Alexey Kunchenko to Defend Welterweight Title vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov at M-1 Challenge 75

A pair of undefeated welterweights will headline M-1 Challenge 75 on March 5 as Alexey Kunchenko will collide with Shavkat Rakhmonov. Kunchenko’s 170-pound championship will be on the line.

Kunchenko captured his title last April at M-1 Challenge 65 when he stopped then-champ Murad Abdulaev after four rounds of torment. He has since defended his crown with a unanimous decision over Abdulaev in a rematch at M-1 Challenge 72 last month. The Tyumen, Russia, native is a highly-touted fighter and is considered by many as one of the best welterweights not signed to the UFC. He’ll likely have a sturdy test in front of him in Rakhmonov.

Rakhmonov took home gold medals at the World Mixed Martial Arts Association and Asia World Championships while in the amateurs and has continued his dominance in the pros. The Kazakhstani has quickly amassed a 7-0 record. Most recently, he choked out Michal Wiencek at M-1 Challenge 59 in just 49 seconds.

M-1 Challenge 75 will be streamed live from Moscow on M1Global.tv. Several more bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.