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Andrey Fedosov battles Joey Dawejko this Saturday in Ekaterinburg, Russia

October 13, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

PHILADELPHIA, PENN / CHICAGO, ILL. (October 11, 2018)-This Saturday, 2015 Boxcino Heavyweight champion, Andrey Fedosov (30-3, 25 KOs) will take on tough Joey Dawejko in a 10-round bout in Ekaterinburg, Russia.

This will be Fedosov’s 2nd bout in the past four months after he defeated Francisco Mireles in the 1st round on June 30th in Phoenix, Arizona.

“I have been hearing that Joey has been talking a lot on social media that he was going to knock me out, but on Saturday, he will find out that he is barking up the wrong tree,” said Fedosov.

The 32 year-old Fedosov will return to his home country of Russia for the 1st time in 10 years when he steps into the ring at the Ekaterinburg Expo.

“I am very excited to be once-again fighting in Russia. It has been a while. I have a lot of family and friends who will be there and have not seen me fight in person for a long time, so I know that I cannot fail them.”

With a win over the tough Dawejko, who was a former world amateur champion himself, Fedosov will once-again establish himself as one of the top heavyweights in the world, and will look for the biggest names in the division.

“I believe that I am one of the top heavyweights in the world right now. I just need that opportunity to fight one of the top guys to prove that I belong there. After this fight, I feel that I will get that opportunity.”

“This is a good step up for Andrey in his comeback, This is a big deal for him to be fighting in Russia on Match TV. After this fight, there will be big opportunities for Andrey,” said Matthew Rowland, Vice-President of Banner Promotions, who along with Hitz Boxing, co-promotes Fedosov.

“We look forward to seeing Andrey fight on Saturday,” Said Bobny Hitz, President of Hitz Boxing. “He is in there with a good opponent in Dawejko, who is battle tested, so when Andrey wins on Saturday, it will serve notice to the rest of the heavyweight division that he is a contender for big fights.”

“It’s a great fight for Andrey. Dawejko believes that he will win the fight. Andrey can’t wait to meet him in the center of the ring. It will be a real exciting fight,” said Fedosov’s manager, Andrew Zak.

The fight will be aired live in Russia on Match TV.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

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

Growing Russia vs. Brazil MMA rivalry continues

October 10, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Artem Frolov – Bruno Blindado Silva

M-1 Challenge middleweight championship

Nov. 2 at M-1 Challenge 98 in Chelyabinsk, Russia

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (October 9, 2018) – The growing mixed-martial-arts rivalry between Russian and Brazilian fighters continues November 2, when undefeated M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Artem Frolov throws-down with leading challenger Bruno Blindado Silva, in the M-1 Challenge 98 main event at Chelyabinsk, Russia.

M-1 Challenge 98 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 97 will also be isavailable on www.FITE.TV (preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card).

The 27-year-old Frolov (11-0-0, M-1: 9-0-0), fighting out of Russia, signed a UFC contract and he was scheduled to fight last month at UFC Moscow. He withdrew due to injury and now will make his second M-1 Challenge middleweight title defense against Silva.

Silva (18-6-0, M-1: 1-0-0) became to top contender by knocking out Russian MMA star Alexander Shlemenko (56-11-1, M-1: 6-1-0) in the opening round of M-1 Challenge 93 this past June. The heavy-handed Brazilian fighter has stopped 15 of his 18 defeated opponents to date.

“Bruno Silva is a worthy title challenger, who made a big statement earlier this year,” Frolov said. “Unfortunately, I could not debut in the UFC because of an aggravated old injury, but now everything is fine, and the injury is healed. I’ve been preparing routinely, paying attention to all aspects of the fight and concentrating on my cardio ahead of a five-round bout.

“I don’t consider this fight as revenge for Alexander Shlemenko, I just want to fight under the Russian flag and prove that Russia is a top-country in the MMA world. Victory in this fight can become a launching pad for the winner, but you don’t win fights with words. We are going to fight and on November 2nd we’ll see everything in The Rage at M-1 Challenge 98 in Chelyabinsk!”

“I am very happy that my third fight in Russia will be in Chelyabinsk again,” Silva countered. “This is a special city for me, twice I won there via knockout and on November 2nd I’m going to knock my opponent out again. It’s not easy to compete in Russia. Long flights, jet lag and cold climate make everything more difficult, but this is the part of the game. I love Russia because this country has changed my life.

