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Closing out an action packed weekend of free, live streaming events which included the kickoff of the 2011 European M-1 Selection tournament, M-1 Global, Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion (MMA), continues adding exciting clashes to M-1 Challenge XXV: Zavurov vs. Magomedov 2. On April 28th from the Ice Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia, current welterweight (170 Lbs) champion Shamil Zavurov (19-1) looks to make his second successful title defense and avenge the sole loss on his otherwise unblemished record against top contender, Rashid Magomedov (8-1). Fans can capture the title tilt LIVE online on the official M-1 Global website, http://www.M-1Global.com and M-1 Global facebook fan page starting at 11:00am EST / 8:00am PST.

Undefeated welterweight prospect Christian Eckerlin makes his M-1 debut against Russian submission specialist, Alexander Yakovlev while Alihan Magomedov jumps up to light heavyweight (205 Lbs) in hopes of stopping his current 2-fight skid against Victor Nemkov. In the card’s second middleweight (185 Lbs) contest, RusFighter warrior Murad Magomedov takes on Red Devil cornerstone Dmitry Samoilov, who is undefeated in his last four outings, and heavyweights (205+Lbs) Arsen Abdulkerimov and Alexander Volkov battle it out for title contention.



M-1 Challenge XXV Under Card:

Alexander Kosarev (1-2) vs. Denis Goltsov (2-1) Heavyweight (205+ Lbs.)



M-1 Challenge XXV Main Card (Streaming Live):

Malik Merad (10-6) vs. Mikhail Zayats (13-5) Light Heavyweight

Juanma Suarez (6-0) vs. Arsen Temirkhanov (8-1) Welterweight

TBA vs. Ramzan Algeriev (1-0) Middleweight (185 Lbs)

Murad Magomedov (6-6) vs. Dmitry Samoilov (11-5-1) Middleweight

Denis Goltsov (2-1) vs. Alexander Volkov (10-3) Heavyweight

Christian Eckerlin (6-0) vs. Alexander Yakovlev (10-3) Welterweight

Luigi Fioravanti (22-8) vs. Andrei Semenov (29-9-2) Middleweight

* Additional bouts to be announced shortly


Welterweight Championship Bout:

Shamil Zavurov, M-1 Challenge Champion (19-1) clashes with Yasubey Enomoto *Magomedov injured.


Light Heavyweight Championship Bout:

Viktor Nemkov (10-2) battles Vinny Magalhaes (7-5) for the vacant 205-pound strap


* Additional bouts to be announced shortly



Free LIVE broadcast coverage of the entire M-1 Challenge XXV event from St. Petersburg, Russia will be available to viewers worldwide on the official M-1 Global website (http://www.M-1Global.com) and select affiliate partner sites starting at 11:00am EST / 8:00am PST on Thursday April 28th.

‘The Italian Tank’ Drives Steadfast into Hostile Territory, Fioravanti Takes Unbeaten Streak Overseas


Luigi ‘The Italian Tank’ Fioravanti has always been an extremely dangerous opponent for any mixed martial arts fighter; he brings a veteran’s unshakeable will and a devastating striking arsenal that can blast through even the strongest defense. On April 28th, from the Ice Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia, Fioravanti aims to knockdown Andrei Semenov and hail victorious once again on foreign ground, proving to fans around the world that he deserves a shot at the coveted middleweight championship. The middleweight clash and the entire M-1 Challenge XXV: Zavurov vs. Magomedov 2 card will be available LIVE online on the official M-1 Global website, www.M-1Global.com and M-1 Global facebook fan page starting at 11:00am EST / 8:00am PST.

Fighting out of Orlando, Florida and the famed 29-year-old American Top Team fighter is riding high on a five-fight win streak which began with the TKO victory over Woody Weatherby at the M-1 Selection American Finals this past September. As part of the undercard, Fioravanti silenced critics as the ‘Italian Tank’ left Weatherby without an answer to his overpowering striking, forcing the referee to intervene just past the midway point of the first round; the staunch, relentless fighter now sports a respectable 22-8 professional record.

