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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)

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

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

M-1 CHALLENGE 92 RESULTS & PICTURES

May 25, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Sergei Kharitonov vs. Anton Vyazigin declared

“No Contest”

Aleksander Doskalchuk crowned undisputed

M-1 Challenge flyweight champion

Aleksander Doskalchuk is now the undisputed M-1 Challenge flyweight champion

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (May 25, 2018) – Last night’s SuperFight between Russian heavyweight star Sergei Kharitonov and his main event challenger, Anton Vyazigin, was declared a “no contest” and Aleksander Doskalchuk established himself as the undisputed M-1 Challenge flyweight champion last night at M-1 Challenge 92 at M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Kharitonov (27-6-0) originally was declared the winner by way of a second-round technical decision over his Russian opponent, Vyazigin (9-2-0), due to an illegal eye poke that prevented Kharitonov from continuing to fight.

The result was later changed to a “no contest” after the commission, assembled by M-1 Global president Vadim Finkelchtein, reviewed the fight video and made the decision to change the result. A rematch will be scheduled for one of the next events, likely M-1 Challenge 95: Battle in the Mountains, which will happen in July in Ingushetia, Russia.

“A ‘no contest’ was the only possible decision in this situation,” Finkelchtein explained the change. “It was an accident and yesterday the judges made the decision according to the rules, giving the victory to Kharitonov, based on the scorecards. But this fight was an exception.”

“Changing the result to ‘no contest’ is the best choice,” Kharitonov agreed. “This was not the victory I wanted. I was sure the fight would be ruled as no contest, so I was surprised when the referee raised my hand. Anton did not want to poke me, so I think the decision now is fair. In the hospital I was told I’ve got an eye contusion and corneal abrasion. I hope to recover fast and get a rematch.”

Sergei Kharitonov (R) didn’t agree with the original decision declaring him the winner.

“I think ‘no contest’ is a fair result,” Vyazigin added. “I was sure that after that poke, Sergei would take a break, and then we will go on. But the fight was stopped and he was declared the winner. Talking about corneal abrasion, I have no idea how it could happen. I always cut my nails before fights and the referee checks that, so that is weird. Of course, I want a rematch, our story has not ended.”

Doskalchuk (9-1-0), fighting out of Ukraine, entered The Rage as the M-1 Challenge flyweight champion to take on M-1 Challenge Interim flyweight titlist Arman Ashimov (8-3-1), of Kazakhstan. Ashimov was unable to continue after two rounds due to a hand injury.

Brazilian welterweight Tiago “Bahia” Varejao (27-5-1) turned in an impressive M-1 debut, taking a majority decision from former M-1 Challenge title challenger Sergey Romanov (14-3-0).

Giga Kukhalashvili (9-4-0) was disqualified in the third round for “rope grabbing” against undefeated Russian light heavyweight Khadis Ibragrimov (4-0-0).

Russian lightweight Pavel Gordeev (11-1-0) took a split decision victory from Mickael “Ragnar” Lebout (17-9-2), of France.

On the preliminary card, Russian heavyweight Maksim Baruzdin (1-0-0) won his pro debut, stopping Cuban giant Freddi Gonzales (0-2-0) in the opening round via punches, Russian lightweight prospect Alexey “Phenomenal” Ilyenko (8-0-0) lived up to his nickname, remaining undefeated by unleashing a barrage of kicks and punches for a third-round knockout of Helson Henriques (9-6-1), of Angola.

Kyrgyzstan featherweight Azibek Satibaldiev (7-4-0) was disqualified in the second round for kicking a grounded fighter, German challenger Saba Bolaghi (9-1-1), Russian featherweight Mikhail Kuznetson (6-4-1) used a guillotine choke to submit fellow countryman Nikita Solonin (4-2-0) in round two, and Ukrainian bantamweight Ludwig Sholinyan (2-0-1) andAlexander Osetrov (4-0-1) fought to a three-round majority draw.