“Artem Frolov is a strong fighter and great champion. I’m not used to watching my opponents’ previous fights much, but from the videos I have seen, I can say that he has good cardio and wrestling skills. I am ready to become the world champion, which was always a dream of mine and soon this dream can come true. I respect Frolov, but he has something what I need. I hope he is ready for a war because I’m going to take this belt from him. I am a fighter who is always looking for a knockout. Fifteen times I knocked my opponents out and at M-1 Challenge 98 I’m ready to brawl with Artem as much as it takes to become the champion.”

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

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M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Artem Frolov defends vs. Bruno Blindado Silva

October 4, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Nov. 2 at M-1 Challenge 98 in Chelyabinsk, Russia

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (October 2, 2018) — Undefeated M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Artem Frolov will put his title belt on the line November 2, when he takes on challenger Bruno Blindado Silva, headlining M-1 Challenge 98 in Chelyabinsk, Russia.

M-1 Challenge 98 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 97 will also be is available on www.FITE.TV(preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card).

The 27-year-old Frolov (11-0-0, M-1: 9-0-0), fighting out of Russia, is one of the strongest Russian middleweights, as well as arguably the most well-rounded fighter in that weight class. He has an outstanding takedowns and ground game, but his striking game shouldn’t be overlooked. Nine of his 11 opponents to date haven’t reached the finish, five stopped by knockout and four by submission. In short, Frolov is an extremely dangerous fighter, evident by his perfect professional record.

Frolov (on top) has a super ground attack

Silva (18-6-0, M-1: 1-0-0) earned his title shot in sensational fashion, knocking out MMA star Alexander Shlemenko (57-10-0) in the opening round of M-1 Challenge 93 this past June. The power-punching Brazilian embraced his underdog role, shockingly blasting Shlemenko (pictured below) at will. Silva’s lethal punching has resulted in 15 of his 18 victims being stopped.

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

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Undefeated Roman Bogatov captures M-1 Challenge lightweight title

October 2, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

M-1 CHALLENGE 97 / TATFIGHT 7

OFFICIAL RESULTS

New M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Roman Bogatov

KAZAN, Russia (September 29, 2018) – Undefeated Russian wrestling sensation Roman Bogatov captured the vacant M-1 Challenge lightweight title last night, taking a unanimous decision over Rubenilton “Rubinho” Pereira, in the M Challenge 97 / Tatfight 7 main event, held in Kazan, Russia.

The judges were very busy as all five main event fights, plus three of five undercard matches, went the full distance on a card of evenly matched fights.

Competing fighters represented nine different countries: Russia, Brazil, Spain, France, Canada, China, Finland, Azerbaijan and Northern Ireland.

Fighting out of Orenburg, Russia, Bogatov improved his pro MMA record to 7-0, 6-0 in M-1 Global competition, displaying improved striking ability to complement his outstanding wrestling skills.

Pereira’s (20-6-0) superior BJJ techniques from bottom were nullified Bogatov when the fight went down to the mat. Pereira was adversely affected by Bogatov’s takedown attack, which opened-up strong punches to Pereira’s head, resulting in a flash knockdown in the third round. Pereira got back in the fight midway through round four, connecting with punches and knees to the body, but the Brazilian needed a strong fifth and final round to win a decision. Bogatov, however, remained aggressive, firing strikes and making take-downs, on his way to a unanimous five-found decision and the coveted M-1 Challenge lightweight title belt.

In the co-featured event, veteran Spanish middleweight Enoc Solves Torres (23-10-1) registered a unanimous decision victory against previously undefeated Ruslan Shamilov (4-1-0), of Russia. Torres decked Shamilov early in the opening round, controlled the match, never relenting for a hard-earned win.

Past M-1 Challenge title challenger Maxim Grabovich (9-4-0), of Russia, overcame a rocky moment in the second round against his Brazilian opponent, Tiago Varejao Lacerda (27-6-1), to control most of the action to take a split decision.

French lightweight Mickael “Ragnar” Lebout (18-9-2) and always tough Russian Alexey “Ataman” Makhno battled tooth and nail in a bloody war (see pictures below). Lebout hit Makhno in the face with everything but the proverbial kitchen sink, but the Russian refused to go down and even landed a few solid shots on Lebout, who also has good “whiskers”. Lebout won an entertaining fight by way of a unanimous three-round decision.

In the main card opener, dangerous striker Pavel Gordeev (12-1-0) edged grappling specialist Alik Albogachiev (5-1-0) by way of a split decision in a showdown between Russian lightweights. The fighters were upright in the first two rounds, much to Gordeev’s advantage, and the previously Albogachiev was unable to close the gap in the final frame.

