‘M-1 Fighter’ Event Goes Down Without a Hitch

[keithlewis]

Inaugural Card a Hit at the International Festival of Bikers


As a special attraction during Russia’s International Festival of Ol’gino Bikers, Europe’s leading mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion, M-1 Global, kicked off its ‘proving ground’ scouting project ‘M-1 Fighter’ in front of two-wheel transportation enthusiasts who were watching intently; the bout winners made the most of their opportunity in hopes to earn a shot in the M-1 Selection tournament or an undercard bout on a future M-1 Challenge card.

The ‘M-1 Fighter’ project brings together young and promising athletes that have undergone a rigorous submission review and selection process. According to M-1 Global European matchmaker Alexander Shuldyakov, “These bouts really showed the level of unfound talent currently available in the Eastern European clubs. Now that the fights are over, I can review the matches and determine who is ready to compete at a higher level.”

Pavel Vitruk was the card’s opening bout victor, winning a unanimous decision over Sanan Shakhbudagov after two rounds in their Featherweight (145 Lbs.) contest; in the same weight class, Alexei Pastirev defeated Roman Trofimov via unanimous decision after two rounds as well.

The card’s sole lightweight (155 Lbs.) battle had Radzhi Aliev defeating Georgiy Kovalev by unanimous decision after two rounds of back and forth fighting.

Davrbek Isakov showed his submission skills in his Welterweight (170 Lbs.) outing, defeating Albert Ahmedov via triangle-choke in Round One. Of the two Middleweight (185 Lbs.) bouts, Alexei Martinov defeated Christian Vuapi with a first-round rear-naked-choke and Oleg Lvov took out Yuri Tchurov via triangle choke submission in Round One as well.

Rustam Abdurapov stepped in as a late replacement and shocked the crowd with his power, defeating Maxim Veshnyakov via first round TKO in a Light Heavyweight (205 Lbs.) bout and Heavyweight (265 Lbs.) Dmitrii Alferiev made short work of Timur Shikhmagomedov, dropping him with a kick to the liver and finishing off his opponent with a ruthless ground and pound for a first-round TKO victory.