Georgian welterweight Amiran Gogoladze (6-1-0) won a three-round split decision over Russian Taymuraz Guriev, while Ruslan Shamilov (5-0-0) kept his undefeated intact with a three-round split decision versus Denis Tiuliulin (3-4-0) in a battle between Russian middleweights.

Fighters represented 10 different countries: Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Brazil, Georgia, France, Angola, Germany, Cuba and Kyrgyzstan.

Complete results & photo gallery below:

MAIN CARD

MAIN EVENT – HEAVYWEIGHTS

Sergei Kharitonov (27-6-0, M-1: 5-0-0), Russia

“No Contest”

Anton Vyazigin (9-2-0, M-1: 4-1-0), Russia

CO-FEATURE – M-1 CHALLENGE FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Aleksander Doskalchuk (9-1-0, M-1: 3-0-0), Champion, Ukraine

WTKO2 (5:00)

Arman Ashimov (8-3-1, M-1: 3-1-0), Interim Champion, Kazakhstan

(Doskalchuk becomes undisputed M-1 Challenge flyweight title)

WELTERWEIGHTS

Tiago “Bahia” Varejao (27-5-1, M-1: 1-0-0-), Brazil

WDEC3

Sergey Romanov (14-3-0, M-1: 5-2-0), Russia

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

Khadis Ibragimov (4-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Russia

WDQ3 (rope grabbing – 3:27)

Giga Kukhalashvili (9-4-0, M-1: 2-1-0), Russia by way of Georgia

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Pavel Gordeev (11-1-0, M-1: 5-0-0), Russia

WDEC3

Mickael “Ragnar” Lebout (17-9-2, 1 NC, M-1: 1-1-0), France

PRELIMINARY CARD

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Maksim Baruzdin (1-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia

WTKO1 (punches – 0:18)

Freddi Gonzales (0-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Cuba

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Ruslan Shamilov (5-0-0, M-1: 5-0-0), Russia

WDEC3

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

WELTERWEIGHTS

Danila Prikaza (10-2-1, M-1: 7-2-0), Russia

WDEC3

Joilton “Peregrino” Santos (24-7-0, 1 NC, M-1: 0-1-0), Brazil

Amiran Gogoladze (6-1-0, M-1: 3-0-0), Georgia

WDEC3

Taymuraz Guriev (7-4-0, M-1: 2-2-0), Russia

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Alexey “Phenomenal” Ilyenko (8-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia

WKO3 (kicks & punches – 0:27)

Helson Henriques (9-6-1, M-1: 0-1-0), Angola

FEATHERWEIGHTS

Mikhail Kuznetsov (6-4-1, M-1: 4-3-1), Russia

WSUB2 (guillotine choke – 4:20)

Nikita Solonin (4-2-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Russia

BANTAMWEIGHTS

Ludwig Sholinyan (2-0-1, M-1: 0-0-1), Ukraine

Alexander Osetrov (4-0-1), M-1: 3-0-1), Russia

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

Sergei Kharitonov speaks out before Today’s SuperFight with Anton Vyazigin Headlining M-1 Challenge 92

May 24, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

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

Sergey Kharitonov

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (May 24, 2018) – MMA living legend Sergey Kharitonov (27-6-0, M-1: 5-0-0) outs his perfect M-1 record on the line today against fellow Russian heavyweight, “Cherepovets Giant” Anton Vyazigin (9-2-1, M-1: 4-1-0), in today’s (May 24) M-1 Challenge 92 main event SuperFight, at M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

M-1 Challenge 92 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 92 will also be available on www.FITE.TV(preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card)

The 37-year-old Kharitonov has defeated a Who’s Who of some of top heavyweight MMA fighters, including Alister Overeem, Andrei Arlovski, Fabricio Werdum and Pedro Rizzo.

Kharitonov had a few last words before the action officially begins:

Sergey, you have had 33 professional MMA during your career and now you are 37 years old. What is your motivation in MMA? Why do you keep fighting?

SK: “Fighting has become an essential part of my life. I literally can’t live without it. I love new challenges, and this is why I compete at different events and now, for example, I have a new challenge: two fights in one week. Tomorrow I have an MMA fight at M-1 Challenge 92 and in a week, I’ve got a kickboxing bout scheduled.

“This is life and we have to take risks, because no risk, no reward. So, I am ready for this. MMA is my passion, but I love kickboxing, too, and now I am interested in competing in both sports.”

It is said that for heavyweights the age of 35 is the prime, because this is the time when heavyweights are usually quite experienced, but still in shape. What do you think about it?

SK: “It all depends. One fighter can reach his prime at 25, another one at 35, but, in my opinion, it depends on his conscious. Take a look at some boxers like George Foreman, who fought until he was 48. Even in lighter divisions there are many examples of successful old fighters like Bernard Hopkins and even Floyd Mayweather Jr., who is not that young today. If you keep training hard, you can fight for a long time.”

Only twice in your career you won by decision. How does it happen that you finish almost all your opponents?

SK: “I always look at my opponent; if he gives me an opportunity to finish him, I do it. I don’t care how I win fights and I have no goal to finish my opponents. The only thing that really matters is the victory.”

Anton Vyazigin has power in his hands. Do you have a plan for the upcoming fight or do you need one?

SK: “My fighting style depends on the situation, but I think tomorrow we are going to have a stand-up fight. At this stage of my career, I do not really change my training camp for new opponents. I have pretty much experience, so I can just enter The Rage and do what I have to do. Nevertheless, I usually watch my opponents’ fights. I watched two fights of Vyazigin and can say that he is a great young athlete with heavy punches. I am very excited because it makes me happy that young guys like him are ready to replace us. Who knows how much time we have left, a year, two, three, maybe even five? These guys have long careers ahead and they have to keep growing and showing their best!”

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Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:

May 24 – M-1 Challenge 92: Kharitonov vs. Vyazigin in Saint Petersburg, Russia

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

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

One on one with M-1 Challenge Interim Flyweight Champion Arman Ashimov

May 23, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Aleksander Doskalchuk vs. Ashimov this Thursday at M-1 Challenge 92 in Saint Petersburg, Russia

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (May 22, 2018) – M-1 Challenge Interim flyweight champion Arman Ashimov takes on M-1 Challenge flyweight title-holder Aleksander Doskalchuk(8-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0) this Thursday (May 24) to determine the “undisputed” king of the M-1 Global flyweights, in the M-1 Challenge 92 co-featured event, at M-1 Arena in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Ashimov (8-2-1, M-1: 3-0-0), who captured his Interim crown at M-1 Challenge 87 last February,

Stopping Mikael Silander in round two voa punches, answered a series of M-1 Global questions:

Arman, how did the M-1 Challenge interim flyweight title change your life?

AA: “I was extremely happy to become the champion, but I would not say I felt such a big difference. Kazakhs knew me well even before I won the title, but after I won the belt, media started to pay more attention to me. It’s hard to say whether I won more fans because I had so many of them in Kazakhstan, but I hope that now in other countries there are more people who love the way I fight. People often recognize me on the streets of Kazakhstan, support me, ask for selfies. But I don’t feel like a star. I’m just a simple guy. Such attention does not bother me, because all Kazakhs are my relatives, how can I deny a selfie?

What is the secret of your knockout punch? Was it your goal to train such a hard punch?

AA: “It’s the will of Allah. We did not change the training plan, have been training striking and grappling as always. I am ready to go the full five round distance, if needed. I am strong enough for the 25-minute fight and this is exactly what I always have in mind. We consider an opportunity to go somewhere for training camp, but now I need to fulfil the target, and win the undisputed title.

Not many people know about it, but you are a great grappler. Can you tell us about your grappling experience?

AA: “Indeed, I don’t talk much about it, but I have some experience in grappling as well. The thing is that in The Rage, I don’t like grappling, I prefer a stand-up fight. If my opponent wants to check my skills, I will demonstrate them. I am a combat jiu-jitsu master of sports of international class for a reason, after all.”

What can you say about your opponent Aleksander Doskalchuk?

AA: “Aleksander Doskalchuk is a very experienced all-around fighter. His fighting style is like that of one of my previous opponents, Mikael Silander. He is good both at striking and grappling. I don’t know what game plan he is going to choose, but we will find it out very soon.”

Undoubtedly all of Kazakhstan will watch the broadcast, but will some fans of yours come to Saint Petersburg for the fight?

AA: “Many fans will come here from Kazakhstan, beside them will be a lot of Kazakhs living in Saint Petersburg, who will come to root for me. Even the Assembly of Kazakhs is going to support me. all this gives me an extra motivation!”

Russian heavyweight star Sergei Kharitonov (27-6-0, M-1: 5-0-0) headlines M-1 Challenge 92 versus Anton Vyazigin (9-2-1, M-1: 4-1-0) in their SuperFight.

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May 24 – M-1 Challenge 92: Kharitonov vs. Vyazigin in Saint Petersburg, Russia

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

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

One on one with M-1 Challenge Flyweight Champion Aleksander Doskalchuk

May 23, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

The Champ speaks!

Doskalchuk vs. Arman Ashimov this Thursday at M-1 Challenge 92 in

Saint Petersburg, Russia

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (May 21, 2018) – The “undisputed” M-1 Challenge flyweight title bout will be on the line this Thursday (May 24), when M-1 Challenge flyweight champion Aleksander Doskalchuk (pictured above) and Interim titlist Arman Ashimov square off in the M-1 Challenge 92 co-featured event, at M-1 Arena in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Doskalchuk (8-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0), fighting out of Ukraine, won his title belt last September atM-1 Challenge 83, when he used a Guillotine Choke to submit Vadim Malygin in the second round. Undefeated in M-1 competition, Doskalchuk won a majority decision in his M-1 debut last May, over Binh Son Le at M-1 Challenge 78.

Ashimov (8-2-1, M-1: 3-0-0) earned his Interim title shot this past February by stopping Gadzhimurad Aliev and Ervani Melonio with punches, respectively, in the second and first rounds. At M-1 Challenge 87, the powerfully striking Kazakh punched out Mikael Silander in two rounds to capture the M-1 Challenge Interim Flyweight Championship.

Doskalchuk (pictured above) sat down on the hot seat to participate in an exclusive one-on-one conversation:

It’s been seven months since you won the title. Why did you have to take such a long break?

AD: “I had to take time to heal all my injuries. There were problems with my ankle, so I could not train and fight for a few months. Soon, we’ll see how this break will affect my performance. All my injuries are in the past and I am ready to win the upcoming fight and become the undisputed M-1 Challenge flyweight champion.

What did you feel when you were told an interim title was to be introduced?

AD: “I felt nothing. The interim title does not mean anything to me and I have concentrated only on one thing: winning my fights. It is known that Ashimov is a very fast fighter and has power in his hands. I can’t say anything about his endurance, because it all depends on the way the fight goes. We’ll see how good his endurance is very soon into our fight.”

How do you think your fight will go? Are you going to use your advantage in grappling?

AD: “I am ready for a five-round battle and, of course, I will be looking for an opportunity to finish my opponent at all times. I would not say that my tactics will be focused on submissions. Take a look at my fights; I love boxing and in MMA you cannot rely on just one aspect.

Your fight against Ashimov was rescheduled from the last weekend’s show in China to May 24th in Saint Petersburg, Russia. How did it change your training plan?

AS: “I was ready to fight on May 12th, but Arman did not get his visa, so we had to change plans for the new date. Maybe it’s for the best. The flight to Saint Petersburg is easier and faster than to China. By the way, in Saint Petersburg, many more fans will come to root for me. Support is a very important part of the game and I am grateful to all the fans who will root for me at M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, and everybody who will hold their fingers crossed watching the broadcast!”

Russian heavyweight star Sergei Kharitonov (27-6-0, M-1: 5-0-0) headlines M-1 Challenge 92 versus Anton Vyazigin (9-2-1, M-1: 4-1-0) in their SuperFight.

M-1 Challenge 92 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 92 will also be available onwww.FITE.TV(preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card)

INFORMATION:

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews

@Vadim_finkelchtein

@M1Global

Facebook:

Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:

May 24 – M-1 Challenge 92: Kharitonov vs. Vyazigin in Saint Petersburg, Russia

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

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

One-on-One with Anton Vyazigin; SuperFight with Sergei Kharitonov To headline M-1 Challenge 92

May 19, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

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

Anton Vyazigin (R) is a powerful heavyweight

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (May 18, 2018) – Russian heavyweight “Cherepovets Giant” Anton Vyazigin (9-2-1, M-1: 4-1-0) challenges MMA living legend Sergey Kharitonov (27-6-0, M-1: 5-0-0) next Thursday (May 24), headlining M-1 Challenge 92 in a heavyweight SuperFight, at M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

M-1 Challenge 92 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 92 will also be available onwww.FITE.TV(preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card)

The 37-year-old Kharitonov, undefeated in five M-1 Challenge events, has defeated some of the greatest heavyweight MMA fighters of all-time, including Alistair Overeem, Andrei Arlovski, Fabricio Werdum and Pedro Rizzo.

The 6′ 6″, 265-pound Vyazigin, who is coming off a sensational 16-seconds knockout ofZaur Gadzhibabayev this past March at M-1 Challenge 89, sat in the “hot seat” leading up to Thursday’s showdown to answer some questions:

Tell us about your training camp. Did you change a lot of your regular training methods for a fight against Kharitonov?

AV: “My training camp was no different from any other camp. As always, I had many sparring sessions, wrestled a lot, and was focused on functional training. In general, it was just another camp. I trained at home in Cherepovets, because this is where I belong. I have good relations with fighters from many gyms, but I have never gone anywhere to a training camp. I don’t have enough money to go abroad for a camp, I work for myself.

I feel comfortable training in my gym. I have a great team, including some heavyweights, and we always help each other. If I have a fight scheduled, guys help me; if some other guys have fights, we all help them.”

How much will you weigh for the fight?

AV: “I think this time I will be at least 265 pounds before the fight, maybe even a bit heavier. I would not say I am that huge, there are many guys bigger than me. When I was a child, I used to be skinny and tall and only when I was n the Army did I start to gain weight. Now, when I am 265 pounds. I breath good, and I think this weight is perfect for me.

What are your predictions for the upcoming fight? Are you going to fight Kharitonov standing or would like to take him down?

AV: In our weight class, one missed punch can end the fight, so I think we have equal chances to win this fight. During camp, we train for everything, so I will be ready to fight him standing but, if needed, I will take him down, because it is very important in MMA to be able to change the game plan during the fight.”

Give us your thoughts on the vacant M-1 Challenge heavyweight title. Do you see yourself as champion in a couple more fights?

AV: “Now, I am concentrated on the upcoming fight but, yes, definitely if I win this fight I will be the No. 1 heavyweight contender. However, I do not think about it right now. My goal is to fight the strongest and most experienced opponents, who are rated higher than me.

“I am not fighting in Saint-Petersburg for the first time and I really enjoy competing in this city. I think some fans will root for Sergey, but there will also be a lot of fans supporting me in the M-1 Arena on May 24th!”

INFORMATION:

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews

@Vadim_finkelchtein

@M1Global

Facebook:

Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:

May 24 – M-1 Challenge 92: Kharitonov vs. Vyazigin in Saint Petersburg, Russia

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

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

Daniel Swain defeats Masu Nuertiebieke Mikhail Zayats decisions Caio Malgahaes

May 14, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

M-1 CHALLENGE 91 OFFICIAL RESULTS

MMA fans in China turned out to watch M-1 Challenge 91

SHENZHEN, China (May 12, 2018) – American fighter Daniel “Agent Orange” Swain defeated Masu “Iron King” Nuertiebieke in this past Saturday night’s M-1 Challenge 91main event in Shenzhen, China.

