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Aug. 30, 2019 – M-1 Challenge 104: Roman Bogatov vs. Mickael Lebout in Orenburg, Russia.

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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 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!”

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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. Silva in Chelyabinsk, Russia

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

Heavyweight star Sergei Kharitonov To headline M-1 Challenge 92

April 24, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

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

Sergei Kharitonov (R)

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (April 23, 2018)) – Russian heavyweight star Sergei Kharitonov returns to The Rage on May 24 to headline M-1 Challenge 92 at M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Kharitonov (27-6-0, M-1: 5-0-0) faces his fellow countryman, upset-minded Anton Vyazigin(9-2-1, M-1: 4-1-0), in this Heavyweight 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)

The 6′ 4″, 258-pound Kharitonov is undefeated in five M-1 Challenge events having defeated Geronino dos Santos (SUB1 – ankle lock), Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (KO1 – punch), former M-1 Challenge heavyweight champion Kenny “Deuce” Garner twice, at M-1Challenge 59 in 2015 at Kazakhstan (WTKO1 – punches) and M-1 Challenge 53 in 2013 at China, (KO/TKO3 – injury), and to Alexei Kudin at M-1 Challenge 43 in 2013 Russia (KO2).

The 37-year-old Kharitonov, has defeated some of the greatest heavyweight MMA fighters of all-time, including Alister Overeem, Andrei Arlovski, Fabricio Werdum and Pedro Rizzo. Kharitonov has also fought in Strikeforce, K-1, Bellator and PRIDE.

Vyazigin, who stands 6′ 5″ and weights 250-pounds, is coming off a sensational 16-seconds knockout of Zaur Gadzhibabayev this past March at M-1 Challenge 89.

One other main card fight has been announced as striker Giga Kukhalashvili (9-3-0, M-1: 2-0-0) meets undefeated Khadis Ibragimov (3-0-0. M-1: 1-0-0) in a battle of undefeated Russian light heavyweights.

On the preliminary card, French lightweight Mickael “Ragnar” Lebout (17-8-2, 1 NC, M-1: 1-0-0) meets rising Russian prospect Pavel Gordeev (10-1-0, M-1: 4-0-0). Lebout vs. Gordeev was scheduled to happed at M-1 Challenge 87, but Lebout was injured during training camp, forcing the Frenchman out of that fight. Lebout’s M-1 debut at M-1 Challenge 89 resulted in a win by first-round knockout of Sergey Faley. Gordeev is riding a three-fight win streak, all ending in unanimous decisions.

All fighters and fights are subject to change. Additional main and preliminary card bouts will soon be announced.

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Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:

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

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

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

Ivan Buchinger rebounds from title loss with impressive win over Andrey Krasnikov

March 12, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

“Buki” is back!

M-1 CHALLENGE 89 RESULTS

Ivan Buchinger is back!

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (March 10, 2018) — Former M-1 Challenge featherweight champion Ivan “Buki” Buchinger rebounded from his title loss last November with an impressive win over Andrey Krasnikov in tonight’s M-1 Challenge 89 main event, at M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

The judges had an uneventful evening as only one of a dozen fights on the overall M-1 Challenge 89 card went the full distance for a decision in this true International event. Fighters represented 11 different countries: Russia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Brazil, Azerbaijan, France, Belarus, Georgia, Bulgaria, Israel and Spain.

Buchinger (33-6-0, M-1: 7-2-0), fighting out of Slovakia, originally captured the M-1 Challenge featherweight title on October 17, 2014, stopping Tural Ragimov on punches in the fourth round, in the M-1 Challenge 52 Fight of the Night. Buchinger retained his title for more than three years, losing his title belt last November 24 at M-1 Challenge 86, when Khamzat Dalgiev knocked him out by punches in the opening round.

In the second round, Buchinger used his vast arsenal of skills to defeat the game Krasnikov, of Russia, by way of an anaconda choke for a second-round submission.

Buchinger’s strong comeback against his Ukrainian opponent, Krasnikov (14-4-0), who had won 13 of his last 14 MMA fights going into his showdown with Buchinger, should position the Slovakian for a possible rematch with Dalgiev.

