M-1 Challenge: Damkovsky vs. Figueroa - Card Updates

[keithlewis]

Dissecting Damkovsky’s Title Defense: Can “The People’s Champ” Dethrone THE Champ



25 year old Belarusian mixed martial artist Artiom Damkovsky walked away from his last battle carrying M-1 Global’s first-ever lightweight championship belt and extended his current win streak to five, improving his record to a respectable 11-4. Capping off a seemingly ‘Cinderella story’ torrent through the 2010 Eastern Europe M-1 Selection tournament with back-to-back-to-back decisions, Damkovsky’s run was viewed as one of the toughest passes to championship status across the tournament brackets in any region and his quest culminated with gold.

The champion is now ready to cross the Atlantic ocean to make his first title defense against American Top Team protégé, Jose Figueroa in the headline bout at M-1 Challenge XXIV; the battle from the Constant Center in Norfolk, Virginia can be seen LIVE on SHOWTIME on Friday, March 25th at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Although only 5’8”, Damkovsky possesses a substantial reach and its clear this talented prospect understands how to effectively use this advantage. Being able to sit back and counter with explosive, powerful striking comparable to a welterweight, the Belarusian has shown to be extremely tactical in his game plan and apt in his defence; he’s also proven to critics that he has a durable chin capable of taking the heaviest of shots and then continue on relentlessly.

Inside the gruelling 2010 M-1 Selection tournament structure and his title bout against Mairbek Taisumov, Damkovsky’s showcased an incredible combination of power, speed and skill that he uses effectively to wear out his opponents. He possesses a keen awareness for ring positioning which enables him to unleash stinging leg kicks and spinning back-fists and to engage in taunting cat-and-mouse counters; with an innate ability to take down his opponents, it’s not uncommon for Damkovsky to put his opponents on the ground just to stand back up to his feet as a show of commanding athletic prowess.

Waiting patiently since his last trip inside the ring when he won the 2010 M-1 Selection Americas lightweight tournament, Jose Figueroa will stand opposite the champ come fight night and is ready to seize an unprecedented victory over Damkovsky, making his reign short-lived.

The 6’3” Orlando, Florida native is a monstrous lightweight from the famed A.T.T. camp who made his professional debut in 2006 with a decisive TKO Victory over Chandler Belaston. From here, he went on to win another three consecutive bouts before tasting his first defeat by way of submission thanks to a suffocating guillotine choke sunk in by notable Jonathan Brookins. The loss was shaken off and Figueroa went on a three-fight tear before falling off the horse and losing three straight. Some may see the string of losses as a fighter losing his game and ability – until you look deeper into the story. These three losses came against top-tier competition: Eric Reynolds, Edson Barboza and Luis Palomino, who have a combined record of 35-11. Figueroa has been fighting high level competition from day one and is one tough competitor himself holding a respectable 9-4 record.

In his performances throughout the 2010 M-1 Selection tournament, Figueroa effectively utilized his reach advantage and showed overwhelming control on the ground; fighting from guard, the imposing fighter is capable of posting up and dropping down heavy strikes at will and has solid conditioning that go the distance should the judges need to decide the outcome.

“The People’s Champ” has been focussed on his training and eagerly waiting for his opportunity to seize the championship spotlight; he’s done all he can in preparation to make Damkovsky’s first title defense a miserable experience on route to becoming the next M-1 Challenge lightweight champion.

As Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion’s first-ever fighter to sport the 155 pound strap, Damkovsky represents a formidable roadblock for Figueroa, who marks the Belarusian’s toughest opponent to date. Expect Damkovsky to maintain composure should he end up on an adverse position and implement a strategic ad hoc change to his game plan.

Damkovsky vs. Figueroa will be a back-and-forth war between well matched warriors ready to go deep into the championship rounds; one making a trip around the world to confirm his #1 status, the other looking to leverage home-country advantage to seize glory and etch his name in M-1 Global history.

[keithlewis]

Which Warrior Walks With the M-1 Middleweight Strap: Sultanakhmedov and Jeffries Wage War for Gold



Magomed ‘The White Wolf’ Sultanakhmedov returned to grace in front his home country crowd with a commanding Fight of the Night performance over Plino Cruz at M-1 Challenge XXIII. Proving to be one the promotion’s most-feared warriors, he next collides with Tyson ‘The Anti-Hero’ Jeffries at M-1 Challenge: Damkovsky vs. Figueroa LIVE on SHOWTIME on Friday, March 25 at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). The battle from with the confines of the Constant Center in Norfolk, Virginia mark’s ‘The White Wolf’s” second opportunity to seize the 185-pound strap and the ‘Anti-Hero’s’ first dance under the championship spotlights.

