M-1 Challenge Middleweight Title Fight Champion Alexey Kunchenko vs. Murad Abdulaev to headline M-1 Challenge 72

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (October 19, 2016) – M-1 Global has announced a rematch between M-1 Challenge welterweight champion Alexey Kunchenko and former titlist Murad “Hunter” Abduleav will headline the November 18th M-1 Challenge 72 in Moscow, Russia.

M-1 Challenge 72 will be streamed live from Moscow in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.

Also announced was a lightweight battle between former champion Artiom Damkovsky and Alexey “Ataman” Makhno.

Kunchenko (14-0-0, M-1: 6-0-0), fighting out of Tyumen, Russia, will be making his first title defense. He defeated defending champion Abdulaev, who was unable to continue in round four of their fight this past April at M-1 Challenge 65.

Abdulaev (15-4-0, M-1: 3-2-0), fighting out of Anapa, Russia, originally captured the M-1 Challenge welterweight title at M-1 Challenge 58, taking a decision from Marcello Brito on June 6, 2015 for the vacant title.

(L-R) – Murad Abdulaev vs. Alexey Kunchenko

Damkovsky (21-10-0, M-1: 11-7-0), fighting out of Minsk, Belarus, has a crowd pleasing style. His last fight resulted in a kick-knockout victory (see picture below) of Maxim Divnich this past September at M-1 Challenge 70.

A native of Moscow, 26-year-old Makhno (13-4-0, M-1: 3-1-0) is a superior kicker and strong striker. In his last fight, this past June at M-1 Challenge 68, Makhno won a decision over Felipo Rego (see picture below).

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Oct. 21 — M-1 Challenge 71: Nemkov vs. Vegh in St. Petersburg, Russia
Nov. 18 – M-1 Challenge 72: Kunchenko vs. Abdulaev in Moscow, Russia
Dec. 9 – M-1 Challenge 73: Emeev vs. Tokov in Ingushetia, Russia