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M-1 Challenge 82: August 5, 2017 in Helsinki, Finland

This Saturday in Helsinki, Finland

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

Undefeated Movsar Evloev New M-1 Challenge Bantamweight Champion

July 25, 2017 FNU47 Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sergei Kharitonov defeats Geronimo Dos Santos

Joe Riggs wins M-1 Global debut

M-1 CHALLENGE 81 RESULTS

INGUSHETIA, Russia (July 23, 2017 – Undefeated Movsar Evloev is the new M-1 Challenge bantamweight champion after he defeated defending champion Pavel Vitrukin the M-1 Challenge 81: Battle in the Mountains 6 main event, last night in the Republic of Ingushetia.

The international MMA event – fighters represented 11 different countries — coincided with the 25^th anniversary celebration of the Republic of Ingushetia.

(L-R) — M-1 Global promoter Vadim Finkelchtein &
new M-1 Challenge bantamweight champion Movsar Evloev.

Evloev (8-0-0, M-1: 8-0-0), who was the interim M-1 Challenge bantamweight champion, is a Russian fighter whose entire pro career has been in M-1 Global competition. Last night, he won a five-round decision over defending M-1 Challenge bantamweight titlist Vitruk (14-3-0, M-1: 8-3-0), the Ukrainian-born fighter who fights out of Russia.

Movsar Eloev (R) defeated Pavel Vitruk

In the co-featured event, Russian heavyweight star Sergei “The Paratrooper” Kharitonov (26-6-0, M-1: 5-0-0) continued his M-1 dominance, using an ankle lock to force Brazilian veteran Geronimo “Mondragon” Dos Santos (39-19-0, M-1: 0-1-0) into a submission.

Sergei Kharitonov (R) was too much for Geronimo Dos Santos

American middleweight Joe “Diesel” Riggs (44-17-0, M-1: 1-0-0), fighting out of Phoenix (AZ), won his M-1 debut in impressive fashion, using his ground-and-pound attack for powerful third-round knockout of Russian Samoilov (19-11-1, M-1: 10-6-0).

The M-1 debut of Canadian welterweight Spencer “Judge” Jebb (12-6-0, M-1: 0-1-0) wasn’t successful as Russian Ingishhan Ozdoev (5-3-0, M-1: 4-3-0) used a spinning wheel kick to KO Jebb midway through the opening round.

In the main card opening fight, Brazilian heavyweight Kleber “Orgulho” Raimundo Silva (14-7-0, M-1: 1-0-0) won a three-round decision over Konstantin “Lacplesis” Gluhuv (31-17-0, M-1: 2-6-0), of Latvia.

On the preliminary card, Russian welterweight Khamzat Sakalov (7-2-0, M-1: 6-0-0) took a decision from French welterweight Charles-Henri Tchoungui (9-6-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Kazakhstan bantamweight Arman Ashimov (9-2-1, M-1: 1-0-0) punched out previously undefeated Russian Gadzhimurad Aliev (6-1-0, M-1: 1-1-0) in the second round, and unbeaten Russian welterweight used knees and punches to stop SpaniardAlberto Vargas (4-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0) in the first round.

Georgian light heavyweight Giga Kukhalashvile (7-3-0, M-1: 1-0-0) knocked out previously unbeaten Nurbek Islailov (3-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), of Kyrgyzstan, in the first round on punches, while Russian welterweight Movsar Bokov (2-1-0, 2-1-0) took out Ukrainian Igor Onoprienko (1-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0) with punches in the opening round.

Russian lightweight Alik Albogahiev (3-0-0, M-1: 3-0-0) and Georgian welterweightAmiran Gogoladze (4-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0) both used first-round, rear naked choke holds to defeat their respective opponents, Russian Filip Narizhny (6-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0) and Russian Ibrahim Sagov (1-1-0, M-1: 1-1-0).