With his confidence steadily on the rise, Fioravanti’s last outing inside the M-1 ring was in front of a capacity crowd at the Druzhba arena in Moscow at M-1 Challenge XXI where ‘The Italian Tank’ Fioravanti delivered on his promise of bringing the fight to Arthur Guseinov and hand delivered a solid taste of good ‘ol fashioned dirty boxing. Sinking in a suffocating rear-naked-choke submission, Fioravanti secured the victory at the :35 second mark in the overtime round. The performance was a testament to Fioravanti’s conditioning and heart and is well deserving of the fight of the night honor.

Fioravanti is more than just a mixed martial artist, he served his country with pride and honor. Joining the Marines directly after high school, Fioravanti was part of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and began training in various martial arts such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing while stationed in California and Iraq.

After spending five months in Iraq, Fioravanti continued training and began his professional career in early 2004 with his successful debut against future TUF 9 competitor, Kiel Reid, via first-round submission at Obaktagon Challenge 1. Not looking to slow down after his first fight, Fioravanti put his foot on the throttle and quickly racked up an impressive string of victories and has fought such notables as Chris Leben, Jon Fitch, Luke Cummo, and Dave Menne and Diego Sanchez.

As clock ticks down to April 28th, Fioravanti’s camp is in full-swing, preparing to venture across the Atlantic ocean once again and storm head on into hostile territory where he’ll face Russia’s fighting hero and St. Petersburg’s pride, Andrei Semenov; a win this time out positions ‘The Italian Tank’s’ sites at middleweight title contention and a future date to wage war with newly crowned champ, Magomed ‘The White Wolf’ Sultanakhmedov.

Free LIVE broadcast coverage of the entire M-1 Challenge XXV event from St. Petersburg, Russia will be available to viewers worldwide on the official M-1 Global website (www.M-1Global.com) and select affiliate partner sites starting at 11:00am EST / 8:00am PST on Thursday April 28th.

M-1 Global’s BJJ Ace Stands Under Championship Spotlights: Vinny Magalhaes’ Streak Lands Title Shot


Decorated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner, Vinny ‘Pezao’ Magalhaes (7-5) has been a tear as of late, winning three in a row and having his arm raised in five out of his six last outings. With a commanding TKO victory over undefeated Jake Doerr on M-1’s recent Showtime debut, the slick submission specialist now finds himself standing on the brink of becoming Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion’s light heavyweight champion – all that is standing between him and his dream is Russia’s own stealth submissionist, Viktor Nemkov. Fans can capture the versatile, joint-jacking warrior in action LIVE on Thursday, April 28 at 11am EST / 8am PST on the official M-1 Global website, www.M-1Global.com and M-1 Global facebook fan page.

Determined to prove himself as a dominant, well-rounded fighter, the three time BJJ world champion showcased his evolution with a dominant performance over Doerr; the first-round TKO win was ample evidence that Magalhaes is well on his way to becoming an MMA superstar.

In his first outing with M-1 Global this past December, Magalhaes executed an impressive inverted triangle submission for the victory over Alihan Magomedov, an excellent performance to mark his return to the ring after being sidelined for the better portion of 2010 while rehabbing from knee surgery. The win caught the attention of the M-1 Global executive team who offered up a six-fight contract with Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion; the battle with Doerr marks the slick submission specialist’s first trip into the ring under the new 2-year deal.

As a world-class BJJ expert who owns a Black Belt under instructors Vinicius Aieta and Royler Gracie, Magalhaes currently trains and teaches at the TapouT Training Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he’s dedicated to evolving his skills in Wrestling, Muay Thai and Boxing; with a versatile arsenal, Magalhaes has every opportunity to become one of the world’s best light heavyweight fighters and a marquee name for the M-1 Global promotion.

