M-1 Challenge XXV: Zavurov vs. Enomoto - Updates

[keithlewis]

Two Rising Stars Collide: Alexander Yakovlev Meets Undefeated Christian Eckerlin at M-1 Challenge XXV



Welterweight prospects Alexander Yakovlev and Christian Eckerlin are slated to hook up April 28th as part of the deep M-1 Challenge XXV undercard. It’s a battle between two fighters that prefer to avoid the judges’ scorecards in favour of managing their own destinies. At 10-3, Yakovlev is doing all he can to build momentum within M-1 Global’s talented roster of welterweight fighters in hopes of earning a future title shot. The battle can be captured 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.

The Russian fighter formerly known as Sultan Tikhaev, Alexander Yakovlev is a ferocious 26 year old veteran under the M-1 Global banner and this trip inside the five-rope-ring marks his first return to Europe’s leading promotion’s ‘big show’ since losing to Karl Amoussou in 2007. Debuting as a professional fighter in 2004, Yakovlev lost his first bout and shrugged it off as a learning experience and then quickly racked up four subsequent KO/TKO victories prior to meeting Amoussou. Since then, Yakovlev has remained active inside organizations such as ProFC, BodogFIGHT, PGM and others and has rallied with six submissions wins and a lone decision in his last eight outings. This talented highly versatile warrior is well-versed in submissions and packs dynamite in his fists.

Representing the Sable fight team, Yakovlev is a crafty left-handed fighter with an expansive reach thanks to the height of his 6’1” frame. He sets up explosive combinations using an effective jab that lands with aggravating precision; if his opponents are able to break within his reach, they’re continuously frustrated with Yakovlev’s elusiveness that make him even harder to hit.

In stand up exchanges, Yakovlev has excellent foot work and phenomenal balance; he’s able to get in and get out, causing maximum damage while expending minimal energy. Should the bout go to the mat, this patient and tactical fighter can defend submission attempts and transition into offensive positions seamlessly; he’s extremely comfortable working from his back and packs a potent submission arsenal.

The bout at M-1 Challenge on April 28th is a step up in the level of competition faced recently and marks a defining moment in Yakovlev’s career: a win seizes the recognition of an aspiring, recognizable prospect and propels him further up the contention ladder, closer to the ultimate goal of a shot at the M-1 Lightweight Championship belt.

[keithlewis]

Sengoku Veteran Yasubey Enomoto Signs Exclusively to M-1 Global: Steps in to Replace the Injured Rashid Magomedov at M-1 Challenge XXV



New York, NY (April 20, 2011) – Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion, M-1 Global, continues to add depth to its growing roster of talented, worldwide fighters; the newest addition is rising prospect and Sengoku veteran, Yasubey Enomoto (6-2). The Swiss-based fighter makes his first appearance inside M-1’s ring with a title shot against current welterweight champion, Shamil Zavurov (19-1) as Rashid Magomedov was forced to withdraw due to injury. Fans can capture all the 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.

“M-1 is extremely excited about this signing. Yasubey Enomoto is proving himself as a rising prospect in the sport and has been facing top-tier competition,” said M-1 Global Director of Operations Evgeni Kogan. “With Magomedov’s unfortunate withdrawal, we offered the title shot to Enomoto based on his credibility and legitimacy as top contender and he was quick to accept. The stylistic differences between Zavurov and Enomoto make a combination for a highly explosive fight.”



M-1 Challenge XXV Under Card:

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



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

Maxim Grishin (7-5) vs. Vladimir Kuchenko (4-8-1) Heavyweight

Mikhail Zayats (13-5) vs. Malik Merad (10-6) Light Heavyweight (205 Lbs)

Arsen Temirkhanov (8-1) vs. Juanma Suarez (6-0) Welterweight (170 Lbs)

Murad Magomedov (6-6) vs. Ramzan Algeriev (1-0) Middleweight (185 Lbs)

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

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

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

* Additional bouts to be announced

Welterweight Championship Bout:
Shamil Zavurov, M-1 Challenge Champion (19-1) meets Yasubey Enomoto (6-2)



Light Heavyweight (205 Lbs) Championship Bout:

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



Yasubey Enomoto Highlight Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOA06GN-ZHs

[keithlewis]

Enomoto’s Credibility Lands Immediate Title Shot: Newly Inked Prospect Steps In for Injured Magomedov



