Published: 26 September, 2008, 10:48
Edited: 26 September, 2008, 10:48
Russia versus the U.S. – it's always a promising event when it comes to two great sports nations competing. And it's more than just exciting if it's about a new kind of martial arts. The first ever hand-to-hand fighting competition was held in
A combination of different techniques, hand-to-hand fighting takes its origin in ancient Russia. Having much in common with mix fight, it rules out any serious damage to the fighters.
With eight bouts in total scheduled, the action started with the lighter weights, where Russia's Algiz Vakhitov gained a 17-0 victory over Patrick Conley. That was obviously bad news the visiting side's coach Alex Amiryan.
A glimmer of hope for the Americans turned up through Seth Clifton but Renat Bulykin's persistence still overcame his opponent's will.
Thunder struck for the U.S. team further on as five more clashes end the same way, with two of them being super-spectacular. The absolute champion of Russia Gennady Zuyev knocked Luke Summerfield down, while his compatriot Vitaly Deriglazov thrashed Northern California champion Ilya Shishman.
But Vitaly is not inclined to underestimate their rivals.
“I wouldn't make any serious conclusions out of this match… Hand-to-hand fighting is a completely new experience for the Americans as they need some time to get to know its regulations and specific features. Our team are the very best Russian hand-to-hand fighters and we have beaten the opponents flawlessly today. But I'm sure the competition will be much tougher next time round,” he said.
Last year's Russian heavyweight champion Yury Kruglov and K 1 champion George Randolph topped the bill on the night. The Russian did what it always takes to beat a bigger man. He was faster and more skilful winning by points and bringing his team the whitewash victory on home soil.