2009 marked an impressive year for Magalhaes at the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship, where he took home a pair of bronze medals in the Under 99 kg and Absolute Divisions. On his way to win the bronze in his weight Division, Magalhaes defeated BJJ World Champion Rodrigo Cavaca, the 2003 ADCC World Champion and two-time BJJ Absolute World Champion, Marcio Cruz, ADCC Brazil Trial Winner Glover Teixeira; the quest for gold ended with a loss by points to the eventual Champion Xande Ribeiro.

On his run for his second bronze, Magalhaes beat the 2005 ADCC Absolute World Champion Dean Lister by Judges Decision, moving on to the Quarter-Finals against the two-time NCAA Wrestler and MMA Prospect Chris Weidman, who he beat with his patented ‘Flying Armbar’; the semi-final match against Braulio Estima ended with Magalhaes losing by points. In the 3rd Place match, Vinny scored a late takedown against Gunnar Nelson which guaranteed the win.

A recognizable figure to the North American fan base, Magalhaes was part of the eighth season of The Ultimate Fighter where he went on to defeat Lance Evans, Jules Bruchez and Krzysztof Soszynski, advancing to the TUF finals against Ryan Bader where he lost by TKO.

Ready to cement himself as the king of M-1 Global’s 205-pound division, Magalhaes is making preparations for the trip overseas where he intends to seize an unprecedented victory over the extremely competitive Nemkov.

Free LIVE broadcast coverage of M-1 Challenge XXV: Zavirov vs. Magomedov II from St. Petersburg, Russia will be available to viewers worldwide on the official M-1 Global website (www.M-1Global.com) and select affiliate partner sites starting at 11:00am EST / 8:00am PST on Thursday April 28th.

The ‘M-1 Fighter’ Meets ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ Finalist: Nemkov and Magalhaes Share Reality TV Background and More


Russian Red Devil fighter Viktor Nemkov shares distinct similarities with his April 28th opponent, decorated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner, Vinny ‘Pezao’ Magalhaes; both fighters possess a potent submission arsenal, both have spent time as cast-mates on their respective countries highly successful mixed martial arts reality television series, both are riding current three fight win streaks and both are victorious in five of their last six outings. Coincidence rarely – if ever – matches two fighters up with this type of story line that culminates with one of these men walking away as M-1 Global’s Light Heavyweight Champion. Fans can capture M-1 Challenge XXV’s co-main event action between two versatile, joint-jacking warriors LIVE on Thursday, April 28 at 11am EST / 8am PST on the official M-1 Global website, www.M-1Global.com and M-1 Global facebook fan page.

Born in a small village in Zhalgyskan, Kazakhstan, Nemkov and his family moved to Tomarovka, Belgorod Oblast in 1999 where he began training in Judo and worked his way successfully through multiple tournaments, eventually earning himself the designation of ‘Master of Sport’

Adding Combat Sambo to his foundation, Nemkov’s skills were awarded with a Bronze medal at the 2008 and 2009 Russian Combat Sambo championships in the 90 kg weight category; entering the tournament again this year, he captured gold to become the 2011National Combat Sambo champion and will represent his country at the World Championships as Russia’s reigning national champ in the near future.

Now 24 years old, Nemkov trains at the Red Devil Sport Club, the facility and team in St. Petersburg, Russia linked to many MMA greats including Fedor Emelianenko. This sturdy Russian submission specialist who boasts a respectable 10-2 record made his professional debut against Christian Bombay and came away with a triangle choke victory early in the first round. Nemkov maintained perfection until facing the vastly experienced Tony Lopez who handed the Russian his first taste of defeat with a bout-ending rear naked choke in the second round. Nemkov’s only other loss was a razor-thin split decision to Khanilav Khanilaev at the M-1 Challenge 2009 Finals. Since then Nemkov has bounced back with a trilogy of hard fought wins that have landed him title contention.

In 2010 Nemkov was crowned the winner of Russia’s first-ever MMA reality show "M-1 Fighter" with spectacular wins in the semi-finals over Artur Kortchemnyi, and in the finals against promising Ukrainian prospect Vasily Klepikov. The exposure also garnered him scouting attention from the W.W.E.; the leading brand in entertainment wrestling had been on tour in Russia throughout the summer of 2010 and was reportedly interested in signing him as a professional wrestler.

