The M-1 Challenge XXIII undercard gets better by the day and the addition of the heavyweight contention bout between Goncalo Salgado and Arsen Abdulkerimov brings more possibilities to the division’s title picture. With a win over Abdulkerimov, the 2010 M-1 Selection Eastern European tournament runner-up, Salgado will be hot to climb the contention ladder and eager to run a string of victories inside the M-1 ring that could earn him a future shot at the M-1 Challenge heavyweight championship belt. The stage is set for Salgado to earn some well deserved respect against a tougher tier of opponents; he just needs to deliver the signature heavy leather he’s known for.
Hailing from Portugal, Goncalo Salgado is a product of the Gracie Barra Seixal fight team and has racked up a near-perfect 7-1 record as a professional mixed martial artist since debuting in July of 2006. Training in a school known more for precision submission technique, Salgado has gone the opposite route, delivering more devastating knock-outs and to date this offensive game plan is serving him just fine; six of seven wins have come by way of either KO or TKO and he has one lone submission.
Salgado’s outings have revealed a nearly impenetrable defense combined with accurate power-punching and one-punch knock-out power; should a shot break through, he’s got a tough chin capable of weathering any storm. His incredibly thick, powerful upper-body resembles that of current heavyweight champ, Guram Gugenishvili, and enables him to manhandle his opponents to the canvas easily. Once on the ground, Salgado slides effortlessly on the mat working to secure side-control or stepping over into full mount. Any time Salgado has secured full mount, the fights over; he postures up and rains bombs until his opponent is broken.
With his bout against Abdulkerimov being his first trip to M-1 Global’s big stage and marking a step up in the level of competition he’s faced, Salgado needs to keep his nerves in check and do what he does best – be aggressive and relentless in his striking while simultaneously being aware of his opponent’s dangerous submissions. On paper Salgado has the edge in striking and submissions and the pair are evenly matched in experience. This bout is up for grabs by either fighter but we’ll soon see if Salgado has what it takes to get a big win against the toughest opponent in his career.
Fans can watch Salgado and Abdulkerimov battle it out from inside the Crocus City arena in Moscow, Russia on Saturday, March 5th by tuning in to the official live stream on M-1 Global website, www.M-1Global.com at 11:00am EST / 8:00am PST.
