While the United States might be the MMA mecca of the world, several other parts of the globe have developed a very strong fighting scene. Brazil comes to mind immediately, as well as Japan or the UK. One country that has been overlooked ever since is Russia. That seems to have changed a bit recently with the emergence of top-level Russian fighters such as UFC lightweight contender Khabib Nurmagomedov or former Bellator middleweight champion Alexander Shlemenko.
But, still, what’s going on in the east is a closed book for most fans in the western hemisphere. The biggest player in Russia is the M-1 Global organization, best known for their former heavyweight superstar Fedor Emelianenko and a co-promotion with Strikeforce in 2011. In a lengthy chat with Bloody Elbow, their light-heavyweight champion, 6’6″ German Stephan Puetz (12-1), let off some steam about the lack of attention he receives from fans outside of Russia, and made a strong case for his employer.
“I don’t get a lot of attention outside of Russia. But that’s ok, because I get it there for sure. People approach me on the streets all the time. The popularity you gain in Russia is incredible. The TV ratings are enormous, up to 1.5 million. That shows what relevance the sport has over there.”
In his opinion, there’s no need for M-1 to shy away from comparing themselves with the big leagues. They are not a minor product, fans outside of Russia are simply not dedicated enough to get to know it.
“Fans don’t inform themselves. M-1 is one of the biggest organizations in the world, right up there with the UFC, Bellator or One FC, as far as fight cards, matchmaking, light shows and the locations that they sell out are concerned.”
He doesn’t let the language barrier and reservations regarding the mostly unknown Russian fighters count either. Especially since M-1 is regularly broadcasting their live streams with English commentary. In fact, Puetz rates the fighters in Russia even above their counterparts in the UFC and elsewhere.
“If you watch preliminary fights over at M-1, the fighters are much more complete than in the other big organizations. Their names might be hard to pronounce, but that can’t be an argument to not watch them fight, if you are a true MMA fan.”
One more interesting point: Puetz certainly has no problem with his pay scale at M-1. A powerful argument in times, where UFC fighters regularly complain about their income and even affiliate for a never-seen before class act.
“You can make a decent living outside of the UFC if you have good sponsors and negotiate a good purse.”
Puetz currently has three fights left of a six-fight contract with M-1. And despite his praises for Russia’s premier MMA promotion, he won’t rule out a future with the premier organization of the west.
“I’m not averse of fighting in another organization. A fighter’s career doesn’t last very long. I am 27 now and of course, I want to see new places and evolve as a fighter. But I still have three more fights left on my contract with M-1. There is lots of time left, where anything can happen. I am very happy with M-1 at the moment.”