M-1 Challenge in China deal announced - 10-year agreement starting Nov. 11 with Star heavyweight Sergei Kharitonov to headline
M-1 Global CEO & Founder Vadim Finkelchtein has announced a 10-year agreement to promote M-1 Challenge in China on an annual basis, starting this November 11 at Wukesong Arena in Beijing, in conjunction with the International Economic Forum. Russian heavyweight star Sergei Kharitonov is scheduled to headline against an opponent to be determined.
Top fighters from China, Russia and other countries will compete Nov. 11 and distinguished guests from around the world are expected to attend.
M-1 Challenge in China will be held in one of the largest arenas in Beijing, Wukesong Arena, which is an Olympic basketball palace and sports complex built for the 2008 Olympics.It was the site for the preliminary and final competitions in men and women's basketball during the 2008 Olympic basketball tournament. Construction of the complex was completed in January 2008.The total area is more than 206,000 square feet (63,000 square meters) and the arena can accommodate 18,000 spectators.
"It is a big deal for M-1 and MMA to have an event in China," Finkelchtein said. "We have an exclusive contract for 10 years and that means every year we will promote an event in China. The first on November 11 will take place in Beijing.
"We will do our best to put together a really good fight card. We plan to feature some of our best heavyweight fighters, including one of the best Russian fighters, Sergei Kharitonov. I think he will represent Russia as one of the strongest countries in MMA. He is strong and very experienced. I'm glad we have him headlining M-1 Challenge in China."
The 6' 4", 260-pound Kharitonov (21-5-0, 11 KO/TKO, 9 SUB) was a star in the United States-based Strikeforce, as well as Japanese MMA organizations Dream and PRIDE Fighting Championships. His victims during his 5 ½ year professional fighting career have included Fabricio Werdum, Pedro Rizzo, Andrei Arlovski and Alistar Overeem, among the more notables.
"This event is very important for me," Kharitonov said. "I am very pleased that Vadim Finkelchtein thinks I'm an elite athlete. I'm glad I got the invitation to fight and I gladly accepted the offer.
"I'm not sure who I will be fighting but I'm know M-1 will select a high-quality opponent for me. I have trained a long time with a variety of fighters who possess different kinds of martial arts. Respectfully, I will prepare very seriously."