The 27-year-old Swain (18-8-1), fighting out of Newport, Washington, used a knee bar to submit local favorite, Nuertiebieke (12-3-0), in the opening round of their fight that was contested at 147 1/2 pounds (67-kilograms.)

In the co-featured event, Russian National Sambo and hand-to-hand combat championMikhail Zayats (24-8-0) won a three-round unanimous decision over Brazilian middleweight Caio “Hellboy” Magalhaes (10-5-0), a past M-1 Challenge middleweight title challenger.

Brazilian lightweight Michel “Sassarito” Silva (19-7-1) defeated Li Bolin (7-5-0), of China, by way of an arm triangle for a first-round submission.

Chinese welterweight Kuerban Jiang (19-9-0) won a three-round unanimous decision against American Robert “TO” Turnquest (7-5-0), who has a black belt in judo.

In the main card opener, Ukrainian featherweight Andrey “Iron” Lezhnev (18-7-0) locked in a rear naked choke on Asikeerbai (14-7-0), of China, for a win by first-round submission.

On the preliminary card, Georgian flyweight Vazha Tsiptauri (5-1-0) and proved to be too much for his Chinese opponent, Liang Hui (10-3-0), who lost via submission in the first round thanks to a Guillotine Choke.

In a battle between undefeated female flyweights, China’s Yan Qi Hui improved to 10-0-0 with a first-round technical knockout of 9-1-0 Olga Golynska, of Russia, when their fight was stopped because of Hui’s relentless ground-and-pound attack.

Russian bantamweight prospect Selem Eloev (4-0-0) remained undefeated, submitting Xiaolong Wu (16-5-0), of China, with a rear naked choke hold in the opening round; Poland light heavyweight Rafal “Kjana” Kijanczuk (3-0-0) stopped Mathew Clempner (2-1-0), of the United Kingdom, in round one; Chinese bantamweight Huoyiybai Chuhayifu (10-3-1) took a three-round unanimous decision from Janne “Jamba” Elonen-Kulmala (16-7-1), of Finland.

M-1 Challenge 91 was a true International competition with featuring fighters representing nine different countries: Russia, China, United States, United Kingdom, Brazil, Ukraine, Georgia, Poland and Finland.

Complete results and photo gallery below:

MAIN CARD

MAIN EVENT – 67 KG. CATCHWEIGHT

Daniel Swain (18-8-1, M-1: 1-0-1), USA

WSUB1 (kneebar – 1:04)

Masu Nuertiebieke (12-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), China

CO-FEATURE – FEATHERWEIGHTS

Mikhail Zayats (24-8-0, M-1: 14-5-0), Russia

WDEC3

Caio Magalhaes (10-5-0, M-1: 1-2-0), Brazil

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Michel Silva (19-7-1, M-1: 1-2-0), Brazil

WSUB1 (Arm Triangle – 3:30)

Li Bolin (7-5-0, M-1: 0-1-0-), China

WELTERWEIGHTS

Kuerban Jiang (18-10-0, M-1: 0-1-0), China

WDEC3

Robert Turnquest (8-4-0, M-1: 1-1-0), USA

FEATHERWEIGHTS

Andrey Lezhnev (18-7-0, M-1: 6-3-0), Ukraine

WSUB1 (Rear Naked Choke – 3:11)

Asikeerbai (14-7-0, M-1: 0-1-0), China

PRELIMINARY CARD

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

Rafal Kijanczuk (2-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Poland

WTKO1 (0:15)

Mathew Clempner (2-0-0, M-1: 0-0-0), UK

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Vazha Tsiptauri (5-1-0, M-1: 3-0-0), Georgia

WSUB1 (Guillotine Choke – 3:47)

Liang Hui (10-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), China

FEMALE LIGHTWEIGHTS

Yan Qi Hui (10-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), China

WTKO1 (Ground & Pound Stoppage – 3:35)

