Ivan Buchinger vs. Andrey Krasnikov tops solid M-1 Challenge 89 main card

Buchinger (32-6-0, M-1: 7-2-0), fighting out of Slovakia, captured the M-1 Challenge featherweight title on October 17, 2014, stopping Tural Ragimov on punches in the fourth round, in the M-1 Challenge 52 Fight of the Night. Buchinger retained his title for more than three years, losing his title belt last November 24 at M-1 Challenge 86, when he was knockout by punches in the opening round by Khamzat Dalgiev.

I did not suffer any injuries, Buchinger reflected on his loss to Dalgiev. Physically I felt good, but I was extremely disappointed because my opponent was so lucky to deliver a nice punch. It was just a lucky punch that knocked me out. Everything went as planned up until that moment, when I made a single fatal mistake. He was lucky that night, bit I donߣt want to belittle Khamzatߣs skills. Heߣs an excellent fighter and a great person.

Would I win a rematch? I donߣt want to make any predictions but, if we fight for the second time, we will see who is going to be the winner. But I am sure that I am a better fighter than him. Real champions do not care about who they fight, so I will fight any opponent to get my belt back. Everybody knows who the true champion is, so, as soon as I have an opportunity to win the title, Iߣll do it.

The road back to the top for Buchinger will not be easy. His opponent, Krasnikov (14-3-0, M-1: 0-0-0), plans to make a big splash in his first M-1 Global competition, positioning himself for a future M-1 Challenge title shot.&#a0;The well-balanced Ukrainian, who has won 13 of his last 14 pro fights, is equally adept on his feet or ground.

He is a young, strong opponent, Buchinger spoke about his next opponent, who is always ready to go until the end. I take all my fights seriously and the next one wonߣt be an exception. My coaches and team have watched some of my opponentߣs fights and helped me to understand what I need to do in the fight, what I need to avoid. I am sure that I can get my strap back and this fight should become my first step. This time I feel a little bit different because I donߣt feel any pressure, which I used to feel as champion.

I am happy to fight in Saint Petersburg at the new M-1 Arena. I love Russian fans because they really understand MMA and are always very hospitable. I am going to make a huge comeback and win in style!

Russian kickboxing specialist Viktor Kolesnik (11-3-1, M-1: 2-1-1) takes on M-1 Global first-time fighter David Éc;Davi BoxerÉd; Silva de Souza (7-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0) in an intriguing match-up of contrasting styles of fighting.

Former UFC and Bellator fighter, Canadian flyweight Chris Éc;The Greek AssassinÉd; Kelades (12-3-0, M-1: 1-0-0) may have found a new home in M-1 Global, but he faces a tough challenger, Vitaliy Branchuk (23-7-0, M-1: 2-3-0), of Ukraine.

The always popular heavyweights will also be in the spotlight as Zaur Hajibabayev (6-1-0, M-1: 4-0-0), Azerbaijan, attempts to extend his M-1 Global win streak to five against always dangerous Anton Vyazigin (8-2-0, M-1: 3-1-0), of Russia.

Rounding out the highly competitive main card is a lightweight match between another former UFC combatant, Frenchman Mickael Éc;RagnarÉd; Lebout (16-8-2, 1 NC, M-1: 0-0-0) in his long-awaited M-1 Global debut, against veteran Sergey Faley (20-10-0, M-1: 4-1-0)

All fighters and fights are subject to change.

M-1 Challenge 89: Prelims:

M-1 Challenge 89: Buchinger vs Krasnikov:

Help us keep the lights on.

Follow FightBookMMA’s CEO/Founder/President/Owner

Roberto Villa

@fightbookmma

www.fightbookmma.com

Show your support and head out to our Online Stores. To buy the FightBookMMA Merchandise which include hats, sweaters, woman’s tank tops, hoodies, cups and kids wear than you need head out to our store by going here. Check out our Amazon Store we have everything you need by going here. If that’s not enough you can go to our Plazah online store with more stuff to check out by going here.

Help us sponsor fighters by joining the #FightBookMMANation. Want to learn more on how WE can help these fighters get sponsored so they can pay for Travel, Hotel, Gym Time, etc.? Than you need to go here.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

FightBookMMA

Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.