On the undercard, Canadian welterweight Spencer “Judge” Jebb (13-6-0) overcame a first-round knockdown, pounding his way to a unanimous decision versus Russian Vladimir “The Woodcutter” Tyurin (4-4-0) and another Canadian, bantamweight Chris “The Greek Assassin” Kelades (13-4-0) outworked the much younger Sergey Klyuev (6-2-0), of Russia, to win a three-round unanimous decision.

Russian featherweight Timur Dorinin (4-1-0) locked in a rear naked choke to defeat Kangkang “The Knife” Fu (3-3-0), of China, by submission in round two.

Finnish lightweight Jani Salmi (9-6-0) scored his second M-1 victory, using a rear naked choke for an opening round win by submission over Ruslan Khisamutdinov (10-5-0), of Russia. In a spirited match between Russian bantamweights, settled by a unanimous decision, Ivan Eremenko (8-2-0) was too much to handle for Nidzhat Imanov (4-4-1).

On the pre-undercard, Russian heavyweight Nikolay Rachek (8-6-0) punched out Midaugas Gerve (3-2-0), fighting out of Northern, Ireland, via an unanswered barrage in the opening round. Russian middleweight Denis Titulialin (3-3-0) connected with a devastating knee, knocking out pro-debuting, fellow countryman Nikita Shamov in round one. Azerbaijan welterweight Gadzhibaba Gadzhibabaev turned in an impressive pro debut, knocking out Russian Zakhar Popel (1-1-0) via punches midway through the first round.

Full results and more pictures below:

MAIN CARD

MAIN EVENT – VACANT M-1 CHALLENGE LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Roman Bogatov (7-0-0, M-1: 6-0-0), Russia

WDEC5

Rubenilton Pereira (20-6-0, M-1: 4-3-0), Brazil

(Bogatov won vacant M-1 Challenge lightweight title)

CO-FEATURE – MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Enoc Solves Torres (23-10-1, M-1: 7-7-1), Spain

WDEC3

Ruslan Shamilov (4-1-0, M-1: 4-1-0), Russia

WELTERWEIGHTS

Maxim Grabovich (8-4-0, M-1: 6-4-0), Russia

WDEC3

Tiago Varejao Lacerda (27-6-1, 1 NC, M-1: 1-1-0), Brazil

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Mickael Lebout (18-9-2, M-1: 2-1-0), France

WDEC3

Alexey Makhno (18-7-0, M-1: 5-4-0), Russia

Pavel Gordeev (12-1-0, M-1: 6-0-0), Russia

WDEC3

Alik Albogachiev (5-1-0, M-1: 5-1-0), Russia

UNDERCARD

WELTERWEIGHTS

Spencer Jebb (13-6-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Canada

WDEC3

Vladimir Tyurin (4-4-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Jani Salmi (9-6-0, M-1: 2-1-0), Finland

WSUB1 (rear naked choke – 3:52)

Ruslan Khisamutdinov (10-5-0, M-1: 1-2-0), Russia

FEATHERWEIGHTS

Timur Doronin (4-1-0, M-1:1-0-0), Russia

WSUB2 (rear naked choke – 3:06)

Kangkang Fu (3-3-0, M-1: 0-2-0), China

BANTAMWEIGHTS

Chris Kelades (13-4-0, M-1: 2-1-0), Canada

WDEC3

Sergey Klyuev (6-2-0, M-1: 4-2-0), Russia

Ivan Eremenko (8-2-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia

WDEC3

Nidzhat Imanov (4-4-1, M-1: 1-1-1), Russia

PRE-UNDERCARD

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Nikolay Rachek (8-6-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Russia

WKO1 (punches – 4:28)

Midaugas Gerve (3-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Northern Ireland

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Denis Tiuliulin (3-3-0, 1 NC, M-1: 1-1-0), Russia

WKO1 (knee – 2:56)

Nikita Shamov (0-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia

WELTERWEIGHTS

Gadzhibaba Gadzhibabaev (1-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Azerbaijan

WTKO1 (punches – 3:20)

Zakhar Popel (1-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia

Roman Bogatov (L) remained undefeated with a decision win vs. Rubenilton Pereira

AND THE NEW M-1 CHALLENGE 97 CHAMPION IS…..ROMAN BOGATOV

Enoc Solves Torres & Ruslan Shamilov (front) had a close fight

Alexey Makhno (L) and Michael Lebout had a bloody war (pictured above & below)

Pavel Gordeev (L) & Alik Albogachiev battled from start to finish

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In The Rage…… ROMAN BOGATOV

September 28, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

THIS FRIDAY

M-1 Challenge 97 in Kazan, Russia

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (September 26, 2018) — Undefeated Russian rising star Roman Bogatov takes on, Brazilian mixed-martial-arts veteran Rubenilton Pereira (20-5-0, M-1: 4-2-0) this Friday in the M-1 Challenge 97 / Tatfight 7 main event, for the vacant M-1 Challenge 97 lightweight title, at Kazan, Russia.

