Russian lightweights Rustam Nugaev and Denis Shafikov will meet in a world title eliminator in the main event of the Aug. 15 edition of ESPN2's Friday Night Fights.
The winner of the bout, which will take place at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, California, will become the mandatory challenger for titleholder Miguel Vazquez (34-3, 13 KOs) of Mexico.
I have been trying to get Rustam in an important fight for one year now, promoter Gary Shaw told ESPN.com on Wednesday. The IBF had a hard time getting anyone to accept the fight for No. 1, as they know how tough Nugaev is. This is a very tough fight against a very tough fighter, and I expect a war. I was happy to be able to make this fight.
Nugaev (27-6-1, 17 KOs), 31, is riding a six-fight winning streak, including an impressive fourth-round knockout of former title challenger Marvin Quintero on March 7.
The 29-year-old Shafikov (33-1-1, 18 KOs), a southpaw, got a world title opportunity in his last fight but lost a unanimous decision to Vazquez on Feb. 22 in Macau.
Junior lightweight prospect Jose Pedraza (17-0, 11 KOs), 25, of Puerto Rico is ticketed for the co-feature against an opponent to be determined.
http://espn.go.com/
Related Fight Posts
- 2014/07/19 -- Undefeated Holly Holm Signs with Ultimate Fighting Championship
After what seems like an eternity, former boxing standout and Legacy FC 135-pound champion Holly Holm has signed... - 2014/07/19 -- Edgar Seeks Three-Peat over Penn
There’s always a way of staying ahead of yourself and staying ahead of this evolving MMA game. That’s motivating... - 2014/07/20 -- “The Dirty Bird” Returns To The UFC, Tim Means Signed Up For UFC In Cincinnati
Joining in on the fun of huge announcements, Tim “The Dirty Bird” Means had an eventful week that was significan... - 2014/07/19 -- The must have fights of 2015
Every year I hope that the biggest fights in boxing will happen. I’m pretty much always disappointed but it does... - 2014/07/19 -- Trainer Henry Ramirez joins Team Flores
Following his first defeat as a pro after winning his first 14 bouts, heavyweight prospect Alexander Flores and ... - 2014/07/20 -- Floyd Mayweather Jr. apologizes to Ronda Rousey and congratulates her on ESPY win
As he took home the ESPY for 2014's Best Fighter, Floyd Mayweather Jr. was finally introduced to a nemesis he di... - 2014/07/18 -- Alistair Overeem, Ben Rothwell Paired for UFC Fight Night in Connecticut
Alistair Overeem and Ben Rothwell are set to tangle when the Ultimate Fighting Championship heads to Connecticu... - 2014/07/18 -- The Many Motivations of Brad Pickett
I’m down here for a reason, and I’m very focused on that reason. My focus is trying to beat McCall. Beat McCall,... - 2014/07/20 -- UFC Fight Night 45 Results: Cerrone vs. Miller
MMA Fighting has UFC Fight Night 45 results for the Cerrone vs. Miller fight card July 16, live blogs of the mai... - 2014/07/18 -- Canelo to return in November, likely against Kirkland
The reported venue could be in San Antonio at the Alamadome where its capacity is 40,000 seats. Due to the cheap... - 2014/07/20 -- Invicta 8 to Air Exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS
Las Vegas, Nevada – UFC FIGHT PASS, the UFC’s digital streaming service, is proud to announce UFCFIGHTPASS.com ...