Azamat Bakytov (6-0) vs. Ramazan Mustafaev (5-0)
Kazakhstan isn’t exactly known as an epicenter of MMA action, but it serves as the host for one of the bigger regional shows of the coming weekend. Naiza Fighting Championship is set for its 30th event, with a headlining affair for the interim featherweight crown. However, it’s a lightweight fight further down the lineup that really catches the eye thanks to the presence of two undefeated upstarts. Those men are Azamat Bakytov and Ramazan Mustafaev.
Bakytov is the native son in this fight. The Almaty resident made his pro debut in 2015 and won three fights before taking a two-year hiatus from competition. Upon his 2018 return, he resumed his winning ways. However, he’s still averaging just one fight per year. His best opponent thus far has been Boris Medvedev, whom Bakytov outpointed for a decision under the M-1 Challenge banner. It was by far his most high-profile appearance. “Massaget” has stopped all of his remaining foe
Every week, Combat Press takes a look at three regional, developmental and international cards from the upcoming weekend, previewing from each a single fight to which people should pay close attention. We will also list other significant bouts from the card, as well as information on how to follow each promotion and watch the events.
Let’s discover those prospects that fight in the obscurity of the regional, developmental and international circuits, waiting for their shot at the bright lights and big stage of the UFC, and those veterans looking for one more chance at stardom.
It all begins here, in the small convention centers and high school gymnasiums. It all begins with promotions such as these…
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Welcome to the latest edition of Missed Fists where we shine a light on fights from across the globe that may have been overlooked in these hectic times where it seems like there’s an MMA show every other day.
Last week was all about celebrating the best (and weirdest) of 2020, but while we were doing so we ironically we neglected to mention several highlights that just missed our year-end deadline. So before we look fully ahead to the UFC’s return to Fight Island next week, let’s make sure that no KO or submission gets left behind.
Vyacheslav Vasilevskiy (33-8) vs. Bogdan Guskov (10-1)
Fight Nights Global celebrates Christmas weekend with a doubleheader that starts on Thursday with the league’s Winter Cup entry. The lineup is heavy on prospects, but it also features some established names, including that of 41-fight veteran Vyacheslav Vasilevskiy. The former M-1 Challenge champion will serve as the next test for Bogdan Guskov, who enters the cage for this affair with a strong 10-1 mark.
Despite a career that extends back to 2008, Vasilevskiy is still just 32 years old. “Slava” got off to an excellent start in which he went 17-1 through his first 18 fights. This run included a light-heavyweight title reign with M-1 Challenge and a successful Bellator debut against Victor O’Donnell. He also notched stoppages over Xavier Foupa-Pokam and Tomasz Narkun along the way. After a decision loss to Maiquel Falcão in his second Bellator appearance, Vasilevskiy returned to his homeland and started another winning