Eager to share his skills inside the ring as well as out, Magalhaes is scheduled to face off with Alihan Magomedov (12-1) on December 10, 2010 at M-1 Challenge XXII. The bout will mark the fighters return to the ring after a knee surgery that kept the fighter sidelined for the better portion of 2010.
The three time Brazilian jiu jitsu world champion recently took part in an all star seminar lineup in Saint Petersburg, Russia designed to assist in the development of M-1Global’s upcoming stable of young fighters. “I’ve trained in Japan, Brazil, the United States and now Russia, one thing that I can say is that the Russian fighters were some of the most intense guys that I have ever been around,” said Vinny Magalhaes.
Speaking with M-1 Global, the submission phenom discussed his trip to Saint Petersburg and his impression of Eastern European fighters, “I really liked St. Petersburg; the city was just as beautiful as I was expecting. Working with the Russian athletes, it’s clear that they don’t have the same resources that we have in the USA but that doesn’t change how tough they can be. Some of those guys were literally training 8 hours a day,” said Magalhaes.
With his December 10th debut date closing in fast, Magalhaes is as prepared as he can be when he faces Russian National Pancrase and Hand-to-Hand Combat champion, Alihan Magomedov (12-1). “I’ve had a chance to study all the tape available on him. He’s a very good ground and pound fighter, extremely tough and has a solid record. I’m looking forward to competing against such a good opponent.”
Catch the action LIVE online at the official M-1 website, www.M-1Global.com starting 12:00pm EST / 9:00am PST.