IGNASHOV: 6’5 230lb Alexey Ignashkov is a kickboxer from Belarus. “The Scorpion”, with a 63-6 (34 KOs) record, is being groomed to be the “Cro Cop” of the K-1 MMA productions. He trains with Brazilian stylist Marco Calcavante and former K-1 star and pro wrestler Sam Greco. Ignashkov has won K-1 events in Russia, Japan and Europe and numerous kickboxing titles but this will be just his third MMA bout (1-0-0-1). The fight against Nakamura was his debut and though he performed well, the controversial stoppage warranted a rematch. In recent action, “The Scorpion” defeated Steve Williams with knees seconds into the match.
NAKAMURA: His opponent Shinsuke Nakamura is 2-1 in MMA with wins at the Jungle Fight and New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Ultimate Crush show. Nakamura was armlocked by Daniel Gracie at Inoki NYE 2002 show and faced Ignashov at the last year’s K-1 NYE show. Nakamura controlled the first round of their bout by being more aggressive and taking Ignashov down at will. Alexey was assessed a yellow card in the second round but he was able to do serious damage to Shinsuke’s face. Ignashov was cut in the third but was able to continue and eventually caught Nakamura with a knee when he shot in for a takedown. The Japanese fighter was dropped to the canvas but the bout was eventually ruled a No Contest because the wrestler stood right back up and the ref stopped the bout anyway.
MY PICK: Ignashov came out of the gate slow in their initial meeting and it was also his debut. The butterflies are likely gone and he’ll be more comfortable the second time around. I feel it will be Ignashov by TKO from strikes in the 1st Rd.