Since making his professional mixed martial arts debut in 2003, 26 year old Tula, Russia native, Magomed Sultanakhmedov has quietly amassed a respectable 15-5 record battling in the European circuit, allowing him to build a vast vault of experience and refine his technique. As the primary favourite to win his weight class in the 2010 M-1 Selections Eastern European tournament, he delivered on these expectations and culminated the M-1 Selection middleweight brackets this past July with a devastating TKO victory over Alexei Belyaev.

A world champion in karate and kick-boxing, as well as a veteran tournament participant for M-1, Dream and K-1 Hero ’s, many have compared his style to the great Mirko Cro Cop of the past, a great left-handed fighter with a sound defense and able to deliver deadly kicks at will.

Knowing Jeffries and his camp have been studying tape and taking extremely close notes, Sultanakhmedov has been devising a game plan to combat the Team Quest protégé’s exceptional wrestling, boxing and defensive skills; the Team Highlander fighter is fully intent on keeping this fight on the feet to exploit his distinct striking advantage. The feared Russian striker will have 25 minutes to tactically tear apart his opponent in front of a capacity crowd and to those tuning in from across North America.

The flipside of the coin has Portland, Oregon native and Team Quest fighter Tyson ‘The Anti Hero’ Jeffries taking out Sultanakhmedov, laying rights to the middleweight belt and marking himself as a hot-topic in North American mixed martial arts forums.

Coming from a team known for producing impeccable fighters with sound wrestling foundations, this young protégé has produced hard-fought, exciting tilts and possesses all the qualities and skills necessary to be a successful champion. As a Sport Fight veteran, Jeffries has built a 7-4 record with the assistance of notable teammate Chael Sonnen and Olympic silver medalist coach Matt Lindland

On route to winning the 2010 M-1 Selections Americas tournament middleweight brackets, Jeffries utilized his submission skills and striking abilities to subdue and systematically dismantle opponents. With an impenetrable steadfast defence and effective counter-punching, Jeffries is also cognizant to secure exceptional ring positioning which enables him to constantly cut-off his opponents and continually push the action.

He’s a patient fighter capable of sitting back and effectively countering while setting up the takedown; he also exhibits a veteran’s composure when timing his opponent’s offensives which allows his to set up a magnificent overhand right. Adding to his versatility, Jeffries is comfortable fighting off his back and has a repertoire of submissions.

Watching Jeffries from the beginning of the last year’s M-1 Selection tournament, it is easy to conclude that his Finals bout against Mike Geurin was where he matured as a fighter; the battle took the night’s ‘fight of the night’ honours, is regarded as the highlight bout of the tournament and is also cemented as M-1 Global’s #3 fight of 2010. When Jeffries’ miraculous triangle is tied into the equation, it’s no wonder why this fight also captured the night’s ‘submission of the night’ award as well.

Jeffries and his camp have a tight-lipped game plan drawn up for the championship bout that could very well be one of the best fights to happen in 2011.

[keithlewis]

M-1 Challenge XXIV: Damkovsky vs. Figueroa

Aspiring Undercard Fighters Set to Impress


NEW YORK, NY (March 22, 2011) – World championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotion M-1 Global packs the undercard for M-1 Challenge XXIV: Damkovsky vs. Figueroa, which is set for Friday, March 25th from the Constant Center in Norfolk, Virginia. With hopes of breaking onto future televised bouts, aspiring fighters are intent to impress in the undercard battles.

Local lightweights (155 Lbs.) collide as Phillip Wyman (5-5) faces Max Martyniouk (0-1) and George Sheppard (8-5) takes on David Derby (2-3). Bantamweight (135 Lbs.) action pits Jesse Riggleman (9-2) versus Jason Hilliker (2-1) and Bryan Lashomb (1-0) against Marcus Daniels (pro debut). In welterweight action (170 Lbs), Colton Smith and Brian Nielson take their careers to the next level by squaring off in their professional fighting debuts and heavyweight (205+ Lbs) Bobby Gurley (pro debut) meets Johnny Curtis (3-2). In the event’s sole women’s matchup, rivals Bethany Marshall (3-0) and Stacy Grant (1-1) take to the canvas to meet in a Women’s 135 pound contest.

