Yuri Ivlev Faces Former M-1 Lightweight Champ Artiom Damkovsky at M-1 Ukraine European Battle Heavy Handed Submission Technician In Need of a Win
Yuri Ivlev (16-7) was seemingly unstoppable through 2009/10 as he racked up six consecutive victories, five by way of explosive knock out or punishing TKOs but it was Daniel Weichel and Mairbek Taisumov who derailed his train in incredibly exciting, back to back fights. Intent on shaking off the pair of losses, Ivlev faces former lightweight champion, Artiom Damkovsky (8-5) as a special attraction bout at the M-1 Ukraine European Battle on Saturday June 4th. Fans can capture the action from inside the National Circus Arena in Kiev starting at 11am EST / 8am PST via LIVE streaming telecast on the official M-1 Global website (www.M-1Global.com) and M-1 Global facebook fan page. The crafty, heavy-handed striker with exceptional submission skills will be aiming to secure his position as a top-contender in the 155Lb division and move closer to a shot at the title.
A product of the Legion Fight Team and training with notables Ansar Chalangov and Magomed ‘The Eagle’ Shikshabekov, it’s little wonder why the Russian fighter has made more than ripples on route to an impressive 16-7 record. Possessing what many claim as Olympic-level judo and world-class sambo skills, Ivlev has been outclassing opponents time and time again with abilities seeming to improve exponentially with every round clocked. He’s exciting, versatile, packs an arsenal of submissions and his striking is crisp and precise.
Making his professional mixed martial arts debut in 2003 versus Magomed Magomedov, Ivlev started off with a respectable 6-2 record with all victories coming by way of early submissions, earning him the reputation of being one of the most-feared submission technicians in the 155lb weight class; his spectacular hip toss, transition to armbar submission victory over Carlos Valeri at M-1 Challenge IV Battle on the Neva River had HDNet calling it one of the top submissions of 2008. This nightmarish warrior is a phenomenal grappler who poses serious problems for lightweights around the world and has rightfully earned a place on the North American radar.
Ivlev’s striking became evident after his loss to Karen Grigoryan at the M-1 MFC – Northwest Championships in 2007; he evolved his game and successfully closed out seven of his last ten victories with heavy-handed one-punch knockouts or devastating ground and pound; victims of his punishment include Mario Stapel, Daniel Thomas and Ivan Jorge.
With his flashy techniques, awesome suplexes, fluid spinning high kicks and will-breaking ground and pound, Yuri Ivlev is a truly marketable Russian that the U.S. fan-base is becoming more familiar with. Considered the favourite heading into the bout against Damkovsky, Ivlev is in full control of his fighting future; a win proves this talented, versatile fighter can bounce back from a pair of tough losses in the fashion that he is known for and that the all-around impressive mixed martial artist is truly deserving of a future title shot. Keep a watchful eye out for his ‘Eddie Alvarez-esque’ celebratory back-flips from the top ropes as he aims to create havoc for Damkovsky and jaw-dropping memories for the fans.
LIVE broadcast coverage of the M-1 Ukraine European Battle will be available to viewers worldwide on the official M-1 Global website (www.M-1Global.com) and M-1 Global facebook fan page starting at 11:00am EST / 8:00am PST.
The 2011 European M-1 Selection tournament second quarterfinal round will be held July 16th, 2011; entitled Battle on the Neva River 5, the event will hail seaside in St. Petersburg, Russia.
M-1 Global is now in full-swing preparation for its fourth mega-event of 2011 scheduled for Friday July 8th from inside the United States. M-1 Challenge XXVI is headlined with undefeated, #1 Ranked heavyweight prospect Guram Gugenishvili (11-0) putting his belt on the line for the second time against decorated American wrestler, Pat Bennett (4-2). In co-main event action, newly crowned Lightweight Champion, Jose Figueroa (10-4) makes his first title defense against feared German submission specialist, Daniel Weichel (26-7).
‘Guram is Coming’ video teaser:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3XJgJfI9L8&feature=youtu.be
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 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.