Complete results below:

MAIN CARD

MAIN EVENT – M-1 CHALLENGE BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Movsar Evloev (8-0-0, M-1: 8-0-0), Russia

WDEC5

Pavel Vitruk (14-3-0, M-1: 8-3-0), Russia

(Evloev won M-1 Challenge bantamweight title)

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Sergei Kharitonov (26-6-0, M-1: 5-0-0), Russia

WSUB1 (2:13 – ankle lock)

Geronimo Dos Santos (39-19-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Brazil

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Joe Riggs (44-17-0, M-1: 1-0-0), USA

WTKO3 (0:24 – punches)

Dmitry Samoilov (19-11-1, M-1: 10-6-0), Russia

WELTERWEIGHTS

Ingiskhan Ozdoev (5-3-0, M-1: 4-3-0), Russia

WKO1 (2:25 – spinning wheel kick)

Spencer Jebb (12-6-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Canada

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Kleber Raimundo Silva (14-7-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Brazil

WDEC3

Konstantin Gluhuv (31-17-0, M-1: 2-6-0), Latvia

PRELIMINARY CARD

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

Giga Kukhalashvili (8-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Georgia

WTKO/KO1 (0:59 – punches)

Nurbek Islailov (3-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Kyrgyzstan

WELTERWEIGHTS

Khamzat Sakalov (6-3-0, M-1: 6-0-0), Russia

WDEC3

Charles-Henri Tchoungui (9-6-1, M-1: 0-1-0), France

Akhmadkhan Ozdoev (4-0-0, M-1: 4-0-0), Russia

WTKO1 (2:45 – knees & punches)

Alberto Vargas (4-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Spain

Movsar Bokov (2-1-0, M-1: 2-1-0), Russia

WTKO1 (3:43 – punches)

Igor Onoprienko (1-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0, Ukraine

Amiram Gogoladze (4-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Georgia

WSUB1 (0:53 – rear naked choke)

Ibrahim Sagov (1-1-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Russia

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Alik Albogahiev (2-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Russia

WSUB1 (1:36 – rear naked choke)

Filip Narizhni (6-3-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Russia

BANTAMWEIGHTS

Arman Ashimov (9-2-1, M-1: 1-0-0), Kazakhstan

WKO2 (1:08 – punch)

Gadzhimurad Aliev (6-1-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Russia

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M-1 Challenge 82: August 5, 2017 in Helsinki, Finland

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

M-1 Challenge: Markus “Caveman” Vanttinen Promo Video

July 19, 2017 FNU47 Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (July 18, 2017) – Finnish MMA star Markus “Caveman” Vanttinen will headline the first M-1 Global show held in Finlandin nine years, August 5, at M-1 Challenge 82, at Hatwall Arena in Helsinki. .

M-1 Challenge 82 will be streamed live from Helsinki, Finland, 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.

Vanttinen (24-6-0, M-1: 2-2-0), will take on Russian light heavyweight prospect Mikhail Ragozin (8-2-0, M-1: 1-0-0). in the M-1 Challenge 82 main event.

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M-1 CHALLENGE EVENT CALENDAR:

M-1 Challenge 81: July 22, 2017 in Ingushetia, Russia

M-1 Challenge 82: August 5, 2017 in Helsinki, Finland

M-1 Challenge 82, August 5, in Helsinki

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

SERGEI KHARITONOV vs. GERONIMO DOS SANTOS M-1 CHALLENGE 81 PROMO VIDEO

July 8, 2017 FNU47 Leave a comment

M-1 Challenge 81 will be streamed live from Ingushetia, 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.

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M-1 CHALLENGE EVENT CALENDAR:

M-1 Challenge 81: July 22, 2017 in Ingushetia, Russia

M-1 Challenge 82: August 5, 2017 in Helsinki, Finland

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

Sensational heavyweight showdown announced for “M-1 Challenge 81: Battle in the Mountains 6” Sergei Kharitonov vs. Geronimo Dos Santos

June 28, 2017 FNU47 Leave a comment

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July 22 in Ingushetia

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (June 28, 2017 – M-1 Global has announced a sensational heavyweight shodeown between two International stars, Sergei “The Paratrooper” Kharitonov and Geronimo “Mondragon” Dos Santos, at the July 22^nd M-1 Challenge 81: Battle in the Mountains 6, to be held in the Republic of Ingushetia.