Nemkov slides into a formidable position to claim the light heavyweight belt. A proven warrior who has flown quietly under the radar while building his record, the Red Devil fighter is riding a momentous three fight streak equal to his decorated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu foe; even matching five wins in his last six doesn’t sway the general opinion which has marked Nemkov as the underdog headed into April 28th’s showdown – a perfect setting for a brilliant upset. Fans will be keenly watching this MMA reality-TV sensation to see if he lives up to his hype and becomes a ‘real deal’ champion.

Free LIVE broadcast coverage of M-1 Challenge XXV: Zavurov vs. Magomedov II from St. Petersburg, Russia will be available to viewers worldwide on the official M-1 Global website (www.M-1Global.com) and select affiliate partner sites starting at 11:00am EST / 8:00am PST on Thursday April 28th.

Andrei Semenov Puts ‘The Italian Tank’ in his Crosshairs, Home Town Favorite Anchors Experience at M-1 Challenge XXV: Zavurov vs. Magomedov II


Highly regarded mixed martial arts veteran Andrei Semenov has graced fans around the world with dominating performances during a career that has spanned over 13 years. As a cornerstone of the famed Red Devil Sports Club, home to countless, brilliant fighters including Fedor Emelianenko, Semenov will have a capacity crowd in his corner come fight night as this home-town fan-favourite engages Luigi ‘The Italian Tank’ Fioravanti. Although winning three in a row and successful in four out his last five trips to the canvas, Semenov’s most recent outing dates back to November 2008; fans will be watching the LIVE stream intently on Thursday, April 28 at 11am EST / 8am PST on the official M-1 Global website, www.M-1Global.com and M-1 Global facebook fan page to see if this iconic figure shakes off the ring-rust.

Andrei Semenov is veteran star of Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion and made his first appearance with M-1 back in 1998 during the very dawn of MMA in Russia. Immediately locking down seven victories doused in slick submissions before receiving his first loss, Semenov quickly gained the recognition and support of the Russian public; venturing worldwide to participate in tournaments abroad, Semenov continued to perform well, defeating renowned fighters throughout Holland and Brazil.

With an overall MMA record of 29 wins, 9 losses and 2 draws, this captivating middleweight has taken his freestyle wrestling and Sambo base into nearly every major tournament and organization in the world: 2H2H in Holland, Pride Bushido in Japan, World Valetudo Championship in Brazil and even stateside with the UFC where he went 1-1 inside the octagon. Notable performances also include his battles in M-1’s "Russia vs. the World" tournaments and the 8-man M-1 MFC Middleweight Grand Prix.

From the very start of his career, Semenov has proven to be a dynamic, entertaining fighter with an explosive fighting style favouring to finish and avoiding the judges’ scorecards; 15 of his wins come by way of submission and nine by way of KO/TKO which make him a perfect example to define M-1 Global’s reputation for matching up fighter’s who leave it all on the mat.

A talented ‘name’ fighter, Semenov is famed for his text-book precision throws, strong submission defense, superior stamina and being extremely resilient and hard to finish. Cleary a versatile, well rounded fighter and Sambo practitioner, Semenov has also made forays into acting, making him a recognizable figure within St. Petersburg’s celebrity A-list; but the acting skills best be left in the warm-up room prior to making his way down the fighter walk as Fioravanti will be bent on bringing a relentless American attack straight into his path.

Free LIVE broadcast coverage of the entire M-1 Challenge XXV event from St. Petersburg, Russia will be available to viewers worldwide on the official M-1 Global website (www.M-1Global.com) and select affiliate partner sites starting at 11:00am EST / 8:00am PST on Thursday April 28th.