The evening’s main card bouts will air LIVE on SHOWTIME® at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast). Headlined with the lightweight title contest between current M-1 Challenge champion, Artiom Damkovsky (8-4) making his first title defense against #1 contender Jose Figueroa (9-4), the mega-event spectacular will also feature a second title fight; the promotion’s recently vacated middleweight title (185 Lbs) is also on the line as Magomed Sultanakhmedov (15-5) takes on 2010 M-1 Selection Americas tournament winner, Tyson ‘The Anti-Hero’ Jeffries (7-4) in co-main event action.

In other main-card action, Alexander Sarnavskiy (12-0) faces local fan-favorite, Beau Baker (8-3) in a lightweight scrap while light heavyweight (205 lbs.) Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace Vinny Magalhaes (6-5) sets to hand undefeated fighter Jake Doerr (6-0) his first taste of defeat. Rising MMA prospects Jason Norwood (10-2) faces Mojo Horne (8-2) in a middleweight clash.

With M-1 Global establishing champions in all five of the promotion’s weight classes, a contention system continuously fed with stand-out M-1 Selection tournament fighters across four continents will fuel 2011’s events, driving M-1 Global’s growth as a leading brand in the US and international markets.

[keithlewis]

Beau ‘Blackjack’ Baker Steps Up

Rising Prospect Faces Alexander ‘The Tiger’ Sarnavskiy on Showtime



Seizing the opportunity to jump to the main card after Josh Bacallao was forced to withdraw due to an injury, Beau ‘Blackjack’ Baker now finds himself kicking off M-1 Global’s debut event on Showtime against a much tougher opponent, undefeated, top-ranked European prospect Alexander ‘The Tiger’ Sarnavskiy. Fans can catch the battle between these two rising stars LIVE on SHOWTIME on Friday, March 25 at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

A well-sized lightweight standing 5'9", Baker has had good success fighting up a division but prefers to leverage his natural advantages as a 155’er. A former division-one collegiate wrestler from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Baker made his successful professional MMA debut in 2007 and quickly went on a tear to win four in a row, three by way of crafty submissions; favouring to venture to the mat versus standing up, the 31 year old freestyle fighter out of the MMA Institute in Harrisonburg, Virginia now boasts a respectful 8-3 as a pro with notable wins over Ran Weathers and Ron Foster.

Baker began wrestling at the age of 10 and went on to become a two-time state high school champion. It wasn't until he and his younger brother Kyle, who is also a professional fighter, watched Bas Rutten’s collection of instructional DVDs that he learned many of the skills he would use throughout his fighting career. The two started in the basement where Baker went on to develop his self-trained abilities. After only three months of diligent ‘basement training’, ‘Blackjack’ took his first amateur fight and after a year on that circuit he made the decision to go pro. Four years later he and his brother have a 6000 square foot gym with over 50 members and managed to win over 75% of the 100+ fights their athletes have competed in.

Having great respect for Russian fighters, especially Fedor Emelianenko, Baker feels the Europeans ‘bring a unique stand-up element to MMA... a different technique in how they throw hooks, turn their hands over and loop their punches in addition to melding the different styles together.” Respecting Sarnavskiy’s striking and kicks and knowing he is good on the ground, Baker’s methodical and tactical aggressive style can be leveraged as an advantage over his opponent’s wild exchanges. Baker’s wrestling and scrambling ability could prove to be a big asset if he uses this to take Sarnavskiy down, use a relentless ground and pound to subdue his undefeated opponent and set up a submission or TKO victory.

Known for his lethal grappling ability, fast hands and iron chin, Baker has faced high calibre competition throughout his career; although he hasn’t won all his fights against recognizable names, he continues to build his experience and he’s ready to peak against Sarnavskiy.

[keithlewis]

Can the BJJ Ace Make It Three in a Row?