The international MMA event will coincide with the 25^th anniversary celebration of the Republic of Ingushetia.

The M-1 Challenge bantamweight championship fight between defending champion Pavel Vitruk (14-2-0), and interim titlist Movsar Evloev (7-0, M-1: 7-0) had been previously announced for M-1 Challenge 81.

The two giant heavyweights fighting on the card are each world ranked by Fightmatrix, both preferring early endings as they have 40 combined knockouts. This exciting duel is a fitting addition for such a grand tournament like M-1 Challenge 81: The Battle of the Mountains 6.

Russian strongman Kharitonov (24-6-0, M-1: 4-0-0) is coming off a devastating, one-punch knockout of American Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou in the opening round of their main event fight, June 15 in China, at M-1 Challenge 80. Kharitonov (pictured below on right vs. Kenny Garner) has stopped 15 of his 24 victims to date.

The fifth-highest rated Brazilian heavyweight in world ranking, Santos (39-18-0, M-1: 0-0-0) looks like a frightening bodybuilder, displaying 290-pounds of cut muscle on his 6′ 3″ frame. In his 57 pro MMA fights around the world, he has 39 victories, 25 coming by knockout. Although this will be his M-1 debut, Santos has fought several times in Russia, reaching the final of the Ahmat Grand Prix, where he lost to Zelimkhan Umievu. Last December, he dropped a unanimous decision to Evgeny Erokhin atMFP: Cup of the Eastern Borders 2. Santos is returning once again to Russia on July 22 to take on an MMA monster in Kharitonov, hoping to defy the legendary Russian mixed martial artist.

Additional fights will soon be announced

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Pavel Vitruk to defend M-1 Challenge bantamweight title vs. Interim titlist Movsar Evloev

June 18, 2017 FNU47 Leave a comment

M-1 Challenge 81: Battle in the Mountains 6, July 22 in Ingushetia

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (June 16, 2017 – M-1 Global has announced that M-1 Challenge bantamweight champion Pavel Vitruk will defend his title against interim titlist Movsar Evloev, July 22 in the M-1 Challenge 81: Battle in the Mountains 6 main event, in the Republic of Ingushetia.

The international MMA event will coincide with the 25^th anniversary celebration of the Republic of Ingushetia.

Vitruk (14-2-0), fighting out of Moscow, bounced back strong from a sub-par 2016 with impressive victories over Sergei Morozov and then Vitaly Branchukom to become the first M-1 Challenge bantamweight champion.

Vitruk, though, was unable to make his first title defense until now, due to an injury, opening the door for Evloev (7-0-0) to become the interim M-1 Challenge bantamweight champion and Vitruk’s mandatory challenger.

Fighting at home in Ingushetia, Evloev has improved in each fight, adding in physical strength and using technology. He knocked out Alexei Nevzorov in the second round at M-1 Challenge 76 to become interim champ.

Evloev looked very impressive in his last few fights and it appears his undefeated streak will be extremely difficult to snap. Vitruk, however, has much more experience than his challenger with twice as many professional fights, including several stiff tests he passed with flying colors.

Vitriuk vs. Evloev promises to be an uncompromising battle as both fighters are more than worthy of owning the coveted M-1 Challenge championship belt. The two warriors are true masters of the martial arts.

Additional fights will soon be announced

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Checkout this one-punch KO

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

Sergei Kharitonov puts Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou To sleep in opening round

June 18, 2017 FNU47 Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ivan Buchinger retains

M-1 Challenge featherweight title

OFFICIAL M-1 CHALLENGE 80 RESULTS

HARBIN, China (June 16, 2017) – MMA heavyweight star Sergei Kharitonov continued his dominance in M-1 Global competition, knocking out Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou midway through the opening round of last night’s M-1 Challenge 80 main event, held in Harbin, China.