Russian featherweight contender Viktor Kolesnik (12-3-1) went to the ground with a effective Guillotine Choke for a first-round triumph by submission over M-1 Global-debutingDavid “Davi Boxer” Silva de Souza (8-3-0), of Brazil, in the co-featured event.

Also fighting on the main card, Russian heavyweight Anton Vyazigin (9-2-0) knocked outZaur Gadzhibabayev (6-2-0) in the first round on punches

French lightweight Mickael “Ragnar” Lebout (17-8-2) turned in an impressive M-1 Global debut, knocking out Belorussian challenger Sergey Faley (20-11-0) on punches in the opening round.

Late replacement Oleg Aduchiev (4-0-0), of Russia, upset veteran Ukrainian flyweight Vitaliy Branchuk (23-8-0), stopping him on punches in the second round for a technical knockout.

On the preliminary card, Georgian flyweight Vazha Tsiptauri (4-1-0) used a Guillotine Choke to force Dimitar Kostov (9-5-0), of Bulgaria, in a second-round submission; Ukrainian light heavyweight Denis Vygovsky (7-3-0) won a three-round majority decision over Brendson “Zyzz” Ribeiro (9-3-0), of Brazil, and Russian featherweight Nikita Solonin(4-1-0) stopped Elizar Tariku (3-1-0) in the first round on punches.

Ali Albogachiev (5-0-0) punched out Rasul Magomedov (7-0-0) in the first round of a fight between undefeated Russian lightweight prospects, while Russian featherweight Ivan Kibala (3-0-0) stopped Spaniard Daniel “Diamond” Vasquez (4-3-0) in the second round on punches.

In pre-undercard action, Dmitry Novikov (1-0-1) locked in a rear naked choke on fellow Russian heavyweight Mikhail Makogon (0-2-0) for a victory by first-round submission. Russian middleweight knocked out fellow countryman Krill Mazhara (2-2-0) with a kick to the head in the second round.

Complete results and photo gallery below:

MAIN CARD

MAIN EVENT – FEATHERWEIGHTS

Ivan Buchinger (33-6-0, M-1: 8-2-0), Slovakia

WSUB2 – Anaconda Choke – 2:54)

Andrey Krasnikov (14-4-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Ukraine

CO-FEATURE – FEATHERWEIGHTS

Viktor Kolesnik (12-3-1, M-1: 3-1-1), Russia

WSUB1 (Guillotine Choke – 0:44)

David Silva de Souza (7-3-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Brazil

HEAVYWEIGHTS

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

WKO1 (Punches – 0:16)

Zaur Gadzhibabayev (6-2-0, M-1: 4-1-0), Azerbaijan

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Mickael Lebout (17-8-2, M-1: 1-0-0), France

WKO1 (Punches – 4:53)

Sergey Faley (20-11-0, M-1: 4-2-0), Belarus

FLYWEIGHTS

Oleg Aduchiev (4-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia

WTKO2 – (Punches – 3:09)

Vitaliy Branchuk (23-5-0, M-1: 2-4-0), Ukraine

PRELIMINARY CARD

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

Denis Vygovsky (7-3-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Ukraine

WDEC3

Brendson Ribeiro (9-3-0 (M-1: 0-1-0), Brazil

LIGHTWEIGHTS

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

WKO1 (Punches – 2:45)

Rasul Magomedov (6-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia

FEATHERWEIGHTS

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

WTKO1 (Punches – 0:51)

Elizar Tariku (3-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Israel

Ivan Kibala (3-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia

WTKO2 (Punches- 4:18)

Daniel Vasquez (4-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Spain

FLYWEIGHTS

Vazha Tsiptauri (4-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Georgia

WSUB2 (MOUNTED Guillotine Choke – 1:28)

Dimitar Kostov (9-5-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Bulgaria

PRE-UNDERCARD

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Dmitry Novikov (1-0-1, M-1: 1-0-1), Russia

WSUB1 (Rear Naked Choke – 4:03)

Mikhail Makogon (0-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Boris Medvedev (2-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Russia

WKO2 (Head Kick – 1:33)