M-1 Challenge 97 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 97 also will be available on www.FITE.TV (preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card).

The M-1 Challenge lightweight crown is vacant because the last champion, Damir Ismagulov, recently relinquished his title to sign a UFC contract.

Bogatov (6-0-0, M-1: 5-0-0) is a submission master, four of his six pro victories have been by way of choke-outs, because of his dangerous grappling skills and techniques. In his last fight this past June at M-1 Challenge 94, Bogatov earned his title shot by defeating always tough Raul Tutarauli (18-5-0), whose previous fight was a decision loss to Ismagulov in the latter’s final M-1 Challenge title defense.

Bogatov recently entered The Rage to answer a few questions of interest:

How was training camp?

RB: “For the fight against Pereira, I’ve trained in Ekaterinburg, Russia, at RMK Academy with famous fighters like Ivan Shtyrkov, Alexey Kunchenko, Mikhail Ragozin, Artur Karavaev and Pavel Gordeev, who was preparing for his fight at the same event, M-1 Challenge 97 / Tatfight 7. In camp, I have focused on my cardio, because this is the foundation of my success and a key to victory. I also had many sparring and wrestling sessions and had CrossFit workouts in the morning.”

What advantages do you have over your opponent?

RB: “I have will power, wrestling and grappling skills and I’m ready to constantly push forward and dominate this fight. Pereira is a patient and tough opponent, so it’s not simple to finish him. He is used to long fights, has good cardio, decent striking and wrestling skills and as any Brazilian, he has a solid BJJ game.”

How is it preparing for this fight?

RB: “Before fights I am doing my best not to think too much about the upcoming battle. I prefer just to train and spend time with my family and friends. Right before the fight, you start to pump yourself up. When you need to cut weight, you become a bit more aggressive, because that’s not an easy thing to do. At the face-off when you are looking right into the eyes of your opponent, you get a boost of motivation and can’t wait to enter The Rage.”

What is your goal?

RB: “My goal is to win the belt, defend it, and be an active and dominant champion. Some of the M-1 Challenge champs have signed contracts with the UFC and I would love to follow their path in the future.”

What is your best experience?

RB: “The most pleasant thing in the game is not the victory itself, not even winning the belt. The best thing is the feeling when you come back home, see the smile on your mother’s face, and give hugs to your parents and family. This is the best feeling in the world.”

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In The Rage Rubenilton Pereira

September 26, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

M-1 Challenge 97, September 28 in Kazan, Russia

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (September 21, 2018) — Brazilian mixed-martial-arts veteran Rubenilton Pereira faces undefeated Russian rising star Roman Bogatov(6-0-0), September 29, for the vacant M-1 Challenge 97 lightweight title, headlining M-1 Challenge: Tatfight in Kazam, Russia.

M-1 Challenge 97 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 97 will also be is available on www.FITE.TV (preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card).

The M-1 Challenge lightweight crown is vacant because the last champion, Damir Ismagulov, recently relinquished his title to sign a UFC contract.

Pereira (20-5-0, M-1: 4-2-0) has won his last four fights, including a technical knockout in his last action, also at M-1 Challenge 94 last June, when Oktom Baktybek ws unable to continue to fight after the opening round. Pereira’s two M-1 Global losses have been to a pair of M-1 Challenge champions, Ismagulov and Alexander Butenko, both by decision.

Pereira recently entered The Rage to answer a few questions of interest:

How do you feel about this title shot and not getting a rematch against?

RP: “I’m very thankful for the opportunity to fight for the title. I have been working hard to receive my title shot and, of course, I was hoping to have a rematch with the champ, Damir Ismagulov. I was surprised when they told me Ismagulov left the belt vacant to sign with the UFC. I’m happy for him. He is a great fighter and I know he can become the UFC champion, too”.

How do you feel about fighting in M-1 Global?

RP: “I enjoy fighting in M-1 Global and I’d like to stay here for a long time. They’ve treated me really good. Now, I’m on a four-fight winning streak, but I was not that successful when I first joined the promotion. After two losses in a row I thought they were going to send me home, but they gave me another chance and I seized it.

How do you effectively drop nearly 50 pounds from your walk-around weight to fight as a lightweight?

