Dissecting Moks vs. Magomedov at M-1 Challenge XXIII

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Without doubt Rafal ‘Kulturysta’ Moks pulled off the most exciting upset at M-1 Challenge XXII this past December, overcoming his underdog status and capturing the first-ever M-1 Challenge middleweight title. It took the talented Polish fighter and Berserkers team member a mere 19 seconds to dispose of Magomed Sultanakhmedov with a tendon-tearing heel-hook which earned him Submission of the Night honors.

With the victory, Moks improved to 6-2 and sat at the top of his division filled with a deep and talented pool of fighters. Unafraid of the competition but knowing that his promising career is better suited in the lighter divisions, Moks has made the tough decision to relinquish his belt before defending it in order to compete as a welterweight.

M-1 Challenge XXIII marks Rafal ‘Kulturysta’ Moks’ first outing in the 170-pound division since vacating the title and he’s set to face Gorec fight team stand-out, Rashid Magomedov. With his conditioning never in question, Moks has proven to critics that he has a chin that can withstand power punches and that his thick, compact, 5’8” frame is comfortable and confident fighting off his back; Moks holds the all keys to continue his Cinderella run with M-1 Global and chase down a shot at the welterweight title currently in the clutches of Shamil Zavurov.

A relentless Rashid Magomedov is intent on making a horrific nightmare out of Moks’ welterweight debut since relinquishing the 185-pound title. Looking to put an abrupt end to his foe’s’ fairytale and climb a few rungs up the contention ladder himself, there is also a story of revenge brewing as Moks’ golden victory came at the defeat of a Gorec teammate.

As one of the brightest and most talented welterweight fighters to come out of Russia in recent years, Magomedov sports a 7-1 record and went undefeated in 2009, leading his team to victory through the M-1 Challenge Team Championship competition. Included in his list of wins, is the split-decision victory over current M-1 Challenge welterweight champ, Shamil Zavurov – the champ’s only loss in an extremely decorated professional fighting career.

Magomedov showcases one-punch knock-out power and precision striking. In 2002 he won the Dagestan Republic junior boxing championship and earned Dagestan’s "Master of Sport" title in boxing and kickboxing; adding to his decoration is a 2004 National Championship in hand-to-hand combat. Combined with superior striking, this former militiaman also packs unshakable cardio backed up with victories in four of five decision fights; the one loss – the only loss on his record – was via split decision against Magomedrasul Khasbulaev.

Both fighters enter the ring riding on the back of momentous wins and are set to collide in battle that brings significant welterweight title ramifications. Moks gets the edge in the ground game but Magomedov gets the tick in striking. With each man’s cardio never being suspect, this contest can easily go three action-packed rounds.

With a win, Moks will look to put together a string of victories to propel him up the contention ladder and into the championship spotlight once again. Should Magomedov walk out victorious, he’ll be keenly watching Zavurov in his first title defense against Tom Gallicchio later that evening as he’ll face one of them in his next outing. Whether he faces the winner in an immediate title shot or the loser in a subsequent contention bout is up to the matchmaker but Magomedov is eager to cement himself as the division’s top contender.

Fans can catch the action from the Crocus City arena in Moscow, Russia on Saturday, March 5th by tuning in to the official live stream on M-1 Global website, www.M-1Global.com at 11:00am EST / 8:00am PST.

For additional information, go to the official M-1 website, www.M-1Global.com and M-1 Global facebook fan page