Lightweight Title Contention on the Line for Magalhaes

Decorated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner, Vinny ‘Pezao’ Magalhaes (6-5) walks into his bout against undefeated Jake Doerr (6-0) at M-1 Challenge: Damkovsky vs. Figueroa riding a momentous wave and a win puts him in light heavyweight title contention. Fans can capture the submission specialist in action LIVE on SHOWTIME on Friday, March 25 at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

With back-to-back wins and victorious in four of his last five outings it seems the three time BJJ world champion has a re-invented himself as a mixed martial artist and looking to achieve superstar status in the sport. Magalhaes’ impressive inverted triangle submission victory over Alihan Magomedov, earned him a six-fight contract with Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion and the battle with Doerr marks the slick submission specialist’s first trip into the ring under the new 2-year deal.

A recognizable figure to the North American fan base from his time spent on The Ultimate Fighter, the world-class BJJ expert has been evolving his skills in Wrestling, Muay Thai and Boxing at the TapouT Training Center in Las Vegas, Nevada to become a more versatile fighter with a devastating arsenal. Looking for an opportunity to showcase his re-vamped stand-up game, Magalhaes will likely test the waters with his opponent; should trouble ensue, Magalhaes will hit the canvas without hesitation and look to introduce Doerr to a whole new joint-jacking and tendon-tearing world of hurt.

Ready to continue making his impact felt within the 205-pound division and secure a future corner under the championship spotlights, Magalhaes is primed to make the most of his opportunity on one of the United States’ most prestigious, premium television networks, Showtime; a win places him atop the LHW food chain and directly into title contention.

Undefeated MMA prospect Jake Doerr will look to impede Magalhaes’ path to the belt by stunning the crowd in the toughest test in his career.

Doerr has yet to require the judges’ services to decide an outcome; in fact he’s finished every one of his opponents inside the first round utilizing his well-rounded and aggressive fighting style. Facing Magalhaes, it’s clear he’ll have no advantage should the bout hit the canvass; this prospect’s best chances for victory come standing up. With the edge in striking abilities, Doerr possess one-punch knock-out power and is effective working in his opponent’s guard where he can throw down a relentless ground and pound.

Having not seen action in 13 months, Doerr best shake off any ‘ring rust’ quickly and work a game plan that leverages his edge in striking, whether it be standing up or on the mat with a furious G&P. If he can stun Magalhaes from his feet and engage a lightning quick barrage, Doerr could shock the critics who have classed him as the significant underdog and walk away with his undefeated record intact.

[keithlewis]

Captain Jason Norwood Trades Battlegrounds: From Desert to Canvas, Norwood Targets M-1 Challenge: Damkovsky vs. Figueroa’s Maincard


Capt. Jason Norwood is a prime example that Army combatives training is highly effective; not only in fighting but most importantly as a means to prepare for battle and come home victorious – and alive. Fans can catch Norwood exchange the desert for the ring as he battles Mojo Horne in a middleweight (185 Lbs) contest at M-1 Challenge: Damkovsky vs. Figueroa LIVE on SHOWTIME on Friday, March 25 at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

A native of Voorhees, New Jersey, 26 year old Jason Norwood equates fighting as the culmination of his life. Starting training in martial arts at only six years old, Norwood put his foundations to work in wrestling at age 13; he wrestled at West Point and was preparing to compete in the Olympics when he was deployed to Iraq by the U.S. Army. Having served his country overseas and currently a Captain and the Officer in Charge of the Modern Army Combatives hand-to-hand combat program where he is stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Norwood says the military brings a similar feel to MMA, the main difference being that in the Army you either go home standing or you go home "in a bag".

Boasting a 10-2 record that had his ten fight winning streak snapped in his last outing against the formidable Josh Bryant, Norwood’s list of notable victories include a unanimous decision nod over Herbert Goodman, a submission win over Wayne Cole and suffocating rear-naked-chokes over Jon Kirk and Joey Gorczynski. Norwood has spent time training at American Top Team Oklahoma and Matt Hughes’ H.I.T. squad but calls the Fort Still Combative Center his home, where he has been steadily improving as a professional mixed martial artist well versed in executing his trademark ‘RNC’.

