Former WBO light welterweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov presented a cardboard UFC belt to MMA fighter Ali Bagautinov ahead of the fight.
“I feel like Santa Claus, the fulfiller of the desires of little Ali. First, I’m giving him this fight that he’s been dreaming of for so long, and this long-awaited UFC belt that he fought for but never won. I am sure that after our fight he will definitely return to the top MMA, and this will be a start for him. Hold on, this belt really suits you!” – the press agent of the battle quotes Provodnikov.
37-year-old Provodnikov fought his last fight in June 2016, losing by unanimous decision to American John Molina after 12 rounds.
36-year-old Bagautinov fought two fights in professional boxing, defeating Anton Bekish and Andrey Kalechits by unanimous decisions.
The fight will take place on December 19 at the VTB Arena at the Fight to Save charity tournament.
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