At 27 years old, Swiss mixed martial artist Yasubey Enomoto (6-2) stands as one of the most technically sound welterweight prospects in the world today and is a fan favorite thanks to his electrifying striking and submission skills; his boxing and Muay Thai are second to none and his BJJ makes him a force on the canvas. As the most recent signing to Europe’s leading MMA promotion, M-1 Global, the horizon for this fighter stands to get a whole lot brighter. Enomoto’s legitimacy as a top-contender has earned him an immediate title shot in his M-1 debut where he’ll face current 170-pound champion Shamil Zavurov at M-1 Challenge XXV on April 28th; fans can capture the title tilt’s action LIVE online on the official M-1 Global website, www.M-1Global.com and M-1 Global facebook fan page starting at 11am EST / 8am PST

Born in Zürich, Switzerland to a Japanese-Peruvian father and Swiss mother, Enomoto began training in martial arts at age 6, taking up Shotokan Karate and then Shaolin Kung Fu at 16. As a student, he took up Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, in which he currently holds a purple belt. In 2006, he became the domestic amateur kickboxing champion and the IKBO Thaiboxing World Champion in 2008. His decorated grappling career includes the titles: 1X UGC grappling European Champion, 2X international German BJJ and grappling champion, and 2X Swiss BJJ and grappling champion. He holds a Muay Thai record of 7-2, a boxing record of 1-0, and a BJJ and grappling record of 90-8.

Today, Enomoto and his family run the Enomoto Dojo in Zürich where he continues to improve and evolve as a stand-out fighter. Possessing text book Muay Thai, his striking is sharp, fast and targets with laser-guided precision; the same can be said about his boxing skills. On the mat, his BJJ is slick and fluid, allowing him to transition from submission attempts with seamless accuracy. As a versatile hybridized mixed martial artist, Enomoto has few holes in his game; at this stage, his improvement is tied to his evolution and clocking experience against top-tier competition.

Enomoto made his debut as a professional fighter at the S-1: European Championship Fight Night kickboxing event in February 2006 winning via unanimous decision over Vlajko Perovic. He then returned to the ring as a mixed martial artist two years later with an armbar submission over Irish fighter Danny Doherty. Next came his opportunity to fight for the Cage Fighters Championships' Welterweight title in England against BJJ black belt, Henrique Santana, and won via unanimous decision. Three months later, he recorded the first loss of his career Tyler Stinson handed issued a violent TKO at Art of Fighting 3: Rumble at Robarts 3 in Florida, US.

With a respectable record of 3-1, Enomoto made his promotional debut with Sengoku in June 2010; leaving his first loss behind him, Enomoto earned a commanding first round TKO victory over veteran Sanae Kikuta, who holds notable wins against Elvis Sinosic, Egan Inoue, Masanori Suda, and Eugene Jackson. Enomoto’s follow up performance was the entrance into the 2010 Welterweight Grand Prix and won his opening round fight at Sengoku 14, defeating Kenta Takagi via bulldog choke submission early in round two. In the semi-finals, he was drawn against Taisuke Okuno; after three dominating rounds with Enomoto showcasing superior boxing skills, the judges gave him the unanimous nod and cementing his spot in the finals against Keita Nakamura. At Sengoku: Soul of Fight on December 30, 2010, Enomoto lost in the second round due to a rear naked choke submission, ending his run at the tournament as runner-up.

Coming into the bout with Zavurov as a late replacement for the injured Rashid Magomedov, Enomoto has nothing to lose – happy to be part of the M-1 Global team with a secure future, this Swiss phenom adds a completely different element of action to the title tilt and his legitimacy as a top-tier fighter puts this fight at near-even odds.

[keithlewis]

Who is Ramzan Algeriev? Russia’s Astounding Amateur Makes Debut With M-1 Global


If you’re like most North American fans, you haven’t heard of undefeated amateur mixed martial arts fighter Ramzan Algeriev but with a combined combat sports record of 23-0, he may be deserving of some pre-rising-star attention. As a pro, he sits at 1-0 but the buzz he’s generated within Europe was enough to earn him a trip to M-1 Challenge XXV: Zavurov vs. Magomed 2 where he’ll face Murad Magomedov on an action packed undercard. Fans can catch the full card LIVE at 11am EST / 8am PST on the official M-1 Global website, www.M-1Global.com and M-1 Global facebook fan page.

22 year old fighter Ramzan Algeriev moved from his hometown of Grozny to Kazakhstan in 1997 and the transition inspired him to take up training freestyle wrestling and to become active in combat sports. At 18 he placed fourth at the World Championship Wrestling tournament and a year later he made the decision to compete in mixed martial arts and Pankration. Satisfied with the progress of his training and looking to earn more experience and evolve as a fighter, Algeriev returned to Russia and joined the Volgograd fight Club; that same year he won the championship of Russia in full contact fighting.

