14 lbs. (61.3 kg)

vs.

Ilya Karetnikov (4-0-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Russia 128.97 lbs. (58.5 kg)

FLYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Egor Filidov (Pro Debut), Russia 122.8 lbs. (55.7 kg)

vs.

Pierre Ludet (3-0-0, M-1: 0-0-0), France, 125 lbs. (56.7 kg)

(all fights & fighters subject to change)

WHEN: Friday, June 1, 2018

WHERE: Chelyabinsk, Russia

PROMOTER: M-1 Global

LIVE STREAM: www.m1global.tv (9.00 a.m. ET / 6:00 a.m. PT in USA). Also available onFITE.TV (preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card)

INFORMATION:

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews

@Vfinkelchtein

@M1Global

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

June 1 – M-1 Challenge 93: Shelemnko vs. Silva in Chelyabinsk, Russia

June 15 – M-1 Challenge 94: Ismagulov vs. Damkovsky in Orenburg, Russia

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

IN THE RAGE INTERVIEW CHRIS “The Greek Assassin” KELADES

May 31, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Chris Kaledes (R) is shooting for his second straight M-1 victory this Friday

CHELYABINSK, Russia (May 30, 2018) – Greece-born flyweight Chris “The Greek Kelades” Kelades (12-3-0, M-1: 1-0-0), fighting out of Dartmouth, Canada, takes on Ukrainian fighter Alexander Pletenko (13-4-0, M;1: 0-0-0) this Friday night on the M-1 Challenge 93 main card, in Chelyabinsk, Russia.

Kelades made his successful M-1 Global debut last November at M-1 Challenge 86, when he defeated Oleg Lichkovakha by way of a third-round submission (Kimura).

It’s been more than a half- year since your M-1 Global debut. Why did you take such a long break?

CK: “It’s hard to believe it’s been that long. I was supposed to fight back in March, but I had problems getting my travel visa secured, so I was rebooked to fight in April but, unfortunately, the event was canceled. So, I’ve been ready to fight, but circumstances have changed the dates. I’m excited for this fight and looking forward to fighting in Chelyabinsk. Two times my fights have been canceled and it was extremely frustrating, but it gave me more time to work on my game and learn new techniques.”

In your M-1 Global debut, you have been very cautious during the first two rounds, but in the third round you got a submission. Is it your real fighting style or did you just wanted to win the debut fight without taking risks?

CK: Every fight is different. Sometimes in a new environment it takes longer to feel the fight start and you have to read the opponent before you react too aggressively.”

What can you say about your next opponent, Alexander Pletenko? You have similar records. Does it mean you have similar fighting styles?

CK: “I’ve seen some of his fights and I don’t think we have similar styles. I’ve been fighting the best guys in the world and at a certain level it’s more difficult to finish fights.”

Before joining M-1 Global you had never fought anywhere except North America. What does it feel like to fight half a world away from your home?

CH: “I really enjoyed myself the last time in my debut with M-1 Global. The travel is a little bit of a hassle with the distance, but I really enjoy fighting internationally and here in Russia. I like fighting away because I enjoy having to prove myself to other fighters and the fans. It motivates me!”

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).

Undefeated M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Artem Frolov (10-0-0, M-1: 7-0-0) defends his title for the first time against American favorite Joe “Diesel” Riggs (47-17-1, M-1: 2-0-1) in the M-1 Challenge 93 co-featured event.

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 atwww.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 onwww.FITE.TV(preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card)

INFORMATION:

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews

@VFinkelchtein

@M1Global

Facebook:

Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:

June 1 – M-1 Challenge 93: Shelemnko vs. Silva in Chelyabinsk, Russia

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

IN THE RAGE INTEVIEW Artem Frolov

May 30, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

CHELYABINSK, Russia (May 29, 2018) – Undefeated M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Artem Frolov (10-0-0, M-1: 7-0-0) defends his title for the first time this Friday against American favorite Joe “Diesel” Riggs (47-17-1, M-1: 2-0-1) in the M-1 Challenge 93 co-featured event, in Chelyabinsk, Russia.

Frolov has knocked out four of his opponents and submitted four others. Last October, Frolov captured the belt by defeating UFC veteran Caio Magalhaes, of Brazil, by unanimous decision and he needed a break to heal his injuries.

Artem Frolov (L) puts his perfect record and M-1 Challenge middleweight title belt on the line this Friday against Joe “Diesel” Riggs

In 2016 you had three fights and last year you fought only twice. How many fights a year would you like to have in the future?

AF: “I would like to fight three times a year. I think this is the best number because it lets me have enough time for good recovery after fights and enough time for training camps. Of course, there are also some distraction factors, which do not let me fight more often like, for example, some amateur competitions where I fight from time to time.”

Your title fight against Caio Magalhaes was a hard trial for you. How difficult was that 25- minute brawl?

AF: “I knew the fight was going to be a tough confrontation because Caio is a great fighter with excellent striking skills. However, during the fight I found the best way to fight him and saw how I could get the victory. He impressed me with his firmness; he did not quit after I delivered many hard punches, so I must admit he has a big heart.”

When did you learn that you were going to fight Joe Riggs? What can you say about his skills?

AF: “Even before the title fight I knew that, if I won the belt, my first title defense would be against Joe Riggs. He drew my attention with his debut fight in M-1 Global. I checked his record, took a look at the list of the guys he had defeated, and understood that sooner or later we were going to meet in The Rage.

“Of course, in the last few months, I watched many of the Diesel’s fights. His main advantage is his experience, he has five times more fights than me. Riggs is a well-rounded fighter, his wrestling skills together with the excellent control skills on the ground, and powerful ground-and- pound are probably his main strengths. So, he is definitely a fighter of the ‘American school’.”

After capturing the title, you were mentioned among the top 20 best prospects in the world by the famous MMA magazine Fighters Only. What does it feel?

AF: I was flattered to be mentioned in the best prospects list, especially by a respected magazine like Fighters Only. Such recognition proves that you dedicate your life to MMA for a reason and that you have really achieved something. But I know that I have much work to do and a lot of things in my game to improve.”

Two weeks after your fight against Riggs there will be a contender fight between Mikhail Ragozin and Valery Myasnikov. Who do you think will be the winner? Which one of them would you like to fight?

AF: “I am acquainted with both these guys, so I would not like to fight either of them. I can’t say who is going to win this fight because they are both strong athletes and have their advantages. In my opinion the one who will have better cardio will win the fight.

“I would prefer to fight only the strongest foreigners, not fellow countrymen. You travel around the country, have camps in different places, make friends and one day you are told that you are fighting one of them. That is not the best feeling, trust me, so I’d like to fight the best athletes from other countries, so I can fight not only for myself, my gym and my city, but for the country, defending the honor of the national flag.”

You have the same number of wins by knockouts and submissions in your record. How would you like to end the upcoming fight?

AF: “I came to MMA as a wrestler, so it makes me happy that I am getting better at striking. However, it feels great to win via submission as well, especially when it is a beautiful one. As a matter of fact, any finish is awesome, because my family and friends are worried about me during the fight and I don’t like to make them worry too long. So, I prefer to finish the fights early.

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).

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 onwww.FITE.TV(preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card)

INFORMATION:

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews

@VFinkelchtein

@M1Global

Facebook: