Tūtohu Archives: Chelyabinsk

M-1, M-1 Challenge, whakauru toi hōia, MMA, Russia

New M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Bruno Blindado Silva

Waiho he tākupu
M-1 CHALLENGE 98 RESULTS & PICTURES
New M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Bruno Blindado Silva and his team celebrate

CHELYABINSK, Russia (Whiringa 5, 2018) — Fists were flying last Friday night at M-1 Challenge 98 as ten of 12 fights ended prematurely, eight by way of knockout punches and two submissions, highlighted by Brazilian mixed-martial-arts veteran Bruno Blindado Silva‘s title-winning stoppage of previously undefeated M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Artem Frolov, i roto i te Chelyabinsk, Russia.

 

 

 

Silva (19-6-0) has taken M-1 Global by storm. He became the top middleweight contender by knocking out Russian MMA star Alexander Shlemenko (56-11-1) in the opening round of M-1 Challenge 93 last June. With his fourth-round knockout by punches of another Russian, Frolov (11-1-0), the power-punching Silva has how stopped 16 o tona 19 defeated opponents during his outstanding pro career.

 

 

 

The 27-year-old Frolov, ko wai te 9-0-0 in M-1 competition going into his second title defense last Friday versus Silva, had signed a UFC contract and he was scheduled to fight last month at UFC Moscow. He was forced to withdraw due to injury.

 

 

 

In the co-featured event another undefeated fighter was knocked off, when Russian welterweight Sergey Romanov (15-3-0) handed his Swiss opponent, Urs Pablo Ortmann (8-1-0), his first pro loss, by way of a three-round unanimous decision.

 

 

 

Kazakhstan bantamweight Sergey Morozov (13-4-0) riro te whakatau loto e toru-a tawhio noa ki runga i Bair Shtepin (7-3-0), o Russia.

 

 

 

Whitu Russian Ivan Bogdanov kept his unbeaten record intact, improving to 6-0-0, when he punched out Frenchman Emmanuel “Papou Lele” Dawa (7-3-0) i roto i te toru o tawhio.

 

 

 

Welterweight Russian Boris Medvedev (4-0-0) noho hinga, locking in a Rear Naked Choke on his fellow countryman, David Zakaryan (1-1-0) for a win by first-round technical submission.

 

 

 

I runga i te kāri tuatahi, late replacement Oleg Popov (4-1-0) registered a second-round technical knockout of fellow Russian heavyweight, Yuriy Fedorov (1-1-0, 1 NC), i roto i te taka noa e rua, while Russian lightweight Magomed Magomedov (12-3-0) put Frenchman Arnaud Kherfallah(5-2-0) to sleep in the opening round.

 

 

 

French middleweight Jean “Panqueca” Petrick (9-3-0) made an impressive M-1 debut by submitting always dangerous Talekh “The Azerbaijan Terminator” Nadzhafzade (7-3-1) with a North-South choke, a Ivan Tsygelnik (2-1-0) won his second pro bout by way of a first-round technical knockout via punches versus Maksim Baruzdin (1-1-0) i te pakanga o nga taumaha taumaha Ruhia.

 

Denis Sulimov (3-0-0) patototanga a roto i Iliskhan Merzhoev (2-1-0) in the opening round on punches in a match between Russian lightweights, Russian ono tekau Rizvan Simbagaev (4-1-0) was too much for his Ukrainian rival, Alexey Shanin (2-1-0), who was stopped on punches midway through the third and final round, and Russian featherweight Nikita Barkhajov (2-0-0) blasted-out Agoney Romero (7-5-1), o Spain, i roto i te kotahi a tawhio noa.

 

 

 

Te 24 competing fighters represented eight different countries: Russia, Brazil, France, Ukraine, Switzerland, Spain, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.

Complete results and additional pictures below:
KĀRI MAIN
MAHI MAIN – M-1 POLE whitu CHAMPIONSHIP
Bruno Blindado Silva (19-6-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Brazil
WTKO4 (nifó – 3:36)
Artem Frolov (11-1-0, M-1: 9-1-0), Russia
(Silva won M-1 Challenge middleweight title)
CO-FEATURE – WELTERWEIGHTS
Sergey Romanov (15-3-0, M-1: 6-2-0), Russia
WDEC3
Urs Pablo Ortmann (8-1-0, M-1: 2-1-0), Switzerland
BANTAMWEIGHTS
Sergey Morozov (13-4-0, M-1: 7-3-0), Katatānga
WDEC3
Bair Shtepin (7-3-0, M-1: 3-3-0), Russia
MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Ivan Bogdanov (6-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia
WTKO3 (0:58 – nifó)
Emmanuel Dawa (732-0, M-1: 0-1-0), France
MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Boris Medvedev (4-0-0, M-1: 3-0-0), Russia
WSUB1 (3:55 – Rear tahanga kowaowaotia iho)
David Zakaryan (1-1-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Spain
KĀRI PRELIMINARY
HEAVYWEIGHTS
Oleg Popov (4-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Russia
WTKO2 (2:38 – nifó)
Yuriy Fedorov (1-1-0, 1 NC, M-1: 1-1-0, 1 NC), Russia
Ivan Tsygelnik (1-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia
WTKO1 (0:20 – nifó)
Maksim Baruzdin (1-1-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Russia
MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Jean Petrick (9-3-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Brazil
WSUB2 (4:55 – North-South Choke)
Talekh Nadzhafzade (7-3-1, M-1: 2-3-1), Azerbaijan
LIGHTWEIGHTS
Magomed Magimedov (12-2-0, M-1: 3-1-0)
WKO1 (0:28 – nifó)
Arnaud Kherfallah (5-2-0, M-1: 2-1-1)
Denis Sulimov (3-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Russia
WTKO1 (4:27 – nifó)
Iliskhan Merzhoev (2-1-0, 1 NC, M-1: 2-1-0), Russia
Rizvan Simbagaev (4-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Russia
WTKO3 (2:40 – nifó)
Alexey Shanin (3-1-0, (M-1: 0-1-0), Ukraine
FEATHERWEIGHTS
Nikita Barkhatov (2-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Russia
WKO1 (3:56 – nifó)
Agoney Romero (7-5-1, M-1: 1-1-0), Spain
Silva (runga) finished off Frolov to win the M-1 Challenge middleweight title
Sergey Romanov (R) gave Urs Pablo Ortmann (L) his first pro loss
Sergey Morozov (R) decisioned Bair Shtepin
Undefeated Ivan Bogdanov (L) drilled Emmanuel Dawa
Boris Medvedev (L) connected vs. David Zakaryan
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UPCOMING EVENT: Nov. 17 – M-1 Challenge 99: Doskalchuk vs. Silander, Nazran, Russia
M-1, M-1 Challenge, whakauru toi hōia, MMA, Russia

In The Rage…… Urs Pablo Ortmann

Waiho he tākupu

Saint Petersburg, Russia (October 16, 2018) – Undefeated Swiss welterweight prospect Urs Pablo Ortmann (8-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0) steps up in class November 2 to challenge Russian veteran Sergey Romanov (14-3-0, M-1: 5-2-0) i M-1 Challenge 98 i roto i te Chelyabinsk, Russia.

 

 

 

Undefeated M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Artem Frolov (11-0-0, M-1: 9-0-0) takes on Brazilian challenger Bruno Blindado Silva (18-6-0, M-1: 1-0-0) i roto i te M-1 Challenge 98 hui matua.

.

M-1 Challenge 98 will be live-streamed from Russia in high definition onwww.M1Global.TV. Ka taea ki te mataara i te whawhai tuatahi, me te kāri matua i te takiuru ki runga ki ki te rēhita i Viewers www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, me te i runga i te waea atamai, me papa Android me Apple. M-1 Challenge 97 will also be is available onwww.FITE.TV (preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card).

 

 

 

Ortmann, a Muay Thai specialist, recently stepped into The Rage to discuss his ascending mixed-martial-arts career, including his fight versus Romanov:

 

Urs Pablo, you’ve got a double name, how do your friends call you?

 

 

 

UPO: “My friends call me just Urs and Pablo is my fight name. Earlier there was a difference between the real me and my fighting alter ego; stepping into the cage I used to go wild. Today it’s different, now I do my best to stay calm when I fight. My goal now is to stay effective and demonstrate techniques in the clearest way possible.”

 

How did you start your MMA career and what do you like the most about fighting?

 

 

 

UPO: “Mau, I started my martial arts career only when I turned 21. Before that I played basketball. I 21, Gabriel Sabo helped me join the fighting world. I te tīmatanga, I was not going to compete, but my trainer, Zyber Ruday, had seen my potential and helped me grow. I love both striking and grappling. In my career I have more submission victories, only because of the fact that I felt I was better on the ground than my opponents.”

 

What can you tell us about MMA in Switzerland? Who is the most noticeable fighter?

 

 

 

UPO: “Yasubey Enomoto is a role model in MMA for me and a good friend of mine. MMA has been developing in Switzerland rapidly lately, but still it’s popularity can’t be compared to what we see in Russia. Anyway, there are MMA gyms in almost every city and they have many fighters with potential.”

 

How did you get to M-1 Global and how do you like fighting in Russia?

 

 

 

UPO: “Before joining M-1 Global I’d already been to Russia once at Battle in the Mountains in Ingushetia, I loved it and it became my goal to fight in front of this amazing crowd against some top opponents.

 

 

 

“I worked very hard and I won all my MMA, K-1 and Muay Thai fights, so First MMA Management got interested in me, and very soon after signing with them I got my first fight in M-1 Global. I find it excellent that MMA has so much respect in Russia and that it is supported at such a high level that you can even see the President at some events. I have a great experience with Russian fans, who are very respectful. After my fights I’ve seen that they understand this sport really well, so I love fighting in Russia.”

 

Who would you like to fight the most in M-1 Global?

 

 

 

UPO: “I would love to fight Alexey Kunchenko. I’ve seen many fights of his and it would be a tough challenge for me. I’m happy that he signed with the UFC and I hope one day I can follow him.”

 

What do you think about your upcoming fight against Sergey Kunchenko?

 

 

 

UPO: “Sergey Romanov is one of the most dangerous welterweights on the M-1 Global roster. In his last fight he made some mistakes and I would say just defeated himself. M-1 Global fans will love our fight and I’m sure that the winner should become the next title contender. I suppose the winner will face Maxim Grabovich in the fight for the vacant title.

 

 

 

 

“E matau ana ahau ki tenei kei te haere ki te whawhai uaua. A knockout victory would be awesome, but I’m open to any opportunity to finish this fight. Ka rite ki nga wa katoa, I’ll start pushing my opponent from the opening bell.”

 

KŌRERO:

 

 

 

www.M1Global.tv

www.mixfight.ru

www.wmmaa.org

 

Twitter & Instagram:

 

 

@ M1GlobalNews

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www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews

 

Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:

 

 

Nov. 2 – M-1 Challenge 98: Frolov vs. Silva in Chelyabinsk, Russia

M-1, M-1 Challenge, whakauru toi hōia, MMA, Russia

Growing Russia vs. Brazil MMA rivalry continues

Waiho he tākupu
Artem Frolov – Bruno Blindado Silva
M-1 Challenge middleweight championship
Nov. 2 i M-1 Challenge 98 i roto i te 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, i roto i te 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. Ka taea ki te mataara i te whawhai tuatahi, me te kāri matua i te takiuru ki runga ki ki te rēhita i Viewers www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, me te i runga i te waea atamai, me papa Android me Apple. 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), whawhai i roto i 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 tenei Pipiri mua. The heavy-handed Brazilian fighter has stopped 15 o tona 18 defeated opponents to date.

 

 

 

“Bruno Silva is a worthy title challenger, who made a big statement earlier this year,” Frolov said. “Kia aroha mai, 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 i roto i te 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.”

 

 

 

Hohoro ka kauwhautia tahi atu whawhai. He whawhai me whawhai katoa raro ki te huringa.

 

KŌRERO:

 

 

 

www.M1Global.tv

www.mixfight.ru

www.wmmaa.org

 

Twitter & Instagram:

@ M1GlobalNews

@ M1Global

 

Facebook:

 

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews

 

Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:

Nov. 2 – M-1 Challenge 98: Frolov vs. Silva in Chelyabinsk, Russia
M-1, M-1 Challenge, whakauru toi hōia, MMA, Russia

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

Waiho he tākupu
Nov. 2 i M-1 Challenge 98 i roto i te 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 i roto i te Chelyabinsk, Russia.
M-1 Challenge 98 will be live-streamed from Russia in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Ka taea ki te mataara i te whawhai tuatahi, me te kāri matua i te takiuru ki runga ki ki te rēhita i Viewers www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, me te i runga i te waea atamai, me papa Android me Apple. 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), whawhai i roto i 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. I roto i te poto, Frolov is an extremely dangerous fighter, evident by his perfect professional record.
Frolov (i runga i te runga) 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 tenei Pipiri mua. The power-punching Brazilian embraced his underdog role, shockingly blasting Shlemenko (pictured below) at will. Silva’s lethal punching has resulted in 15 o tona 18 victims being stopped.
Hohoro ka kauwhautia tahi atu whawhai. He whawhai me whawhai katoa raro ki te huringa.
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Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:
Nov. 2 – M-1 Challenge 98: Frolov vs. Silva in Chelyabinsk, Russia
M-1, M-1 Challenge, whakauru toi hōia, MMA, Russia

M-1 Challenge 93 Weights & Pictures

Waiho he tākupu
Saint Petersburg, Russia (Kia 31, 2018) – The official weight in was held today forapopo a 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. Na, 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:
KĀRI MAIN
MAHI MAIN – 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 POLE whitu 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), Kaiwero, 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 “Taumahi” 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), Kehitāna 124.56 lbs. (56.5 kg)
KĀRI PRELIMINARY
HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
Charles-Henri Lucien (0-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0), France228.62 lbs. (103.7 kg)
vs.
Yuriy Fedorov (no te tuatahi), 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), Awherika ki te Tonga 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 (Tuatahi Pro), 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)

 

No: Rāmere, Pipiri 1, 2018
HEA: Chelyabinsk, Russia
Kaiwhakatairanga: M-1 Global
Awa ora: www.m1global.tv (9.00 a.m. AND / 6:00 a.m. PT in USA). Also available onFITE.TV (preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card)
KŌRERO:

Twitter & Instagram:
@ M1GlobalNews
@Vfinkelchtein
@ M1Global
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Takahanga ka ū mai:
Pipiri 1 – M-1 Challenge 93: Shelemnko vs. Silva in Chelyabinsk, Russia
Pipiri 15 – M-1 Challenge 94: Ismagulov vs. Damkovsky in Orenburg, Russia
M-1, M-1 Challenge, whakauru toi hōia, MMA, Russia

IN THE RAGE INTERVIEW CHRIS “The Greek Assassin” KELADES

Waiho he tākupu
Chris Kaledes (R) is shooting for his second straight M-1 victory tenei Rāmere

CHELYABINSK, Russia (Kia 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 kāri matua, i roto i te 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, kāore, the event was canceled. Na, 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: Ko te rerekē katoa whawhai. 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. E tura'i te reira ahau!”

 

 

 

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) i roto i te M-1 Challenge 93 co-featured event.

 

M-1 Challenge 93 will be live-streamed from Russia in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Ka taea ki te mataara i te whawhai tuatahi, me te kāri matua i te takiuru ki runga ki ki te rēhita i Viewerswww.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, me te i runga i te waea atamai, me papa Android me Apple. M-1 Challenge 93 will also be available onwww.FITE.TV(preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card)

 

 

KŌRERO:

 

 

 

www.M1Global.tv

www.mixfight.ru

www.wmmaa.org

 

Twitter & Instagram:

 

 

@ M1GlobalNews

VFinkelchtein

@ M1Global

 

Facebook:

 

 

 

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews

 

Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:

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

M-1, M-1 Challenge, whakauru toi hōia, MMA, Russia

IN THE RAGE INTEVIEW Artem Frolov

Waiho he tākupu

CHELYABINSK, Russia (Kia 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) i roto i te M-1 Challenge 93 co-featured event, i roto i te 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, o 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

I roto i te 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. O te akoranga, 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. Heoi, 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.

 

 

 

“O te akoranga, 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. Na, 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. Heoi, it feels great to win via submission as well, especially when it is a beautiful one. Ka rite ki te mea o te meka, 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. Na, 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. Ka taea ki te mataara i te whawhai tuatahi, me te kāri matua i te takiuru ki runga ki ki te rēhita i Viewers www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, me te i runga i te waea atamai, me papa Android me Apple. M-1 Challenge 93 will also be available onwww.FITE.TV(preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card)

 

KŌRERO:

 

 

 

 

www.M1Global.tv

www.mixfight.ru

www.wmmaa.org

 

Twitter & Instagram:

 

 

@ M1GlobalNews

VFinkelchtein

@ M1Global

 

Facebook:

 

 

 

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews

 

Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:

 

 

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

M-1, M-1 Challenge, whakauru toi hōia, MMA, Russia

Joe “Diesel” Riggs vs. undefeated M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Artem Frolov on June 1st in Russia

Waiho he tākupu

Saint Petersburg, Russia (April 27, 2018) - Eternal confrontation: experience vs. youth will continue June 1st at M-1 Challenge 93 i roto i te Chelyabinsk, Russia.

 

 

 

Undefeated M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Artem Frolov (10-0-0, M-1: 7-0-0), who was mentioned by Fighters Only Magazine among the 20 top MMA prospects for 2018, will defend his title for the first time against American favorite Joe "Diesel" Riggs (47-17-1, M-1: 2-0-1). Frolov is known as a well-rounded fighter who has defeated all ten of his opponents, four of which he knocked out, and the other four submitted. Last October, Frolov captured the belt by defeating UFC veteran Caio Magalhaes, o Brazil, i te whakatau loto, but he needed a break to heal his injuries.

 

 

 

 

At the same event, Riggs got his second victory in M-1 Global competition, extending his winning streak to six fights, all ended by TKO. Another impressive victory earned “Diesel” his title-shot and he is ready to add another championship belt to his collection. Since the champ (Frolov) could not fight and Riggs wanted to stay active, he took another fight against Ukrainian wrestler Borys Polezhai (18-6-0), which ended in a draw. “Diesel” was clearly not satisfied with that result, but his impressive unbeaten streak helped him get the June 1st title shot. Riggs, o te akoranga, will bring do his best to become world champion once again.

 

 

 

 

Will Riggs get his 48th career victory and bring another title back home to Arizona or will it be an easy job for the young Frolov?

 

 

 

 

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).

 

 

 

 

Watch the event in the M-1 Global app, on M1Global.com or on FITE.TV for just $7.99 and enjoy a dozen stunning fights from the best European promotion M-1 Global!

 

KŌRERO:

www.M1Global.tv

www.mixfight.ru

www.wmmaa.org

 

Twitter & Instagram:

 

@ M1GlobalNews

VFinkelchtein

@ M1Global

 

Facebook:

 

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews

 

Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:

Kia 12 – M-1 Challenge 91: Doskalchuk vs. Ashimov in Shenzhen, China.

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

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