RP: “I have no special secret. I just train hard, three times a day, Sunday to Sunday. Usually, I weigh around 92 kg (203 lbs), but I never miss weight and always make 70 kg (154 lbs) for the weigh-ins. Some think this is a huge advantage for me in the fight but, trust me, I suffer much more than anybody to make weight.”

What do you know about your next opponent, Roman Bogatov?

“Roman Bogatov is a tough opponent. Maybe he has better wrestling and takedowns, but I’m a much better grappler. I’m self-confident and know that I can tap him out. If he takes me down, that’s better for me. I had a great camp and I’m ready for five rounds, but one of us will fall before round three.”

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M-1 Challenge 49 still holds the Russian MMA live attendance record

September 21, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

M-1 Challenge 49 still holds the single MMA event live attendance record (23,255) in Russia

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (September 19, 2018) – Contrary to some media reports, the 22,603 fans at last weekend’s UFC Fight Night 136 in Moscow did not set a Russian MMA live attendance record.

M-1 Global still holds the record for the highest live attendance of an MMA event in Russia, when 23,255 fans attended M-1 Challenge 49: Battle in the Mountains on June 7, 2014 in Ingushetia, which is officially registered in the Russian Book of Records.

Last weekend’s UFC debut event in Russia UFC Fight Night 136 is the second-most fans to attend a Russian MMA event.

Living legend Fedor Emelianenko‘s return from retirement on November 20, 2011 at M-1 Global: Fedor vs. Monson drew 22,000 fans, dropped to third place on the all-time Russian MMA live attendance list.

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Sept. 28 – M-1 Challenge 97/TATFIGHT 7: Bogatov vs. Pereira in Kazan, Russia

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M-1 Global veterans & ex-champions Talk about M-1 & UFC Moscow

September 14, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (September 14, 2018) – M-1 Global veterans and former champions recently expressed their thoughts and opinions about their M-1 experiences and tomorrow’s (Sept. 15) UFC Moscow card at Olympic Stadium in Moscow.

Alexei Oleinik, M-1 Global veteran, vs. Mark Hunt in UFC Moscow main event:

“M-1 Global is a great Russian promotion and I really enjoyed the time when I fought there. Each fight for me was another step in my career. We did not choose opponents, had rated fights, and took part in the Grand-Prix.”

Alexander Volkov, former M-1 Challenge heavyweight champion:

“One of the best moments that I had in M-1 Global was the victory for our team at M-1 Selection. At that time there were team competitions in M-1 Global and I miss that format. Another great moment was when I won the M-1 Challenge heavyweight title. Every important fight is very memorable.”

“My first M-1 Global fights were in M-1 Selection team competitions, which helped me as a young fighter to start my career, find my place in this sport and understand that I belong to MMA. At the time it was a great opportunity for young athletes to demonstrate their skills and show up on local TV stations, so M-1 Global was the first step in my professional career.”

“UFC has a huge impact on development of the Russian MMA market. The partnership between M-1 Global and UFC gives M-1 Global many advantages on the local market and makes it much more attractive for Russian fighters. All mixed martial artists have a dream to fight in the UFC and now the way is clear. As we’ve seen many times, top fighters and champions from M-1 Global compete on the highest level in the UFC.”

Ramazan Emeev, former M-1 Challenge middleweight champion, vs. Stefan Sekulic at UFC Moscow

“I feel some responsibility for this fight because I’m fighting at home. Many friends and fans will come to root for me and I don’t want to let them down. I want to put on a great show, win the fight, and make everyone who’s supporting me happy.

“Since I’m fighting at home, I don’t have to fly somewhere and acclimate. In my previous fights I had to fly across the ocean to compete. Now, it’s their turn, and everything will be by my rules.”

Rustam Khabilov M-1 Global veteran, vs. Kajan Johnson at UFC Moscow

“There’s a great responsibility fighting at home when the crowd is waiting for you. It doesn’t matter whether it’s M-1 Global or UFC. Crowds are the same. Many friends and fans will be worried, and they’ll come to root for me, so I owe this victory to them. I must win. That’s why I trained three times as hard for this fight. Now, I’m anticipating an opponent. Everything will be fine.”

Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, one of best MMA coaches in the world and father of UFC and former M-1 Global fighter Kabib Nurmagomedov

“M-1 Global is the history of Russian MMA and it’s not a coincidence that many fighters who started their careers in M-1 Global are very successful in the MMA world. M-1 Global was a foundation for mixed martial arts in Russia, faced some challenges, learned from their mistakes and kept moving forward. Most Russian fighters who are now signed with the UFC came exactly from M-1 Global.”

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