Discussing Mojo Horne as his opponent come March 25th, Norwood wasn’t overly concerned; "He doesn't bring as much to the table as I do." Norwood plain and simple plans to close the distance, get good position and finish the fight. He says that in the military they train “not to tap but to stay alive, to prepare for the probable outcome, the deadliest outcome...” Entering the confines of the M-1 ring doesn’t even begin to compare to what he’s faced defending his country. In an interview last summer, Norwood depicts his Army career as a mixed martial arts fight with a lot of unexpected moves where he has needed to react accordingly and ultimately to his advantage. Going from working with Paladins to radars and now working in the fight house he sets the stage in his mind before he enters the ring as if he is deployed, clearing buildings, with his life on the line.

Norwood has all the tools to impose his dominating fighting style on Horne and cap off his SHOWTIME debut with his 11th victory; nothing in a gym can replicate the life or death training and mindset the military creates; no opponent change can throw a military man who is prepared for anything.

The only potential threat is the massive 35 pounds that Norwood needs to shed in order to meet the 185-pound weight threshold. Walking around near the 220-pound mark on a daily basis, the cut could render him weaker in the latter frames and present a considerable test on his endurance.

[keithlewis]

‘Mojo’ Horne Hits Showtime at M-1 Challenge: Damkovsky vs. Figueroa



Making his debut under the umbrella of Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion, Billy ‘Mojo’ Horne (8-2) is set to overcome underdog status in his middleweight (185 Lbs) bout against Jason Norwood (10-2) on one of North Americas premiere broadcast networks. M-1 Global’s debut event on SHOWTIME can be seen LIVE on Friday, March 25 at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

At 6’1” and walking around at a hearty 210lbs, the 33 year old Cincinnati, Ohio native sports a stout 8-2 record since making his debut as a professional fighter in 2007 and is known for his submission victories which include a quad of suffocating rear-naked chokes and a neck-wrenching guillotine. Making this prospect even more versatile is a heavy right-hand that he effectively uses as a precursor to unleashing a ground offensive and deadly kicks which he’ll need to land strategically in order to prevent Norwood from shooting in successfully.

Fighting out of the Cincinnati Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy, Horne holds notable wins over Lucas Lopes, Josh Haynes and a pair of ‘W’s on Fernando Rivera. Riding the momentum from winning back to back fights, Horne was quick to seize the opportunity to fight Norwood on a week’s notice and is intent on utilizing every ounce of athleticism and heart to continue climbing the ranks.

Horne’s history in MMA includes ten years of training with former UFC Middleweight Champion Rich ‘Ace’ Franklin before he became a household name in the sport; his training partner’s success brought along unintentional absences from the gym which required Mojo to make a change in camps in order to continue developing as a fighter.

Often considered the fighter to strike first, Horne is not one to play it safe on the canvas and favours tactical offensives to create the opportunities to secure advantageous positions. Preferring to keep his average take-home income per round on the higher side by refusing to let the judges decide his fate, expect Horne to try and finish this fight early. With good striking in addition to his submission arsenal, Horne poses a considerable threat to Norwood in a battle few expect to go the distance.

M-1 Challenge: Damkovsky vs. Figueroa airs LIVE on SHOWTIME on Friday, March 25 at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

For information on SHOWTIME Sports programming, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please go to the new SHOWTIME Sports website at http://sports.sho.com

[keithlewis]

ALL BOUTS OFFICIAL FOR M-1 CHALLENGE: DAMKOVSKY VS. FIGUEROA

M-1’s RETURNS TO THE U.S. FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2011, AIRS LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM THE CONSTANT CENTER, NORFOLK, VA.


Norfolk, VA (March 24, 2011) – All fights are green lit for M-1 Challenge: Damkovsky vs. Figueroa featuring two M-1 GLOBAL title fights. The bouts will air LIVE on SHOWTIME on Friday, March 25 at 11 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Artiom Damkovsky is prepared to make his inaugural title defense of his M-1 Challenge Lightweight (155 lbs.) championship against Jose ‘The Peoples Champ’ Figueroa, while Tyson ‘The Anti Hero’ Jeffries faces Magomed ‘The White Wolf’ Sultanakhmedov for the vacant M-1 Challenge Middleweight (185 lbs.) belt from Constant Center in Norfolk, Va.

Mauro Ranallo will call the action from ringside with Pat Miletich serving as analyst. The telecast will be produced by Chuck McKean and directed by Craig Farrell. The executive producer of SHOWTIME Sports is David Dinkins, Jr.

For information on SHOWTIME Sports programming, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please go to the new SHOWTIME Sports website at http://www.sho.com/sports.