M-1 Challenge XXV: Blueprinting ‘Fights to Finish’


Quickly becoming recognized as the promotion showcasing entertaining battles that avoid the judges’ scorecards, M-1 Global has added welterweight (170 Lbs) scrap between Juanma Suarez and Arsen Temirkhanov and a middleweight (185 Lbs) tilt featuring 2010 Selection tournament finalist, Mike Geurin and the eager to impress Ramzan Algeriev to its April 28th card, M-1 Challenge XXV: Zavurov vs. Magomedov 2.Fans can capture the full card’s action from the Ice Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia, LIVE online on the official M-1 Global website, www.M-1Global.com and M-1 Global facebook fan page starting at 11:00am EST / 8:00am PST on Thursday April 28th.

Suarez and Temirkhanov were slated to meet in early March but the bout was postponed until now. Since losing his 2010 M-1 Selection Finals bout against Tyson Jeffries, Geurin lost a hard-fought decision against Luigi Fioravanti; Geurin is now faced with a ‘must-win’ situation after suffering back-to-back losses for the first time in his career.



M-1 Challenge XXV Under Card:

TBA vs. Alexander Kosarev (1-2) Heavyweight (205+ Lbs.)



M-1 Challenge XXV Main Card (Streaming Live):

Juanma Suarez (6-0) vs. Arsen Temirkhanov (8-1) Welterweight

Mike Geurin (8-3) vs. Ramzan Algeriev (1-0) Middleweight (185 Lbs)

Murad Magomedov (6-6) vs. Dmitry Samoilov (11-5-1) Middleweight

Denis Goltsov (2-1) vs. Alexander Volkov (10-3) Heavyweight

Christian Eckerlin (6-0) vs. Alexander Yakovlev (10-3) Welterweight

Luigi Fioravanti (22-8) vs. Andrei Semenov (29-9-2) Middleweight

* Additional bouts to be announced shortly

Welterweight Championship Bout:
Shamil Zavurov, M-1 Challenge Champion (19-1) clashes with Rashid Magomedov (8-1)



Light Heavyweight (205 Lbs) Championship Bout:

Viktor Nemkov (10-2) battles Vinny Magalhaes (7-5) for the vacant 205-pound strap



Free LIVE broadcast coverage of the entire M-1 Challenge XXV event from St. Petersburg, Russia will be available to viewers worldwide on the official M-1 Global website (www.M-1Global.com) and select affiliate partner sites starting at 11:00am EST / 8:00am PST on Thursday April 28th.

Zavurov Intent on Turning Magomedov’s Dream Shot into a Nightmare, Will M-1’s Reigning Welterweight Champ Avenge His Sole Career Loss?



The same night Shamil Zavurov successfully defended his welterweight strap in his inaugural outing as Champion, M-1 Global’s 170-pound top dog was invited back into the ring to accept a challenge from the very person who notched the sole defeat on his professional mixed martial arts record. Without hesitation – even with a gleam in his eyes – Zavurov accepted Rashid Magomedov’s request to throw down with a smirk; fans can capture the European warrior in his second title defense LIVE on Thursday, April 28 at 11am EST / 8am PST on the official M-1 Global website, www.M-1Global.com and M-1 Global facebook fan page.

Shamil Zavurov improved to 19-1 after completely dominating American scrapper, Tom Gallicchio in a performance that earned him the evening’s Knock Out of the Night award and confirmed why the Dagestan native is considered one of Europe’s top welterweight fighters.

With Gallicchio barley surviving the first round and expelling nearly every ounce of energy he had, the RussFighters team standout smelt blood as Gallicchio showed serious signs of fatigue as they touched gloves to start the second. Setting up a devastating, fatal right-hand that rocked Gallicchio to the canvas dazed and nearly out, Zavurov mounted a punishing, unstoppable ground-and-pound assault that forced the referee to intervene just past the one minute mark, cementing Zavurov’s position as the gate-keeper in the division’s extremely deep talent pool.

Zavurov captured the inaugural M-1 Challenge welterweight championship belt after disposing of Spanish Catalan, Abner Lloveras in what many viewed as a seemingly one-sided fight – something that the champ is known for doing in the majority of his outings.

Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion’s inaugural and reigning welterweight champ has won almost every competition available to him in sound, devastating fashion; a 3-time world champion in Combat Sambo, 2-time champion of the CIS in hand-to-hand combat, winner of international tournaments in wrestling and Wushu Sanda and champion of Dagestan in Wushu Sanda, Zavurov has accumulated more than 50 victories in combat Sambo and 50 victories as an amateur / semi-professional MMA fighter. Flying under the radar of North American fans until recently, Zavurov has amassed a vault of experience.

The crafty Russian’s only defeat come over a year ago via razor-thin split-decision to Rashid Magomedov at the 2009 M-1 Challenge; come April 28th, when the pair meet in the headline bout at M-1 Challenge XXV, Zavurov will aim to leverage his vast vault of experience and make his second outing as champion a successful quest that avenges his sole loss.

Ruining Fairytales One Fight a Time: Rashid Magomedov Takes Target on Zavurov’s Belt


In his last trip to the canvass against Rafal Moks, relentless Gorec team fighter, Rashid Magomedov, made his opponent’s first welterweight outing since relinquishing the 185-pound belt a horrific nightmare. Ending Moks’ Cinderella run through 2010, which included the golden victory over teammate Magomed Sultanakhmedov, Magomedov achieved his mission of halting Moks in his fairytale tracks and successfully landed the #1 contender status; set to face reigning Welterweight Champion Shamil Zavurov at M-1 Challenge XXV on Thursday April 28th inside the Ice Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia, Magomedov has the unique confidence of holding a victory over Zavurov, the champ’s sole loss on an otherwise decorated professional MMA career. Fans worldwide can catch the headline title bout LIVE starting at 11am EST / 8am PST on the official M-1 Global website, www.M-1Global.com and M-1 Global facebook fan page.

Rashid Magomedov is one of the brightest and most talented welterweight fighters to come out of Russia in recent years and holds combined professional and amateur mixed martial arts record of 17-1. Included in his list of wins, is the split-decision victory over Zavurov. In 2009, he went undefeated and lead his team to victory through the M-1 Challenge Team Championship competition.

In the quarterfinals of the 2010 M-1 Selection Eastern Europe tournament, Magomedov suffered his record’s first blemish with a decision loss to Magomedrasul Khasbulaev. Unfazed by the defeat, he returned to immediate action at the Sochi Open European Championships; with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in attendance, Magomedov showcased his one-punch power with a knock-out win over Dan Hope inside the contest’s first minute and followed up with two subsequent dominant performances: a unanimous decision win over Brazilian jiu jitsu black-belt, Igor Araujo and a first-round TKO over Rafal Moks.

One of five brothers, Magomedov’s family grew up training in several forms of combat sports ranging from boxing, kickboxing and wrestling. Trying his hand at karate when he was seven, he built upon that foundation until he was 12, when he also added boxing to his repertoire of skills. For the next six years, this protégé honed his abilities and became the Junior Boxing Champion of the Dagestan Republic in 2002, the same year he was awarded the title of Master of Sport. At the same time while boxing, his dedication to kickboxing remained steadfast as he became a two-time champion in the Dagestan Republic; unfortunately his goal of becoming the National Kickboxing Championship never materialized due to a lack of sponsors.

In 2003 while enlisted in the army, Magomedov started training in hand-to-hand combat, earning the Master of Sport designation as well, winning the National Championship a year later. Shortly afterwards, his combat career transitioned to mixed martial arts and he joined the Gorets fight team. His first bout was in 2007 and he defeated World Combat Sambo Champion, Vladimir Vladimirov.

Unlike most European fighters, Magomedov has no problem cutting weight to make the welterweight divisions 170-pound cut-off rather than fighting a class higher; he’s even tried to go down to lightweight but found shedding the additional 15 was too drastic of a cut, leaving the fighter feeling weak.

Sitting as the division’s top-contender, Magomedov is primed to dethrone Zavurov and seize his opportunity to sit at the head of the table. The confidence in knowing that he has beaten the champ already makes Zavurov’s mystique that much less intimidating; this is Magomedov’s time to steal the belt in a wickedly entertaining upset.