Damir Ismagulov (L) (photo via M-1 Global)

By FCF Staff

M-1 Global has announced that the Russia based promotion will be working with the Ultimate Fighting Championship moving forward.

According to the organization’s official announcement, M-1 Global will work in a developmental capacity for the UFC, by providing bouts for fighters. In addition, champions from M-1 Global will have the opportunity to sign with the UFC.

Here is the official announcement via Facebook:

M-1 Challenge champions will get a unique opportunity to sign contracts with the UFC

The Russian-Chinese investment fund Mubadala Investment Company and the Ultimate Fighting Championship announced foundation of UFC Russia. The new company is going to promote MMA and organize new shows in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

M-1 Global is going to be a partner taking care of finding Russian athletes and preparing them for the fights. M-1 Challenge champions will get a unique opportunity to sign contracts with the UFC.

M-1 Global president Vadim Finkelchtein: “We are looking forward to further cooperation with the UFC and the Russian-Chinese investment fund working on developing young Russian talents and this will benefit our sports very much. MMA is a very popular kind of sports and cooperation of the UFC, investment fund and M-1 Global can take MMA in Russia to new level. Competition in M-1 Global is going to be even tougher and that means we are going to see even more excellent and spectacular fights!”