From The Hangar at the O.C. Fair and Events Center, Costa Mesa, California
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA (Dec 9, 2011) – M-1 GLOBAL’s final U.S. outing for 2011 featured a rematch for the M-1 Challenge Welterweight title as Yasubey Enomoto stopped former champion Shamil Zavurov in the last minute of the bout to claim the gold. The mixed martial arts (MMA) event titled M-1 Challenge XXX: Zavurov vs. Enomoto II took place atThe Hangar in Costa Mesa, California and aired LIVE on SHOWTIME.
Many considered their first meeting the M-1 Challenge fight of the year, a 5 round classic that would be very difficult to live up to. Both champion and challenger appeared up to the task. The two fighters started the fight at a break neck pace that continued deep into the bout. Early in the fight, Enomoto dropped Zavurov who immediately bounced back to finish the round strong. The two fighters proceeded to battle and exchange rounds as they entered the fifth and deciding frame. A review of the judges scorecards after the bout revealed the fighters were deadlocked up to that point.
As round 5 progressed both fighters began to show signs of fatigue due to an incredible pace. Zavurov appeared desperate to land a shot throughout the round, as Enomoto remained busy showing off his takedown defense. With less than a minute remaining in the bout, and neither fighter with a clear advantage, Zavurov attempted a final takedown. Yasubey Enomoto telegraphed the shot and locked in a lighting fast guillotine choke causing Zavurov to tap. With the victory Enomoto improves his record to (9-3) and becomes the M-1 Challenge Welterweight champion. In defeat Shamil Zavurov is now ( 18-2) and sure to be on a mission to reclaim the gold.
In the night’s co-main event, Artiom Damkovskiy needed just 2:19 to avenge a March 25th loss to Jose Figueroa. The noticeably more aggressive Damkovskiy threw punches and kicks heavy and often finally catching Figueroa with a shot to the head that dropped the former champion. Damkovskiy quickly swarmed his downed opponent causing the referee to jump in and halt the action.
M-1 Challenge XXX complete results:
Aaron Miller def. Paul Webb, Unanimous decision
Bao Quach def. Alvin Cacdac, Submission (Triangle Armbar) Rd 1, 3:33
Tyson Jeffries def. Eddie Arizmendi ,Submission (Brabo Choke) Rd 2, 2:08
Alexander Sarnavskiy def. Sergio Cortez, Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) Rd 1, 1:46
Artiom Damkovsky def. Jose Figueroa, KO (Punch) Rd 1, 2:19
Yasubey Enomoto def. Shamil Zavurov Submission (Guillotine Choke) Rd 5, 4:10
Mauro Ranallo called the action from ringside with Pat Miletich serving as expert analyst. The telecast was produced by Chuck McKean and directed by Craig Farrell. The executive producer of SHOWTIME Sports is David Dinkins, Jr.
For information on M-1 Global, go to the official M-1 website, www.M-1Global.com and M-1 Global Facebook fan page
