European mixed martial arts veteran and Mad Jok’s Fight Team warrior Malik Merad will face the toughest test in his career when he faces Mikhail Zayats on April 28th. The atypically tall, light heavyweight fighter stands 6’7” and needs to exploit his reach advantage, keeping his foe at bay, in order to be successful against the re-invented Zayats, who is currently riding a three-fight streak. 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.
The 23-year-old Merad was born in Limoges, France and took to boxing at the age of 12; with his early start, his skills evolved, making him a potent striker who’s hard work was awarded with multiple titles as France’s Champion as a junior and senior competitor.
His foray into grappling began in 2008 and his love for the new sport inspired him to compete in local and national tournaments; the transition to MMA came in 2009 with a successful debut against Victor Apostol. Starting off with back-to-back wins, Merad subsequently faced adversity and progressed with mixed results but has always remained a +.500 fighter, building a respectable overall record of 10-6.
Known primarily as a striker thanks to his knock-out power and lengthy reach, which have fuelled his last three wins by KO/TKO, Merad has also shown impressive submission capabilities which have etched six of his ten victories. Merad is a fighter who prefers to control his own destiny by avoiding the judges’ scorecards – none of his wins have required the divine intervention of the three wise men watching ringside.
Merad has been given an amazing opportunity combined with the toughest test of his career in his debut outing with M-1 Global. His freakish height and reach advantage, coupled with a solid submission base, make this fight a coin flip to call. But with Zayats showing signs that he is morphing into to the fighter he once was, Merad needs to execute a flawless game plan; one mistake and Zayats will smell blood and drive in for the kill.
Fans can watch Merad and Zayats battle it out inside the Ice Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia on Thursday, April 28 at 11am EST / 8am PST by tuning in to the official live stream on M-1 Global website, www.M-1Global.com and M-1 Global facebook fan page at 11:00am EST / 8:00am PST.
