Yakovlev Meets Undefeated Christian Eckerlin at M-1 Challenge XXV

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Welterweight prospects Alexander Yakovlev and Christian Eckerlin are slated to hook up April 28th as part of the deep M-1 Challenge XXV undercard. It’s a battle between two fighters that prefer to avoid the judges’ scorecards in favour of managing their own destinies. At 10-3, Yakovlev is doing all he can to build momentum within M-1 Global’s talented roster of welterweight fighters in hopes of earning a future title shot. The battle can be captured LIVE starting at 11am EST / 8am PST on the official M-1 Global website, www.M-1Global.com and M-1 Global facebook fan page.

The Russian fighter formerly known as Sultan Tikhaev, Alexander Yakovlev is a ferocious 26 year old veteran under the M-1 Global banner and this trip inside the five-rope-ring marks his first return to Europe’s leading promotion’s ‘big show’ since losing to Karl Amoussou in 2007. Debuting as a professional fighter in 2004, Yakovlev lost his first bout and shrugged it off as a learning experience and then quickly racked up four subsequent KO/TKO victories prior to meeting Amoussou. Since then, Yakovlev has remained active inside organizations such as ProFC, BodogFIGHT, PGM and others and has rallied with six submissions wins and a lone decision in his last eight outings. This talented highly versatile warrior is well-versed in submissions and packs dynamite in his fists.

Representing the Sable fight team, Yakovlev is a crafty left-handed fighter with an expansive reach thanks to the height of his 6’1” frame. He sets up explosive combinations using an effective jab that lands with aggravating precision; if his opponents are able to break within his reach, they’re continuously frustrated with Yakovlev’s elusiveness that make him even harder to hit.

In stand up exchanges, Yakovlev has excellent foot work and phenomenal balance; he’s able to get in and get out, causing maximum damage while expending minimal energy. Should the bout go to the mat, this patient and tactical fighter can defend submission attempts and transition into offensive positions seamlessly; he’s extremely comfortable working from his back and packs a potent submission arsenal.

The bout at M-1 Challenge on April 28th is a step up in the level of competition faced recently and marks a defining moment in Yakovlev’s career: a win seizes the recognition of an aspiring, recognizable prospect and propels him further up the contention ladder, closer to the ultimate goal of a shot at the M-1 Lightweight Championship belt.

Free LIVE broadcast coverage of M-1 Challenge XXV: Zavurov vs. Magomedov 2 from St. Petersburg, Russia will be available to viewers worldwide on the official M-1 Global website (www.M-1Global.com) and select affiliate partner sites starting at 11:00am EST / 8:00am PST on Thursday April 28th. M-1 Challenge XXV teasers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k60ySek2gxI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HFyWoaonJ8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvmlMHZrFpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYb3mv8P0pY

With M-1 Challenge champions established in all five weight classes, a true contenders system will fuel events throughout 2011, driving M-1 Global’s growth as a leading brand in the US and international markets.

2011’s full slate of M-1 Challenge events held in the United States and Europe are primed to be mega-event spectaculars where Champions defend their titles and contenders jockey for position for a coveted shot at the gold. Feeding the contention system will be two Selection tournaments in 2011 with details being announced shortly.

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