Mairbek Taisumov vs. Marat Gafurov added to M-1 Challenge 32

Classic “striker vs. grappler” rivalry is scheduled for May 17 in Moscow: fast-handed and unbelievably experienced for his age, MMA-Spirit team member Mairbek Taisumov (17-3) will take on national grappling champion Marat Gafurov (4-0) from Dagestan, Russia.

If you are looking for a spectacular fight, any of Taisumov’s fights is sure bet for you. He is only 23, but he has already got 20 professional fights in his resume, only one of them went to judge decision. Mairbek fought on seven M-1 tournaments and lost only once: in the best M-1 fight of 2010, Mairbek was absolutely dominant in the second round against Belorussian striker Artiom Damkovsky, but eventually he lost in the third round due to doctor stoppage.

This defeat made Taisumov even stronger and more dedicated to his trainings, so he won five next fights in a row, all by finishes. There is no doubt, this guy has everything to be in world’s TOP-10 lightweight rankings.

Grappling expert, world pancration champion and the master of sport in international class in hand-to-hand combat Marat Gafurov is going to be one of the toughest tests in rising MMA-Spirit star’s career. Even the smallest mistake from an opponent on the ground is enough for Marat to finish any fight.

After years of victories on pancration, hand-to-hand combat and grappling tournament Marat Gafurov emerged on the big MMA scene in 2010. After a couple of successful fights in regional promotion and on M-1 Ukraine tournament, he got his chance to fight on M-1 Challenge in Ufa last November.

Marat wanted this fight very much, so he even agreed to fight in welterweight class, though he is natural lightweight. After convincing victory against tough Sheikh-Magomed Arapkhanov he moved down to lightweight and took on Czhech grappling wunderkind David Kozma in one of the most entertaining fights on M-1 Challenge 31 tournament. Kozma fought very well and deserved the respect of Russian fans, but he was forced to tap in the second round.

This fight is going to be sure candidate for “fight of the night” honors that every MMA fan has to watch. What is better, Taisumov’s fast hands and legs or Gafurov’s great submission skills? You will find it out on May 17 in Moscow!
M-1 Challenge 32

Date: May 17, 2012

Location: Moscow, Russia

Venue: Crocus City Arena

Fightcard

Alexander Emelianenko vs. TBA
Daniel Weichel vs. Yuri Ivlev (for lightweight title)
Mairbek Taisumov vs. Marat Gafurov

http://www.m-1global.com/2012/03/29/mairbek-taisumov-vs-marat-gafurov-added-to-m-1-challenge-32/

Awesome fight! Gafurov is a huge talent and so is Taisumov. What makes the LW division extra interesting is that Taisumov beat Ivlev who´s fighting Weichel for the title and Ivlev beat Damkovsky who beat Taisumov.

awesome

Sweet that Taisumov is on this card. I would have liked to see him fight Weichel though.