Olga Golymska (8-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia

BANTAMWEIGHTS

Selem Eloev (4-0-0, M-1: 4-0-0), Russia

WSUB1 (Rear Naked Choke – 2:42)

Xiaolong Wu (16-5-0, M-1: 0-1-0), China

Huoyiybai Chuhayifu (10-3-1, M-1: 1-0-0), China

WDEC3

Janne Elonen-Kulmala (15-7-1, M-1: 1-2-1)

Daniel Swain finished off Masu Nuertiebieke in the opening round with a knee-bar

Mikhail Zayats (R) won a hard fought decision over Caio Magalhaes

Andrey Lezhnev celebrates his win by submission over Asikeerbai

Kuerban Jiang was a winner

Michel Silva (R) was too much for Li Bolin to handle

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

May 24 – M-1 Challenge 92: Kharitonov vs. Vyazigin in Saint Petersburg, Russia

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

boxing, Russia, women's boxing

Russia’s Elena Gradinar Gunning for The World’s Best Female Featherweights

May 9, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

#1-rated IBF Inter-Continental Female Featherweight Champion Elena Gradinar is calling out the rest of her division’s best.

The undefeated 27-year-old, from Saint Petersburg, Russia, was last seen dominating former world champion Olivia Gerula in March. She has now set her sights on IBF Champion Jennifer Han and the top-rated female fighters in the featherweight division.

“I am very honored to have the Inter-Continental Title and be their number-one featherweight contender,” said Gradinar. “I want to demonstrate the true definition of a top contender and, soon, I believe a world champion by fighting the very best in every fight. This is a great time and space for women’s boxing and I am happy to be making my mark in this day and age.”

Based on her heavily decorated amateur career, Gradinar attained the designation of Sport Master of Russia in her homeland and has made quite a name for herself overseas. The goal, however, is for her to begin to make an impact in the US.

Her co-promoter, Dmitriy Salita, says Gradinar’s time has come. “Elena Gradinar has shown consistent improvement in her game and is one of the best fighters in the featherweight division. With woman’s boxing making huge strides, I believe that Elena will win a world title in the near future and make her US debut on a platform for boxing fans to see the high level of her talents.

Salita says his phone is always on if representatives of any of the world’s top female featherweights are interested in stepping up.

# # #

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

Strongmen enter The Rage at M-1 Challenge 92 May 24 in Saint Petersburg, Russia

May 8, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (May 7, 2018

) – The first Spanish Olympia deadlift champion will face one of the strongest Russian athletes May 24 at M-1 Challenge 92 in M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Fredy Gonzales, also known as “El Gigante,” is officially Spain’s strongest man. Born in Cuba, he always was a huge guy, so it’s no wonder that he chose football (soccer) as his first sport to play. After playing that for a few years, Gonzales decided to start something new and he wisely chose powerlifting. It took him just a few years to win his first competition and very soon he started winning various huge events in deadlift and bench press, including the world championships.

Gonzales’ first attempt to win Olympia was not successful, but he was close to capturing the title, finishing in second place. Next following year he became the Olympia champion.

With his winning results of 837 lbs. (380 kg) in the dead-lift and 683 lbs. (310 kg) in the bench press, Gonzales officially will become the strongest person who ever stepped in the M-1 Global Rage.

Maksim Baruzdin is the strongest man in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Starting his career in powerlifting, he won numerous medals and titles, highlighted by the 2017 World Raw Powerlifting European Championships, lifting 793 lbs. (360 kg) in the deadlift. In addition to his power-lifting career, Maksim started taking part in different strongman shows and he now holds six official national records.

These long-time foes have been looking for new challenges and MMA is going to be their next stop. Strongmen will fight in the undercard of M-1 Challenge 92, which will be headlined by a SuperFight between world heavyweight star Sergey Kharitonov(27-6-0, M-1: 5-0-0) and young Russian power-puncher Anton Vyazigin (9-2-1, M-1: 4-1-0).

M-1 Challenge 92 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 92 will also be available onwww.FITE.TV(preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card)

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