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.
To receive the iframe embedding code to air M-1 Challenge XXV, please email Eric Nicholl at EricNicholl.M1@gmail.com for more information.
With M-1 Challenge champions established in all five weight classes, a true contenders system will fuel events throughout 2011, driving M-1 Global’s growth as a leading brand in the US and international markets.
2011’s full slate of M-1 Challenge events held in the United States and Europe are primed to be mega-event spectaculars where Champions defend their titles and contenders jockey for position for a coveted shot at the gold. Feeding the contention system will be two Selection tournaments in 2011 with details being announced shortly.
For additional information, go to the official M-1 website, www.M-1Global.com and M-1 Global facebook fan page.
