M-1 Challenge 98 To Feature Russia-Brazil’s MMA Rivalry

The growing mixed-martial-arts rivalry between Russian and Brazilian fighters continues November 2, when undefeated M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Artem Frolov throws-down with leading challenger Bruno Blindado Silva, in the M-1 Challenge 98 main event at Chelyabinsk, Russia.

M-1 Challenge 98 will be live-streamed from Russia in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets. M-1 Challenge 97 will also be is available on www.FITE.TV (preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card).

The 27-year-old Frolov (11-0-0, M-1: 9-0-0), fighting out of Russia, signed a UFC contract and he was scheduled to fight last month at UFC Moscow. He withdrew due to injury and now will make his second M-1 Challenge middleweight title defense against Silva.

Silva (18-6-0, M-1: 1-0-0) became to top contender by knocking out Russian MMA star Alexander Shlemenko (56-11-1, M-1: 6-1-0) in the opening round of M-1 Challenge 93 this past June. The heavy-handed Brazilian fighter has stopped 15 of his 18 defeated opponents to date.

“Bruno Silva is a worthy title challenger, who made a big statement earlier this year,” Frolov said. “Unfortunately, I could not debut in the UFC because of an aggravated old injury, but now everything is fine, and the injury is healed. I’ve been preparing routinely, paying attention to all aspects of the fight and concentrating on my cardio ahead of a five-round bout.

“I don’t consider this fight as revenge for Alexander Shlemenko, I just want to fight under the Russian flag and prove that Russia is a top-country in the MMA world. Victory in this fight can become a launching pad for the winner, but you don’t win fights with words. We are going to fight and on November 2nd we’ll see everything in The Rage at M-1 Challenge 98 in Chelyabinsk!”

“I am very happy that my third fight in Russia will be in Chelyabinsk again,” Silva countered. “This is a special city for me, twice I won there via knockout and on November 2nd I’m going to knock my opponent out again. It’s not easy to compete in Russia. Long flights, jet lag and cold climate make everything more difficult, but this is the part of the game. I love Russia because this country has changed my life.

“Artem Frolov is a strong fighter and great champion. I’m not used to watching my opponents’ previous fights much, but from the videos I have seen, I can say that he has good cardio and wrestling skills. I am ready to become the world champion, which was always a dream of mine and soon this dream can come true. I respect Frolov, but he has something what I need. I hope he is ready for a war because I’m going to take this belt from him. I am a fighter who is always looking for a knockout. Fifteen times I knocked my opponents out and at M-1 Challenge 98 I’m ready to brawl with Artem as much as it takes to become the champion.”

Additional fights will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.