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UPCOMING EVENT: Nov. 17 – M-1 Challenge 99: Doskalchuk vs. Silander, Nazran, Russia

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

In The Rage…… Urs Pablo Ortmann

October 17, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

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) at M-1 Challenge 98 in 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) in the M-1 Challenge 98 main event.

M-1 Challenge 98 will be live-streamed from Russia in high definition onwww.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 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: “Actually, I started my martial arts career only when I turned 21. Before that I played basketball. At 21, Gabriel Sabo helped me join the fighting world. Initially, 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.

“I know this is going to be a tough fight. A knockout victory would be awesome, but I’m open to any opportunity to finish this fight. As always, I’ll start pushing my opponent from the opening bell.”

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

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

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

Roman Bogatov & Rubenilton Pereira clash for Vacant M-1 Challenge lightweight title in M-1 Challenge 97 main event

August 31, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

September 28 in Kazan, Russia

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (August 30, 2018) — Undefeated Russian rising star Roman Bogatov (pictured above on top) will take on Brazilian mixed-martial-arts veteran Rubenilton Pereira for the vacant M-1 Challenge 97 lightweight championship in the M-1 Challenge: Tatfight 7 main event, September 28

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 atwww.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 coveted 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.

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’s stopped the 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.

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

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Aug. 25 – M-1 Challenge 96: Mikutsa vs. Ibragimov in Saint Petersburg, Russia

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

Khadis Ibragimov new M-1 Challenge Light Heavyweight Champion

August 28, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

M-1 CHALLENGE 96 OFFICIAL RESULTS & PICTURES

New M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion Khadis Ibragimov was crowned

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (August 26, 2018) – Undefeated Khadis Ibragimov (7-0-0) defeated Dmitry Mikutsa in last night’s M-1 Challenge 96 main event to capture the vacant M-1 Challenge light heavyweight title, at M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

MMA fighters represented 10 different countries in this international event: Russia, United States, Ukraine, Brazil, France, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Kazakhstan and Georgia.

Ibragimov, fighting out of Russia, locked in a rear-naked choke to submit his Ukrainian opponent, Mikutsa (9-4-1), in the second round for the vacant M-1 Challenge light heavyweight crown.

In the co-featured event, Russian featherweight Viktor Kolesnik (15-3-1) finished off his American foe, Daniel “Agent Orange” Swain (18-9-1) in the opening round with damaging leg kicks.

Brazilian lightweight Michel “Sassariro” Silva (20-7-1) was too much for previously unbeaten Alexey “Phenomenal” Ilyenko (8-1-1), who succumbed to a vicious ground-and-pound attack.

Ukrainian featherweight Yuri Chobuka (10-1-0) took a unanimous decision from Steve Polifonte (13-6-0), of France.

Georgian flyweight Vazha Tsiptauri (6-1-0) handed Sanzhar Adilov (4-1-0), of Kazakhstan, his first loss as a professional by way of a unanimous decision.

On the undercard, Russian heavyweight Yuri Fedorov (2-0-0) ground-and-pounded his way to a third-round technical knockout of fellow countryman Sergey Goltsov (0-2-), Russian featherweight Akhmadkhan Bokov (4-3-0) edged pro-debuting Adam Borovec (0-1-0) via majority decision, and Russian featherweight Nikita Solonin (5-2-0) registered a unanimous decision victory against Rene Hackl (4-1-0), of Hungary).

Russian pro-debuting Vasily Kozlov (1-0-0), fighting at a 158 ½ catchweight, and Russian welterweight Boris Medvedev (3-0-0) were first-round, one-punch knockout winners, respectively, versus Jurand Lisieski (3-1-1), of Poland, and Ukrainian Dmitriy Tikhonyuk (0-1-0). Russian lightweight Artem Tarasov (3-1-0) used a barrage of punches to stop Filip Kovarik (3-1-0), of Poland, in round one.

Complete results and pictures below:

MAIN CARD

MAIN EVENT

VACANT M-1 CHALLENGE LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Khadis Ibragimov (7-0-0, M-1: 3-0-0), Russia

WSUB2 (4:30 – rear naked choke)

Dmitry Mikutsa (9-4-1, M-1: 2-2-0), Ukraine

(Ibragimov won the M-1 Challenge light heavyweight title)

CO-FEATURE – FEATHERWEIGHTS

Viktor Kolesnik (15-3-1, M-1: 4-1-1), Russia

WTKO1 (4:21 – leg kicks)

Daniel Swain (18-9-1, M-1: 1-1-1), USA

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Michel Silva (20-7-1, M-1: 2-2-0), Brazil

WTKO1 (1:34 – ground-and-pound)

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

FEATHERWEIGHTS

Yuri Chobuka (10-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Ukraine

WDEC3

Steve Polifonte (13-6-0, M-1: 0-1-0), France

FLYWEIGHTS

Vazha Tsiptauri (6-1-0, M-1: 4-0-0)

WDEC3

Sanzhar Adilov (4-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Kazakhstan

UNDERCARD

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Yuri Fedorov (2-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Russia

WTKO3 (1:11 – ground-and-pound)

Sergey Goltsov (0-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

Rafal Kijanczuk (4-0-0 (M-1: 2-0-0), Poland

WTKO1 (5:00 – injury)

Ibragim Sagov (4-2-0, M-1: 3-2-0), Russia

CATCHWEIGHT (72, kg, 158 ½ lbs.)