Cameroon-native Sokoudjou (18-8-0, M-1: 0-1-0), fighting out of the United States, was nailed on the chin by a straight right thrown by Kharitonov (25-6-0, M-1: 4-0-0), who immediately jumped on top of his fallen foe, firing two more powerful hammer-punches to the head, until the referee halted the action.

But it really was a classic one-punch KO by Kharitonov, who remains undefeated in M-1 Global competition at 4-0-0.

or go here to view:

https://m1global.tv/news/m1_challenge_80_kharitonov_vs_sokoudjou_event_results/

M-1 Challenge featherweight champion Ivan “Buki” Buchinger (32-5-0, M-1: 7-1-0), of Slovakia, successfully defended his title, submitting Russian challenger Timur Nagibin (9-3-0, M-1: 5-2-0) in round three via a rear naked choke.

German featherweight Sascha Sharman (13-3-0, M-1: 1-1-0) did the same to his opponent, Musu “Iron King” Nuertiebieke (7-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), of China, except Sharman finished the show at the 1:03 mark of the opening round.

Australian welterweight Corey “Major” Nelson (18-6-2, M-1: 0-0-1) and Alexander “Iron Capture” Butenko (43-12-1, M-1: 9-2-1) fought to a three-round majority-draw, while Russian featherweight Mikhail Korobov (11-3-1, M-1: 1-2-1) also used a rear naked choke to submit Asirkebai Jinensibieke (12-5-0, M-1: 0-1-0) in the first round.

On the preliminary card, Russian middleweight Artem Kazbanov (8-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Chinese welterweight Kuerbanjiang Tuluosibake (2-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0) and Russian lightweight Adam Tsurov (7-5-0, M-1: 6-2-0) all won three-round unanimous decisions, respectively, against Nosherwan “Savage” Khanzada (3-4-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Ukrainian Makim “Mad Max: Melnik (3-4-0, M-1: 1-2-0) and previously undefeated Fu Kangkang (4-1-1, M-1: 0-1-0), of China.

Brazilian light heavyweight Carlos “Cachorrao” Edueardo (16-4-0, M-1: 2-0-0) stopped previously undefeated German, Rene Hoppe (7-1-0, M-1: 2-1-0), in the first round on the advice of the doctor. Georgian bantamweight Ivbragim Navruzov (4-0-1, M-1: 1-0-1) took a three-round split decision from Huyixibai Huyixibai (14-5-0, M-1: 0-1-0), of China.

Once again, M-1 Global promoted a true international event as the 20 competing athletes represented 10 different countries: Russia, United States, Slovakia, Germany, Brazil, Australia, Ukraine, Pakistan, Georgia and China.

Complete results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

(all winners listed first)

MAIN CARD

MAIN EVENT – HEAVYWEIGHTS

Sergei Kharitonov (25-6-0, M-1: 4-0-0), Russia

KO1 (Punches – 2:39)

Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (18-8-0, M-1: 0-1-0), USA

M-1 CHALLENGE FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSIP

Ivan Buchinger (32-5-0, M-1: 7-1-0), Slovakia

WSUB3 (Rear Naked Choke – 3:24)

Timur Nagibin (9-3-0, M-1: 5-2-0), Russia

(Buchinger retains M-1 Challenge featherweight title)

FEATHERWEIGHTS

Sascha Sharma (13-2-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Germany

WSUB1 (Rear Naked Choke – 1:03)

Muso Nuertiebieke (7-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), China

WELTERWEIGHTS

Alexander Butenko (43-12-1, M-1: 9-2-1), Ukraine

Corey Nelson (18-6-2, M-1: 0-0-1), Australia

FEATHERWEIGHTS

Mikhail Korobov (11-2-1, M-1: 1-2-1), Russia

WSUB1 (Rear Naked Choke – 1:18)

