Weichel – Khamanaev, Taisumov – Gafurov at M-1 Fedor vs Rizzo - June 21

Spectacular team rivalry between Legion (Russia) and MMA-Spirit (Germany) is going to happen on big M-1 Global tournament that will take place in St.-Petersburg on June 21.

M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Daniel Weichel will take on young Russian fighter Musa Khamanaev. Weichel’s first title defense was scheduled on M-1 Challenge 32 against Yuri Ivlev, but it was eventually moved to June 21 when Ivlev injured his hand on the training.

Khamanaev’s previous fight was on May 16, when he was dominant in the match against former M-1 lightweight champion Artiom Damkovsky. This victory gave Musa title shot against very dangerous and well-rounded German champion, so it’s going to be high-hevel fight between young Khamanaev and experienced Weichel.

Another fight between two members of these teams was going to happen on May 16 in Moscow, but it was re-scheduled when Marat Gafurov suffered shoulder injury right before the fight.

There is no doubt that Gafurov’s opponent will be the biggest challenge in his young MMA career. Mairbek Taisumov is recognized as one of the most entertaining European fighters, all of his 17 wins were by either knockout or submission. Probably the fastest hands in the division, tons of potential and great stamina make him fan favorite on any tournament. Will it be enough against two-time national grappling champion Gafurov? You will see it on June 21!

M-1 Global: Fedor vs. Rizzo

Date: June 16, 2012

Location: St.-Petersburg, Russia

Venue: Ice Palace

Fightcard

Fedor Emelianenko – Pedro Rizzo

Daniel Weichel – Musa Khamanaev (for lightweight title)

Mairbek Taisumov – Marat Gafurov

http://www.m-1global.com/2012/05/29/weichel-khamanaev-taisumov-gafurov-on-june-21/

im exited as hell

Can't wait for this event.

Im looking forward to these exciting fights more than those UFC or Strikeforce fights.

M-1 certainly dont lack talents and fighters, there seem to be a constant flow of quality young fighters coming through, which is more than some promotions.

Taisumov/Gafurov is excellent.

This card should be a good one.