Estonia Denis Smoldarev kept his unbeaten streak alive last Saturday night by submitting Ante Delija in the first round at M-1 Challenge 45.  Read the press release and see the photos released by the organization today.

Press Release

Undefeated Estonian heavyweight Denis Smoldarev (6-0-0) earned a M-1 Global title fight shot by defeating Ante “Walking Trouble” Delija (8-2-0) in last night’s main event, headlining M-1 Challenge 45, at Atmosphere Hall in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Known as “The Brock Lesnar of Estonia,” the 6′ 5″, 266 ½ pound Smoldarev is now positioned to fight the winner of the M-1 Global heavyweight championship fight, March 14 at M-1 Challenge 46, between reigning champion Damian “Polish Pitbull” Grabowski (19-1-0) and challenger Marcin “Tybur” Tybura (9-0-0).

The 6′ 4″, 247-pound Delija had a successful throw and took Smoldarev’s back to start a great first round of action. Smoldarev moved to Delija’s guard, working from the top, and unleashed a volley of strong punches and leg kicks on the Croatian.

Smoldarev came out for the second round throwing a good left but Delija quickly went to the ground, taking Smoldarev’s back and transitioning to a heel hook. It wasn’t tight enough and then Smoldarev took the top position, firing strikes and then locked in an “Americana.” Delija let out a scream that the referee considered a verbal submission ending the fight. Delijia protested to no avail.

PHOTO GALLERY BELOW:
Denis Smoldarev (black trunks) – Ante Delija (blue trunks)