St. Petersburg, Russia (April 29, 2011) – With another excellent night of fight’s from the Ice Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia, Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion, M-1 Global, crowned its second North American champion as Vinny Magalhaes (8-5) defeated a resilient Viktor Nemkov (10-3) and reigning Welterweight top-dog Shamil Zavurov (20-1) took a unanimous decision over the technically sound Yasubey Enomoto (6-3).
“Tonight was a great night of fights featuring rising prospects and experienced veterans,” said M-1 Global Director of Operations, Evgeni Kogan. “Enomoto put on a stellar performance in his debut outing, taking Zavurov the distance with an awesome display of Jiu Jitsu and striking. We can’t wait to see him back in the ring.”
Commenting on the light heavyweight title bout, Kogan was quick to identify Nemkov’s ability to keep pace with Magalhaes for the fight’s first two rounds. “Nemkov did a great job in a fight no one gave him a chance of winning; he did his best to control the fight and defended several of Magalhaes’ submission attempts. But there is a reason why Magalhaes sports highly decorated BJJ credentials and he once again delivered on a win with an astonishing mounted gogoplata. It was an impressive submission victory.”
Official Results:
Ramazan Esenbaev def. Albert Akhmetov – 2:48 of Round 2 via TKO
Ramazan Emeev def. Murad Magomedov – Unanimous Decision
Juanma Suarez def. Arsen Temirkhanov – Unanimous Decision
Alexander Volkov def. Denis Goltsov – 3:06 of round 2 via TKO
Maxim Grishin def. Vladimir Kuchenko – 3:11 of Round 3 via TKO
Mikhail Zayats def. Malik Merad – :51 of round 2 via TKO
Alexander Yakovlev def. Christian Eckerlin – 3:16 of Round 2 via Submission (Rear Naked Choke)
Welterweight (170 Lbs.) Championship Bout:
Shamil Zavurov def. Yasubey Enomoto – Unanimous Decision
Light Heavyweight (205 Lbs.) Championship Bout:
Vinny Magalhaes def. Viktor Nemkov – 1:42 of Round 3 via Submission (Mounted Gogoplata)
Andrei Semenov def. Luigi Fioravanti – Unanimous Decision
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.
M-1 Global will make its second trip to the United States on Friday July 8th for M-1 Challenge XXVI featuring reigning, undefeated Heavyweight Champion, Guram Gugenishvili as he takes on decorated American wrestler, Pat Bennett. Lightweight Champion Jose Figueroa will also make his first title defense against top-ranked contender, Daniel Weichel.
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 held throughout Europe and North America in 2011.
For additional information, go to the official M-1 website, www.M-1Global.com and M-1 Global facebook fan page.
Photos credited to M-1 Global / Alex Taran