Vasily Kozlov (1-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia

WKO1 (0:42 – punch)

Jurand Lisieski (3-1-1, M-1: 0-1-0), Poland

WELTERWEIGHTS

Dmitriy Tikhonyuk (1-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Ukraine

WKO1 (1:07 – punch)

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

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Artem Tarasov (3-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia

WKO1 (1:57 – punches)

Filip Kovarik (3-1-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Poland

FEATHERWEIGHTS

Nikita Solonin (5-2-0, M-1: 2-1-0), Russia

WDEC3

Rene Hackl (4-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Hungary

Akhmadkhan Bokov (4-3-0, M-1: 4-1-0), Russia

WDEC3

Adam Borovec (0-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Czech Republic

Khadis Ibragimov (L) wore down Dmitry Mikutsa

Viktor Kolesnik (L) kicked his way past Daniel Swain

Michel Silva is shown finishing off Alexey Ilyenko

Yuri Chobuka (L) defeated Steve Polifonte

Vazha Tsiptauri (top position) decisioned Sanzhar Adilov

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

M-1 Challenge 96 OFFICIAL WEIGHTS & PICTURES

August 25, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

SAINT PERTERSBURG, Russia (August 24, 2018) — The official weigh in was held yesterday for today’s M-1 Challenge 96, headlined by the vacant M-1 Challenge light heavyweight title, at M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Complete weights and pictures below:

MAIN CARD

MAIN EVENT – 5 X 5

VACANT M-1 CHALLENGE LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

(L) Dmitry Mikutsa (9-3-1, M-1: 2-1-0), Ukraine 204 ½ lbs. (92,95 kg).

(R) Khadis Ibragimov (6-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Russia 205 lbs. (93 kg)

CO-FEATURE – FEATHERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

(L) Daniel Swain (18-8-1, M-1: 1-0-1), USA 145 lbs. (65,8 kg)

(R) Viktor Kolesnik (14-3-1, M-1: 3-1-1), Russia 144 lbs. (65,35 kg)

LIGHTWEIGHTS — 3 X 5

(R) Alexey Ilyenko (8-0-1, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia 154 lbs. (69,95 kg)

(L) Michel Silva (19-7-1, M-1: 1-2-0), Brazil 154 ½ lbs. (70,25 kg)

WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Ruslan Rakhmonkulov (11-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia 178 lbs. (81 kg)

Maksim Grabovich (8-4-0, M-1: 5-4-0), Russia 168 ½ lbs. (76,6 kg)

FEATHERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

(L) Steve Polifonte (13-5-0, M-1: 0-0-0), France 145 lbs. (65,8 kg)

(R) Yuri Chobuka (9-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Ukraine 144 lbs. (65,6 kg)

UNDERCARD

HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Yuri Fedorov (1-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia 261 lbs. (118,4 kg)

Sergey Goltsov (0-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Russia 227 lbs. (103,25 kg)

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Rafal Kijanczuk (3-0-0 (M-1: 1-0-0), Poland 204 lbs. 92,8 kg)

Ibragim Sagov (4-1-0, M-1: 3-1-0), Russia 204 lbs. (92,7 kg)

CATCHWEIGHT (72, kg, 158 ½ lbs.) – 3 X 5

Jurand Lisieski (3-0-1, M-1: 0-0-0), Poland 158 lbs. (71,8 kg)

Vasily Kozlov (pro debut), Russia 158 lbs. (71,7 kg)

WELTERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Dmitriy Tikhonyuk (pro debut), Ukraine 169 ½ lbs. 77,1 kg)

Boris Medvedev (2-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia 169 ½ lbs. (77,05 kg)

LIGHTWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Filip Kovarik (3-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Poland 154 lbs. (70,2 kg)

Artem Tarasov (2-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Russia 154 ½ lbs. (70,25 kg)

FEATHERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Rene Hackl (4-0-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Hungary 144 lbs. (65,5 kg)

Nikita Solonin (4-2-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Russia 144 lbs. (65,65 kg)

Adam Borovec (pro debut), Czech Republic 144 lbs. (65,35 kg)

Akhmadkhan Bokov (3-3-0, M-1: 3-1-0), Russia 144 lbs. (65,65 kg)

FLYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5

Sanzhar Adilov (4-0-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Kazakhstan 129 ½ lbs. (57,65 kg)

Vazha Tsiptauri (5-1-0, M-1: 3-0-0) 129 lbs. (58,5 kg)

(all fights & fighters subject to change)

WHEN: Saturday, August 25, 2018

WHERE: Saint Petersburg, Russia

PROMOTER: M-1 Global

LIVE STREAM: www.m1global.tv (11.00 a.m. ET / 8:00 a.m. PT in USA). Also available onFITE.TV (preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card)

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Aug. 25 – M-1 Challenge 96: Mikutsa vs. Ibragimov in Saint Petersburg, Russia

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

Dimitriy Mikutsa vs. Khadis Ibragimov M-1 Challenge light heavyweight title fight to headline M-1 Challenge 96

August 2, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Daniel Swain vs. Viktor Kolesnik in co-feature

August 25 in Saint Petersburg, Russia

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (August 1, 2018) -The vacant M-1 Challenge light heavyweight title will be on the line August 25, when Dimitriy Mikutsa and Khadis Ibragimov throw-down in the M-1 Challenge 96 main event, in M-1 Arena, at Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Mikutsa (9-3-1, M-1: 2-1-0), one of the top fighters in Ukraine, is riding a four-fight win streak, including M-1 Global victories over Kleber Raimundo Silva last February at M-1 Challenge 87 and Dmitry Tebekin at M-1 Challenge 79, both by way of three-round unanimous decisions. A heavy-handed striker, Mikutsa has knocked out six of his nine victims to date.

One of the most promising prospects in years, undefeated Ibragimov (6-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0) has earned his title shot, primarily by defeating former M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion Stephan Puetz, using a bulldog choke to submit his German foe in the third round last February at M-1 Challenge 88. Ibragimov, who will be fighting at home in Saint Petersburg, won his last fight at M-1 Challenge 92, when Giga Kukhalalashvili was disqualified in the third round for rope grabbing.

A potentially explosive co-featured event has also been announced as American featherweight Daniel “Agent Orange” Swain (18-8-1, M-1: 1-0-1) takes on Viktor Kolesnik (14-3-1, M-1: 3-1-1), of Russia.

Fighting out of Newport, Washington, the entertaining Swain is coming off a sensational victory this past May at M-1 Challenge 91, when he used a kneebar to submit Musu Nuertiebieke in the opening round.

Kolesnik’s lone loss in his last 10 fights, dating back nearly four years, was by split decision at M-1 Challenge 85 to Nate Landwehr, who is now the newly crowned M-1 Challenge featherweight champion.

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

INFORMATION:

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Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:

Aug. 11 – “Road to M-1: USA” in Nashvillee, Tennessee, USA

Aug. 25 – M-1 Challenge 96: Mikutsa vs. Ibragimov in Saint Petersburg, 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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Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:

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

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

M-1 Challenge welterweight champion Alexey Kunchenko remains perfect Stops Alexander Butenko to go 18-0-0

March 31, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

And still champion…….Alexey Kuchenko (R)

M-1 CHALLENGE 90 RESULTS

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (March 31, 2018) – M-1 Challenge welterweight champion Alexey Kunchenko improved his professional MMA record to a perfect 18-0-0, stopping Russian challenger Alexander “Iron Capture” Butenko in the third round of last night’s M-1 Challenge 9- main event, at M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

The 33-year-old Kunchenko (17-0-0, M-1: 10-0-0), also fighting out of Russia, has been the M-1 Challenge welterweight champion for nearly two years, when he knocked out Murad Abdulaev in the fourth round at M-1 Challenge 65. Kunchenko notched his 13^th knockout against former M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Butenko (45-13-3, M-1: 11-3-1) in the third round on punches in his fourth successful title defense.

In the co-featured event, American veteran Joe “Diesel Riggs (47-18-1, M-1: 2-0-1) and Ukrainian middleweight Boris Polejay (18-6-1, M-1: 2-1-1) battled to a three-round split draw.

Brazilian flyweight Raphael Dias (15-5-0, M-1: 1-1-0) used an arm triangle choke to defeated former M-1 Challenge flyweight title challenger Vadim “Bad Santa” Malygin (12-4-1, M-1: 2-3-1), of Russia, for a second-round victory by submission.

Russian prospect Magomedkamil Malikov (5-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0) kept his perfect pro record intact, punching out Sado “The Panther” Ucar (5-5-0, M-1: 0-1-0), of Turkey, in the second round of a match contested at a catchweight.

In the main card opening fight, Russian middleweight Oleg Olenichev (10-5-0, M-1: 1-2-0) took a unanimous decision over Salmar “Sombra” Nunes (35-13-1, M-1: 0-1-0), of Brazil.