Asirkebai Jinensibieke (12-5-0, M-1: 0-1-0), China

PRELIMINARY CARD

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

Carlos Eduardo (16-4-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Brazil

WTKO1 (Doctor Stoppage – 1:06)

Rene Hoppe (7-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Germany

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Arten Kazbanov (8-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia

WDEC3

Nosherwan Khanzada (3-4-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Pakistan

BANTAMWEIGHTS

Ibragim Navruzov (4-0-1, M-1: 1-0-1), Georgia

WDEC3

Huyixibai Huyixibai (14-5-0, M-1: 0-1-0), China

WELTERWEIGHTS

Kuerbanjiang Tuluosibake (2-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0, China

WDEC3

Makim Melnik (3-4-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Ukraine

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Adam Tsurov (7-5-0, M-1: 6-2-0), Russia

WDEC3

Fu Kangkang (4-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), China

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http://www.mixfight.ru/news/2017/6/14/Resulytaty_ceremonii_vzveshvaniya_pered_M_1_Challenge_80/photos/

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

M-1 Challenge 80 weights, pictures & video from China

June 15, 2017 FNU47 Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

M-1 CHALLENGE 80

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS FROM HARBIN, CHINA

MAIN CARD

MAIN EVENT – HEAVYWEIGHTS — 3 X 5

(L) Sergei “The Paratrooper” Kharitonov (24-6-0, M-1: 3-0-0), Russia 266 ½ lbs.

vs.

(R) “The African Assassin” Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (11-5-0, M-1: 2-1-0), USA 230 lbs.

M-1 CHALLENGE FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSIP – 5 X 5

(L)Ivan “Buki” Buchinger(31-5-0, M-1: 6-1-0), Champion, Slovakia 144 lbs.

vs.

(R) Timur Nagibin (9-2-0, M-1: 5-1-0), Challenger, Russia 144 lbs.

FEATHERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Sascha Sharma (12-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Germany 143 lbs.

vs.

Muso “Iron King” Nuertiebieke (7-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0), China 146 lbs.

WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Alexander “Iron Capture” Butenko (43-12-0, M-1: 9-2-0), Ukraine 165 lbs.
vs.
Corey “Major” Nelson (18-6-1, M-1: 0-0-0), Spain 168 lbs.

FEATHERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Mikhail Korobov (10-2-1, M-1: 0-2-1), Russia, 143 lbs.

vs.

Asirkebai Jinensibieke (12-4-0, M-1: 0-0-0), China 146 lbs.

PRELIMINARY CARD

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Rene Hoppe (7-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Germany 204 lbs.

vs.

Carlos “Cachorrao” Eduardo (15-4-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Brazil 204 lbs.

MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Arten Kazbanov (7-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Russia 185 lbs.

vs.

Nosherwan “Savage” Khanzada (3-3-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Pakistan 184 ½ lbs.

BANTAMWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Huyixibai Huyixibai (14-4-0, M-1: 0-0-0), China 135 lbs.

vs.

Ibragim Navruzov (3-0-1, M-1: 0-0-1), Georgia 132 lbs.

WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Kuerbanjiang Tuluosibake (1-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0, China 169 ½ lbs.

vs.

Makim “Man Max” Melnik (3-3-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Ukraine 167 lbs.

LIGHTWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Adam Tsurov (6-5-0, M-1: 5-2-0), Russia 154 ½ lbs.

vs.

Kangkang Fu (4-0-0, M-1: 0-0-0), China 153 lbs.

Go here for more weigh-in pictures:

Weigh-in video below:

WHEN: Thursday, June 15, 2017

WHERE: Harbin, China

PROMOTER: M-1 Global

LIVE STREAM: www.m1global.tv (12.00 p.m. ET / 9:00 a.m. PT in USA)

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

Alexander Shlemenko vs. Brandon Halsey 3? Only if it’s a light heavyweight fight

June 10, 2017 FNU47 Leave a comment

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (June 9, 2017) — World-class MMA middleweights Alexander “Storm” Shlemenko and Brandon “Bull” Halsey have fought twice with each opponent imposing their wills from the opening bell to secure a quick victory.

