Volkov Seeks Redemption at M-1 Challenge XXIII

(PRESS RELEASE) -- On March 5th at M-1 Challenge XXIII in Moscow, Russia, Red Devil Sports Club stand-out, Alexander Volkov takes his 9-2-1 professional mixed martial arts record into the ring intent on squashing American Top Team fighter, Kenny ‘Deuce’ Garner’s prospective return to the heavyweight championship spotlight. Coming off a questionable draw against Pat Bennett, Volkov will need to show a definitive performance to earn a victory and regain the respect of fans who are still perplexed by the outcome of his last fight that had its significant title contention ramifications muted.

Volkov versus Bennett was set to be a tilt to exploit the match-up’s stylistic differences; Bennett to defend the striking, set-up takedowns and demolish Volkov on the ground while Volkov would look to stuff takedowns in order to keep the pair standing so he could relentlessly tag Bennett with pinpoint, precision striking. Instead the bout went three full rounds in what appeared to be in Bennett’s favour but the judges called the bout a draw forcing an overtime round to decide the outcome.

With the crowd and commentators stunned, the pair returned to fighting mode and delivered yet another round which should have secured the judges’ decision. Back to the score cards the three judges went and returned with an unchanged ruling; after four rounds, the bout was declared a draw in what has been called ‘possibly the worst decision of 2010’ by M-1 Global director of Operations, Evgeni Kogan. What was originally a heavyweight bout with serious title contention ramifications ended up as another example of horrific judging leaving two fighters with a neutral notch on their records

It’s now up to the 22-year-old Volkov to shake off the critics and get back to the style and winning ways he was previously known for. As a considerable threat in M-1 Global’s heavyweight division; standing 6’7” and a nimble 220 pounds, the young fighter stands confidently on the canvass. The exposure to training alongside the likes of Fedor Emelianenko, Viktor Nemkov, Gegard Mousasi and Amar Suloev is apparent as Volkov is highly capable of fighting from his back, able to strike with the precision of a surgeon, effective in the clinch and possesses a tough chin.

Probably his most notable performance came in December 2009, after only eight months as a professional fighter, when Volkov faced the highly experienced Ibragim Magomedov at M-1 Challenge 20: 2009 Finals. Coming in as the fight’s massive underdog, Volkov wasn’t even expected to make it out of the opening round, let alone go the full 15 minutes. Giving his all, Volkov won via unanimous decision and was awarded the M-1 Global ring for ‘exceptional performance’.

Volkov also made a solid run through the 2010 M-1 Selection Eastern European tournament where he took victories in the opening round and the semi-finals over Vitali Yalovenko and Alexander Romaschenko respectively. However the drive towards the Selection heavyweight crown was halted in the finals after falling victim to Maxim Grishin via rear naked choke in the first round.

Although a talented fighter, the draw against Bennett has sceptics calling out holes in Volkov’s abilities and the bout against Garner marks a step up in competition. With Garner’s effective abilities to avoid strikes and always-improving ground game, Volkov has to impose his game plan and stick to it in order to walk away victorious and get back on path towards the ultimate goal – a shot at the M-1 Challenge heavyweight gold.

Alexander Volkov highlight video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-Uz6b1ZuYE

Fans can catch Deuce in action at 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.

Visit www.M-1Global.com for more information.