Russia Legion Bests USA East for M-1 Challenge Cup

Team Russia Legion defeated Team USA East to win the inaugural M-1 Challenge Championship Cup Thursday in St. Petersburg, Russia. The Russians claimed the title with a clean sweep over their American counterparts.

Yuri Ivlev (12-5) handed Ivan Jorge his first loss to stake his team to an early 1-0 lead. Ivlev defended a rear-naked choke attempt and escaped a body triangle to batter Jorge (11-1) for a TKO stoppage late in round two.

Magomed Shikshabekov (6-0) kept his record spotless with a submission win over Gerson Cordeiro (5-9-1) in the first round of their welterweight affair. Shikshabekov locked up a triangle choke at 2:06 to put Russia Legion on the brink of the title.

UFC veteran Ansar Chalangov (11-4) wrapped things up for the home team with a submission win over Danilo Pereira. Chalangov’s heel-hook forced Pereira (16-7) to tap at 4:17 of the first, and cinched the victory for the Russians.

Besiki Gerenava (10-1-1) dueled Chuck Grigsby (17-6) to win a split-decision and undefeated heavyweight prospect Gadzhimurad Omarov pounded out a TKO victory over Lloyd “Kadillac” Marshbanks (19-11) to complete the perfect night for Team Russia Legion.