Will they complete a rare MMA trilogy? Only if it’s a light heavyweight fight, according to Halsey.

“I’d take the fight in an instant at 205 (lbs); I can’t make it down to 185,” Halsey said. “I think the fans would really love to see this fight. I’d be healthy, he’d be healthy. It would last more than 30 seconds. It would be a war!”

The two-fight split outcomes, which totaled only 56 seconds, calls for a “rubber match” to determine which one is the better fighter.

Shlemenko-Halsey 1 was held September 26, 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona (USA) as the Bellator 126 main event, in which Shlemenko defended his Bellator middleweight title. Halsey, a former Division I, All-American wrestler at California State University at Bakersfield, started strong and used his wrestling skills to win only 35 seconds into the match, by way of a technical submission via a rare-naked choke. The gifted American become the new Bellator middleweight champion.

Last Thursday night at M-1 Challenge 79 in Saint Petersburg, Shlemenko-Halsey 2 was the main event. Shlemenko stormed out of his corner, blasting powerful kicks and punches on Halsey;s body, until the referee halted the action at the 21-second mark for a stunning technical knockout triumph for the rugged Russian.

“We have to see how confident he is about himself,” Halsey continued. “He has to feel really good right now, breaking my rib on his first kick, and punching me out on the ground. He must feel great about it. I don’t see why he wouldn’t want to do it again. I felt great about our first fight after I choked him unconscious in 30 seconds. I thought I could do it again, even with significant health problems. He must think he can do it again, even if we move up one weight class. Otherwise, what kind of champion is he, right?

“I believe that this trilogy fight could be a war, maybe something that will go down in the M-1 history books. The ball is in Shlemenko’s court. I’ll do the travelling. I’d come back to Russia and fight in front of his fans. The question is will he come up one weight class and fight me (at a weight) where I’m healthy? If he says no, well, then that’s on him. I know fight fans will be disappointed if he doesn’t take the fight just because he’s a little small, but that’s something he’s going to have to think about.

“Look, if Fedor (Emelianenko) can walk around at 230 and fight guys that have 50-70 pounds on him, I don’t know why Shlemenko can’t win a fight at just 20 pounds heavier. Right? M-1 Global is a great outfit and I’m very glad to be fighting for them. They’ve got some studs at 205 that I’d love to a fight. And I know I’ve got a lot to prove after that embarrassing loss, so I’ll take whoever they want to give me. If I get my head smashed in again, well, at least it will be more entertaining, but if I smash some guy’s head in, well, that’s what I expect and I can’t imagine anything less.

“I’ll take the next couple of weeks to get my health back, then start training. I’ll be ready to fight whoever they put in front of me this time. No more getting my ass kicked by the weight cut. That’s all behind me now. Let’s see what happens.”

According to Halsey, he never should have agreed to fight Shelemnko in their rematch.

“For the last two years,” Halsey explained, “I’ve been struggling and I think it’s time to let people know what’s been going on. My stubbornness and pride got the better of me. Against the advice of my coaches, many of my trainers, my mentors and friends, I’ve tried to stay down at 185, while my body long outgrew that weight class. I believed I knew better than everyone else. I thought that I would simply will myself to the weight and believed that, because I was the champion at 185 and that I had won nine straight fights at 185, going up to 205 would be cowardice, laziness and weakness. And I was wrong.

“I was recently finally released from the hospital. I had several things wrong with me: renal failure from my kidneys shutting down from the weight cut, blood clot threatening my heart, broken rib causing internal bleeding, extreme hypotension (low blood pressure). The broken rib was from the fight, but the rest is from the weight cut. My doctors have told me that 185 is not a weight that I can safely make anymore. I hate to admit it but that’s the truth.