Most of the preliminary card action took place on that mat with five eight matches ending in submissions. Frenchman Bakary El Anwar (6-5-0, M-1: 1-0-0) won his M-1 Global debut with an ankle hook on Russian light heavyweight Alexander Popov (2-1-0, M-1: 2-1-0) for an opening-round submission, Russian light heavyweight Dmitry Tebekin (9-3-0, M-1: 3-1-0) took a majority decision over Abylkasym Yakubob (4-5-0, M-1: 0-1-0), of Kyrgyzstan, and Yakibob’s countryman, Nureles Aidarov (3-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), made the most of his M-1 Global debut, knocking out Russian Oleg Lichkovakha (3-3-0, 2 NC, M-1: 0-2-0, 1 NC) with a knee in round one.

In a battle of pro-debuting Russian middleweights at a catchweight, Vladimir Trisov‘s anaconda choke was too much to handle for Vyacheslay Babkin, Russian welterweight Movsar Bokov (4-1-0, M-1: 3-1-0) registered a submission win by way of a second-round submission versus Georgian Levan Solodovnik (5-3-0, M-1: 1-2-0) via an angle lock, and Russian lightweight Kurban Taygibov (7-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0) toon a unanimous decision fromLom-Ali Nalgiev (14-7-0, M-1: 5-2-0), of Russia.

In a match-up between a pair of undefeated lightweights, Russian Roman Bogatov (5-0-0, M-1; 4-0-0) submitted Tahir “Tank” Abdullaev (6-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), of Azerbaijan, in the second round with an arm triangle choke. French featherweight Damien Peltier (9-8-1, M-1: 1-0-0) had an impressive M-1 Global debut, locking in a triangle choke on Maksim Kuldashev (2-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0) for a second-round triumph.

Ten different countries were represented by fighters in this International event: Russia, USA, Ukraine, Brazil, Turkey, France, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

Complete results & picture gallery below:

MAIN CARD

MAIN EVENT — M-1 CHALLENGE WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Alexey Kunchenko (18-0-0, M-1: 10-0-0), Champion, Russia

WTKO3 (Punches – 4:04)

Alexander Butenko (45-13-3, M-1: 11-3-1), Challenger, Russia

(Kunchenko retains M-1 Challenge welterweight title)

CO-FEATURE – MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Joe Riggs (47-17-1, 1 NV, M-1: 2-0-1), USA

Boris Polejay (18-6-1, M-1: 2-1-1), Ukraine

FLYWEIGHTS

Rafael Dias (15-5-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Brazil

SUB2 (Arm Triangle Choke – 4:39)

Vadim Malygin (12-4-1, M-1: 2-3-1), Russia

CATCHWEIGHT

Magomedkamil Malikov (5-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Russia

WTKO2 (Punches – 0:30)

Sado Ucar (5-5-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Turkey

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Oleg Olenichev (109-5-0, M-1: 2-1-0), Russia

WDEC3

Salmar Nunes (35-13-1, 1 NC, M-1: 0-1-0), Brazil

PRELIMINARY CARD

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

Bakary El Anwar (6-5-0, M-1: 1-0-0), France

WSUB1 (0:27)

Alexander Popov (2-1-0, M-1: 2-1-0), Russia

Dmitry Tebekin (9-3-0, M-1: 3-1-0)

DEC3

Abylkasym Yakubov (4-5-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Kyrgyzstan

CATCHWEIGHT

Nureles Aidarov (3-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Kyrgyzstan

WKO1 (Knee kick – 0:12)

Oleg Lichkovakha (3-3-0, 2 NC, M-1: 0-2-0, 1 NC)

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Vladimir Trusov (1-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0)), Russia

Wseb1 (Anaconda Choke – 2:48)

Vyacheslav Babkin (0-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia

WELTERWEIGHTS

Movsar Bokov (4-1-0, M-1:3-1-0), Russia

WSUB2 (Ankle Lock – 1:35)

Levan Solodovnik (5-3-0, M-1: 1-2-0), Georgia

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Kurban Taygibov (7-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0)

WDEC3

Lom-Ali Nalgiev (14-7-0, M-1: 5-2-0), Russia

Roman Bogatov (5-0-0, M-1: 4-0-0), Russia

WSUB2 (Arm Triangle Choke – 1:21)

Tahir Abdullaev (6-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Azerbaijan

FEATHERWEIGHTS

Damien Peltier (9-8-1, M-1: 1-0-0), France

WSEB2 (Triangle Choke – 4:55)

Maksim Kuldashev (2-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Uzbekistan

Kunchenko (L) attacked Butenko

Polejay (L) & Riggs battled to a draw

Dias (R) got a kick out of Malygin

Olenichev (L) edged Nunes

Aidarov (R) showed concern for his fallen opponent Lichkovakha

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