Kirill Mazhara (2-2-0, M-1: 0-2-0), Russia

Ivan Buchinger had top position here on way to his victory

Anton Vyazigin knockoyuts Zaur Gadzhibabayev

Oleg Aduchiev drops Vitaliy Branchuk

Viktor Kolesnik (white trunks) finishes off David Silva de Souza

Mickael Lebout knocked out Sergey Faley

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

Mar. 30 – M-1 Challenge 90: Kunchenko-Butenko, M-1 Arena, Saint Petersburg, Russia

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

Ivan Buchinger vs. Andrey Krasnikov Tops solid M-1 Challenge 89 main card

March 3, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Mar. 10 in Saint Petersburg at new M-1 Arena

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (March 2, 2018) – Former M-1 Challenge featherweight champion Ivan “Buki” Buchinger hopes to bounce back strong from his title-losing loss against M-1 Global-debuting Andrey Krasnikov, March 10 in the M-1 Challenge 89 main event, at the new M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

M-1 Challenge 89 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 89 is available onwww.FITE.TV (preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card)

Buchinger (32-6-0, M-1: 7-2-0), fighting out of Slovakia, captured the M-1 Challenge featherweight title on October 17, 2014, stopping Tural Ragimov on punches in the fourth round, in the M-1 Challenge 52 Fight of the Night. Buchinger retained his title for more than three years, losing his title belt last November 24 at M-1 Challenge 86, when he was knockout by punches in the opening round by Khamzat Dalgiev.

“I did not suffer any injuries,” Buchinger reflected on his loss to Dalgiev. “Physically I felt good, but I was extremely disappointed because my opponent was so lucky to deliver a nice punch. It was just a lucky punch that knocked me out. Everything went as planned up until that moment, when I made a single fatal mistake. He was lucky that night, bit I don’t want to belittle Khamzat’s skills. He’s an excellent fighter and a great person.

“Would I win a rematch? I don’t want to make any predictions but, if we fight for the second time, we will see who is going to be the winner. But I am sure that I am a better fighter than him. Real champions do not care about who they fight, so I will fight any opponent to get my belt back. Everybody knows who the true champion is, so, as soon as I have an opportunity to win the title, I’ll do it.”

The road back to the top for Buchinger will not be easy. His opponent, Krasnikov (14-3-0, M-1: 0-0-0), plans to make a big splash in his first M-1 Global competition, positioning himself for a future M-1 Challenge title shot. The well-balanced Ukrainian, who has won 13 of his last 14 pro fights, is equally adept on his feet or ground.

“He is a young, strong opponent,” Buchinger spoke about his next opponent, “who is always ready to go until the end. I take all my fights seriously and the next one won’t be an exception. My coaches and team have watched some of my opponent’s fights and helped me to understand what I need to do in the fight, what I need to avoid. I am sure that I can get my strap back and this fight should become my first step. This time I feel a little bit different because I don’t feel any pressure, which I used to feel as champion.

“I am happy to fight in Saint Petersburg at the new M-1 Arena. I love Russian fans because they really understand MMA and are always very hospitable. I am going to make a huge comeback and win in style!”

Russian kickboxing specialist Viktor Kolesnik (11-3-1, M-1: 2-1-1) takes on M-1 Global first-time fighter David “Davi Boxer” Silva de Souza (7-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0) in an intriguing match-up of contrasting styles of fighting.

Former UFC and Bellator fighter, Canadian flyweight Chris “The Greek Assassin” Kelades (12-3-0, M-1: 1-0-0) may have found a new home in M-1 Global, but he faces a tough challenger, Vitaliy Branchuk (23-7-0, M-1: 2-3-0), of Ukraine.

The always popular heavyweights will also be in the spotlight as Zaur Hajibabayev (6-1-0, M-1: 4-0-0), Azerbaijan, attempts to extend his M-1 Global win streak to five against always dangerous Anton Vyazigin (8-2-0, M-1: 3-1-0), of Russia.

Rounding out the highly competitive main card is a lightweight match between another former UFC combatant, Frenchman Mickael “Ragnar” Lebout (16-8-2, 1 NC, M-1: 0-0-0) in his long-awaited M-1 Global debut, against veteran Sergey Faley (20-10-0, M-1: 4-1-0).

All fighters and fights are subject to change.

INFORMATION:

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