“Shlemenko is a good fighter and right now we are one and one. I got him in 30 seconds, he got me in 25. Neither was a very good fight for the loser. And while he did break my rib with that very well-placed kick, I don’t feel like he beat me. The scale beat me before I ever got into the ring.

“I do believe we should finish this trilogy and find out who is the best, once and for all, but it’s going to have to be at 205. I understand if Shlemenko is nervous about fighting me at 205; he is small. In that case, I welcome a fight with whoever M-1 Global wants me to fight. If Shlemenko accepts the fight, as he did with Tito Ortiz, I hope we can finally have a war that lasts more than 30 seconds. If he doesn’t, I’m sure fans will be disappointed to know he refused the fight just because of his size.”

M-1 Global TV announcer Sean Wheelock not only called the original Shlemenko-Halsey fight, he also worked their rematch last week in Russia.

“In the first fight,” Wheelock offered his unique, first-hand perspective, “Halsey came out and implemented his wrestling skills, hitting a takedown, took the back, and locked in a power rear-naked choke. Shlemenko is not one to tap-out, so he went to sleep (technical submission), which is what Halsey does best. Their last fight was the opposite, though, as Alexander Shlemenko came out right away with a body kick to the liver, then he went to work, eliminating Halsey’s grappling and takedowns.

“They’re two of the best fighters in the world. Both did what they do best to win, taking away what their opponent does best. I think a third fight would be great. I love doing commentary for both fighters; I’d happily call 50 Shlemenko-Halsey fights. A third fight would be very interesting.”

Shlemenko’s (56-9-0, 1 NC, M-1: 6-0-0) ground-and-pound vs. Halsey’s (9-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0) wrestling-and-grappling in their trilogy fight. Who do you like in Shlemenko-Halsey 3? Keep in mind, though, the only chance of their trilogy fight is if Shlemenko agrees to fight Halsey at 205 pounds. Stay tuned!

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M-1 CHALLENGE EVENT CALENDAR:

M-1 Challenge 80 – June 15, 2017 in Habin, China

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

“Storm” Rising Alexander Shlemenko avenges 2 ½-year-old loss Stops Brandon Halsey in 25 seconds

June 3, 2017 FNU47 Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

M-1 CHALLENGE 79 RESULTS

Alexander Shlemenko’s sensation stoppage of Brandon Halsey sets up a possible trilogy match

Go here for more pictures: https://yadi.sk/d/4xHtiukp3JjhgV

SAINT PETERSBURG; Russia (June 2, 2017) — MMA star Alexander “Storm” Shlemenko needed only 25 seconds to avenge a loss to middleweight Brandon “Bull” Halsey in last night’s M-1 Challenge 79 headliner at Saint Petersburg, Russia.

M-1 Challenge 79 was a part of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum’s Cultural Program. Nine different countries were represented in this International event: Russia, USA, UK, Israel, Brazil, Kyrgyzstan, Germany, South Korea, Ukraine.

Shlemenko (56-7-0, M-1: 6-0-0) came out for the opening bell with force, unloading a series of powerful kicks and punches to the body of an overwhelmed Halsey (9-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), who made his M-1 Global debut, and he was unable to make it past the 25-seconds mark of the opening round.

In this battle of former Bellator champions, Shlemenko gained revenge for his Bellator loss to Halsey, by way of a rear-naked-choke in 35-seconds, on September 26, 2014.

Shlemenko, fighting out of Russia, noted after the fight that his electrifying start wasn’t a coincidence. “I’m just happy,” he said. “I mean, if I’d just won, everyone would say, ‘Well, I got it done.’ But, I won in 25 seconds; it’s just real happiness. I think everyone’s happy. It was wonderful and beautiful and no left no questions,”

Halsey later said he’s ready for a third match against Shlemenko to complete their trilogy. “I’m ready to go against Russian again,” Halsey commented. “You all saw that Alexander came out aggressively. He had a good start and everything was pre-decided. I lost and it hurts, but I’m ready to go back to battle. I will not excuse myself. There’s nothing less to worry about than anyone else’s opinion in the forums. Today, Shlemenko was stronger. I am prepared learn from my mistakes. I got a quick win last time. Now, Shlemenko won quickly. The score is 1-to-1 and I am ready to meet him again to finally determine who is the better fighter.

