The Russians will fight under the rules of kickboxing in the weight category up to 100 kg on the formula of three rounds of three minutes.
Ivan Shtyrkov, 35, last fought last November, losing by unanimous decision to Vladimir Mineyev in a kickboxing rules bout at a “REN TV Fight Club” event. The “Ural Hulk” has not competed in mixed martial arts since December 2022, when he defeated Aslyzhan Bakytzhanuly by unanimous decision at RCC 13 in Yekaterinburg.
Vagab Vagabov, 37, who holds the AMC Fight Nights flyweight title, made his last defense in July 2022, finishing David Barkhudaryan by fourth-round technical knockout. Vagabov has since fought several bouts under boxing rules, including becoming the Nashe Delo league champion.
The RCC league plans to hold two fights between Shtyrkov and Vagabov, however, the format of the second match is still unknown.