In 2010 he placed second in the Sambo World Championships, won the ‘Black Sea Cup’ in Pankration and the ‘Cup of Russia’ amateur MMA tournament. Building his momentum, Algeriev recently won the open-weight division in a professional Pankration tournament in Kazakhstan by defeating European champion Argyn Sabdyrova.

Only two-and-a-half years into his professional career, this talented fighter has already fought 23 times as an MMA and Pankration amateur and remains undefeated; his professional MMA record stands at 1-0. Having been generating a buzz with his skills, Algeriev is set to make his debut with Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion on April 28th on the undercard of M-1 Challenge XXV: Zavurov vs. Magomedov 2; it will be interesting to see if this unknown gem delivers on his hype and disposes his opponent with a remarkable performance.

[keithlewis]

Grishin aims to Rebound at M-1 Challenge XXV: Dreams of Earning a Second Future Title Shot


MMA heavyweight prospect, Maxim Grishin calls the Red Devil Sport’s Club his home in his native Russian mother land; not bad considering it’s shared by MMA notables such as the great Fedor Emelianenko, Roman Zentsov, Amar Suloev and Arman Gambaryan. Being around top calibre athletes has certainly rubbed off on this heavyweight prospect as he has built a hard-fought 7-5 record as a professional fighter under the tutelage of his star-studded camp. Although losing a tough battle against defending M-1 Global Heavyweight Champion, Guram Gugenishvili in his last outing, Grishin is determined to learn from the loss and clamour his way back into title contention. He returns to face Vladimir Kuchenko at M-1 Challenge XXV: Zavurov vs. Magomedov 2. Catch Grishin in action on Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion’s ‘big show’ 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.

Grishin was originally slated to face Guram this past October but was forced to withdraw from the contest after suffering a late training camp injury; healed up and ready for action, Grishin, the definitive underdog, entered the ring in hopes of dethroning the current champ and almost shocked the world in the early seconds of the battle when he floored the champ with a left hook. Mounting and briefly punishing the champ, Guram tried to escape and gave up his back, leaving him in a momentarily precarious position to be choked out.

Unable to capitalize on the position and allowing Guram back to his feet, the champ engaged Grishin quickly. After a brief exchange, the pair hit the mat with Guram working from his foe’s guard, landing effective blows through Grishin’s defence. As Guram postured up and stepped over into full mount, Grishin made the fatal mistake of rolling over in an attempt to escape, giving up his back and exposing his neck; it took Guram a split second to recognize the position and he quickly wrenched in, locked his wrists under Grishin’s neck and worked to flatten his opponent out. Leaving no escape in sight, Grishin was forced to tap at 3:38 of the opening round and walked away from the championship spotlights with a difficult defeat.

Grishin tips the scales near the 225 pound mark and would be considered a small heavyweight fighter in comparison to his counterparts but don’t be fooled by his stature; MMA has proven that it’s not only about the size and weight class which dictates success but also a fighter’s mental toughness, one of Grishin’s rock-solid characteristics as a competitor. With this said, Grishin is as strong and powerful as any heavyweight today and his striking capabilities are as fast as a lightweight with the precision of a surgeon; when you combine this striking style with his natural power, there’s no wonder why five of his seven victories come by way of TKO.

Since making his victorious debut against Gela Getsadze at the World Pancration Championship, Grishin had been consistent in his outings and continued to show improvement with each trip to the ring, eventually putting together a three-fight streak to capture 2010 M-1 Selection Eastern Europe heavyweight tournament trophy with a decisive first-round, rear-naked-choke submission victory over friend and training partner, Alexander Volkov.

As a prominent figure in M-1 Global’s heavyweight stable, Grishin knows he has a tough road to forge in order to earn a second shot at the M-1 Global heavyweight belt but the journey begins with the bout against Kuchenko. Thankful for the words of encouragement he’s received while preparing, Grishin continues to speak humbly; “I’d like to thank everybody who supports me, it helps me a lot. It’s nice to hear positive and supporting words from other people. I’ll do my best to give the fans an exciting bout.”

[keithlewis]

RusFighter’s Murad Magomedov Lands M-1 Challenge Return: Faces Experienced Newcomer Ramzan Algeriev


Known for his relentless, exciting fighting style and resiliency, RusFighter’s warrior, Murad Magomedov has been reinventing himself as a talented prospect. Successful in six of his last eight trips to the mat, Magomedov has been awarded with a return bout on Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion’s big stage on April 28th where he’ll look to stop the aspirations of Ramzan Algeriev. Fans can capture the middleweight tilt and the entire M-1 Challenge XXV card 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.

