New York City, New York (October 6, 2010) – M-1 Challenge XXI: Guram vs. Garner continues to develop into one of the hottest cards produced this fall. In a night featuring three title tilts, the return of undefeated Magomed ‘The Eagle’ Shikshabekov, the undercard heats up further with a the lightweight collision between Russia’s submission technician, Yuri Ivlev, and always exciting Eric ‘It’s a Wrap’ Reynolds. The event takes place Thursday October 28th at the Ice Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia.

“This has become the best Challenge event of 2010,” says Evgeni Kogan, Director of Operations for M-1 Global. “M-1 Challenge XXI is a stacked card and represents the culmination of the Selection tournament producing champions and contender’s battling for their shot at the belt; it represents M-1 Global as an international battlefield for talented athletes to showcase their skills to fans around the world.”

Matchups include:

  • Yuri Ivlev (14-5) vs. Eric Reynolds (13-4) Lightweight
  • Magomed Shikshabekov (12-0) vs. TBA Welterweight Super Bout
  • Alexei Nazarov (9-3) vs. Alexei Belyaev (10-4) Middleweight
  • Alexander Sarnavsky (10-0) vs. Victor Kuku (7-5-1) Lightweight
  • Rashid Magomedov (6-2) vs. Igor Araujo (18-5) Welterweight
  • Dmitry Samoilov (8-5-1) vs. Gadzhimurad Omarov (5-0) Light Heavyweight
  • Vusal Bairamov (0-1) vs. Joakhim Apie (0-0) Lightweight

· Additional undercard bouts to be announced

Lightweight Title Fight:

Artiom Damkovsky, M-1 Selection Eastern Europe 2010 champion (10-4) vs.

Mairbek Taisumov, M-1 Selection Western Europe 2010 champion (12-2)

Middleweight Title Fight:

Magomed Sultanakhmedov, M-1 Selection Eastern Europe 2010 champion (28-4) vs.

Rafał Moks, M-1 Selection Western Europe 2010 champ (5-2)

Heavyweight Title Fight:

Kenny Garner, M-1 Selection Americas champion (5-2) vs.

Guram Gugenishvili, M-1 Selection Western Europe champion (9-0).

The Welterweight and Light Heavyweight championship bouts will be awarded at M-1 Challenge XXII, December 11th in Atlantic City, New Jersey, establishing M-1 Challenge champions in all five weight classes. The contention system will continue to fuel events throughout 2011, driving M-1 Global’s growth as a leading brand in the US and international markets.

2011 includes a full slate of M-1 Challenge events held in the United States and Europe. These are the mega-event spectaculars where Champions will be crowned, titles defended and contenders’ positions on the ladder will be determined. Feeding the stable of fighters will be two Selection tournaments in 2011 with details being announced shortly.

Free broadcast coverage of the entire 2010 M-1 Challenge event schedule will be available at a later date to viewers worldwide on www.M-1Global.com and selected affiliate partner sites.

Go to www.M-1Global.com for additional information.

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