Russian welterweight Sergey Romanov (11-0, M-1: 5-1-0) defeated M-1 pro-debutingArda “Boma Ye” Adas (7-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), of Germany, by first-round technical knockout due to an arm injury.

Russian lightweight Alexey “Ataman” Makhno (14-5-0, M-1: 4-2-0) took a majority decision over Brazilian Michel “Sassarito” Silva (18-6-1, M-1: 0-1-0), while Russian middleweight Oleg Oleniochev (9-4-0, M-1: 2-0-0) won a unanimous decision overEnoc Solves Torres (19-10-1, M-1: 5-7-1).

In the main card opener, Russian bantamweight Dalgiev Khamzat (9-1-0, M-1: 6-1-0) used a heel hook to submit Brit Dragan “Little Wonder” Pesic (13-8-0, M-1: 0-1-0).

American bantamweight “The Finisher” Josh Rettinghouse (15-4-0, M-1: 3-0-0) remained unbeaten in M-1 Global competition, submitting previously undefeatedBakhtiyar “Baha” Toychubaev (6-1-1, M-1: 0-1-0) in the second round with a rear-naked choke.

Also fighting on the preliminary card were winners by unanimous decision: Ukrainian light heavyweight Dmitriy Mikutsa (7-4-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Russian heavyweight Anton Vyazigin (8-1-0, M-1: 3-0-0) and Russian bantamweight Alexander Osetrov (2-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), respectively, against Russian Dmitry Tebekin (5-3-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Ukrainian Yuri Protsenko (8-4-0, M-1: 1-1-0) and Israeli Almog Shay (2-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0).

Russian bantamweight Bair Shtepin (4-2-0, M-1: 1-2-0) punched out “Hellboy” Won Jun Jang (4-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), of South Korea, in the first round. Russian lightweightsNikolay Goncjarpv (0-0-1, M-1: 0-0-1) and Maxim Pugachev (7-1-1, M-1: 3-0-1) fought to a three-round draw.

Complete results below:

MAIN CARD

MAIN EVENT – MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Alexander Shlemenko (56-7-0, M-1: 6-0-0), Russia

WTKO1 (0:25 – punches)

Brandon Halsey (9-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), USA

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Sergey Romanov (11-1-0, M-1: 4-2-0), Russia

WTKO1 (4:19 – arm injury)

Arda Adas (7-3-0, M-1: 0-010), Germany

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Alexey Makhno (14-5-0, M-1: 4-2-0), Russia

WDEC3

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

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Oleg Olenichev (9-4-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Russia

WDEC3

Enoc Solves Torres (19-10-1, M-1: 5-7-1), Spain

BANTAMWEIGHTS

Dalgiev Khamzat (9-1-0, M-1: 6-1-0), Russia

WSUB1 (heel hook)

Dragan Pesic (13-8-0, M-1: 0-1-0), UK

PRELIMINARY CARD

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Anton Vyazigin (8-1-0, M-1: 3-0-0), Russia

DEC3

Yuri Protsenko (8-4-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Ukraine

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

Dmitry Mikutsa (7-4-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Ukraine

WDEC3

Dmitry Tebekin (5-3-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Russia

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Nikolay Goncharov (0-0-1, M-1: 0-0-1), Russia

Draw3

Maxim Pugachev(7-1-1, M-1: 3-0-1), Russia

BANTAMWEIGHTS

Josh Rettinghose (15-4-0, M-1: 3-0-0), USA

WSUB2 (4:31 – rear-naked choke)

Bakhtiyar Toychubaev (6-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Kyrgzstan

Bair Shtepin (4-2-0, M-1: 1-2-0), Russia

WKO3 (2:31 – punches)

Won Jun Jang (4-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), South Korea

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