Making his professional MMA debut in 2005, Murad started off with a discouraging run, losing his first four bouts; some may have considered throwing in the towel with a start like that but not this Combat Sambo specialist. When you break down these first four losses, losing three by decision (two disappointing split-decisions in his M-1 Global debuts against Khanilav Khanilaev and Gasan Umalatov and a hard-fought unanimous decision at the hands of Saipudin Shahidov) and a TKO in his pro debut against Alexander Shlemenko, Murad Magomedov had a tough introduction to the sport.

Since then, the aspiring Magomedov has turned things around and improved his overall record to 6-6, which included a four-fight streak of his own over highly experienced fighters all sporting +500 records, including notable wins over Mukhamed Aushev and Eric Cebarac.

With each round clocked, this young fighter accumulated priceless experience and eagerly entered the 2010 M-1 Selection Eastern European tournament high with confidence and disposed of Ruslan Khaskhanov with a second-round, joint-jacking armbar that propelled him into the semi-final round where he lost another hard-fought decision to Alexei Belyaev.

Determined and seemingly unshakeable, Magomedov returned to action after a brief layoff with a commanding unanimous decision over undefeated, rising prospect Svetoslav Savov and followed this up with a first-round demolition of the debuting Zeka Sherifov at the M-1 Ukraine International Club Grand Prix; the back-to-back outings was enough to earn an invitation back to the M-1 Challenge world stage.

These two young fighters, already sporting excellent experience under their belts, are bound to cause a stir inside the Ice Palace on April 28th. Magomedov takes his dynamic and spectacular fighting style and drives it head-in into the sound, strategic and tactical technique of Ramzan Algeriev in a battle that fans won’t want to miss.

[keithlewis]

M-1 Challenge XXV’s Full Card: The Product of Experience, Depth and Desire


St. Petersburg, Russia (April 25, 2011) – Headlined with two title fights, M-1 Challenge XXV’s full card represents the definition of MMA. Striker and Sambo specialist Shamil Zavurov puts his welterweight belt on the line on against the fearsome multi-disciplined versatility of Yasubey Enomoto while BJJ Ace Vinny Magalhaes aims to seize the vacant light heavyweight strap in a battle against Viktor Nemkov, Russia’s stealth submission specialist with dynamite-packed fists. Fans can capture all the 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.

“M-1 Challenge XXV is set to be another exciting, action packed card for our fans. Our growth as a promotion is based on our fights and our goal is to continue doing what we do best – creating matchups between rising stars who leave it on the canvass and finish,” said M-1 Global Director of Operations Evgeni Kogan. “We appreciate our fans’ support; keep telling us how to improve and we’ll keep delivering awesome televised and streamed events!”



M-1 Challenge XXV Under Card:

Albert Akhmetov (2-0) vs. Ramazan Esenbaev (2-0) Welterweight (170 Lbs)



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

Maxim Grishin (7-5) vs. Vladimir Kuchenko (4-8-1) Heavyweight (205+ Lbs.)

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

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

Murad Magomedov (6-6) vs. Ramazan Emeev (7-1) Middleweight (185 Lbs)

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

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

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


Welterweight Championship Bout:

Shamil Zavurov, M-1 Challenge Champion (19-1) meets Yasubey Enomoto (6-2)



Light Heavyweight (205 Lbs) Championship Bout:

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

[keithlewis]

Breaking Down M-1 Challenge XXV’s Light Heavyweight Showdown: ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ Finalist Meets The ‘M-1 Fighter’



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 (10-2).

The 24 year 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.

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.

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. who had been on tour in Russia throughout the summer and was reportedly interested in signing him as a professional wrestler.

Determined to prove himself as a dominant, well-rounded fighter, Magalhaes showcased his evolution with a dominant TKO performance over undefeated Jake Doerr in his last bout, ample evidence that the world-class BJJ expert 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.

Currently training and teaching at the TapouT Training Center in Las Vegas, Magalhaes is 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 is 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.

Nemkov shares distinct similarities with 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.

With a solid Combat Sambo 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 2011 National Combat Sambo champion and will represent his country at the World Championships as Russia’s reigning national champ in the near future.

Nemkov slides into a formidable position to claim the 205 pound strap. 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 this Thursday’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.