Mamed Khalidov Signs Three-Fight Deal With Sengoku, Set to Fight Santiago First

Promoted to the front page by Chris Nelson.

One of the brightest stars in Polish MMA, Mamed Khalidov (19-3-1), has signed a 3-fight non-exclusive deal with World Victory Road and will make his debut in the Japanese ring against Sengoku middleweight champion Jorge Santiago (21-7) in a non-title fight at Sengoku 11, November 7th in Tokyo.

After basically cleaning out the light-heavyweight division in Europe, Khalidov got the chance to showcase his skills in front of US audience almost exactly one year ago at a ShoXC event in Hammond, Indiana. The Chechen-born fighter beat the always tough Jason Guida, stopping him in the 2nd round while fighting with a broken thumb. Strangely, when EliteXC folded, Strikeforce didn't pursue his contract and his managers were again in talks with a few organizations.

The talks were not fruitful, and many fans in Poland and around the world began to criticize his management team (KSW) for not booking him any fights abroad. In the meantime, he fought in his mother Polish promotion at KSW 11 in May, when he dispatched Pride veteran Daniel Acacio (19-8) in 70 seconds. It was probably his best career performance, covered by the biggest US MMA sites (BloodyElbow, Sherdog), but still there was no news about meaningful fights abroad.

However, not many people know that his managers were in serious talks with the Affliction organization. Mamed agreed to fight Antonio Rogerio Nogueira on the main card of the Trilogy show, but the fight was scrapped when Tom Atencio decided to sign the Takanori Gomi vs. Rafaello Oliveira bout. In the end, we know what happened with this show: Barnett got busted, the event was canceled, Affliction Entertainment folded. Yet again, Khalidov's managers were looking for offers from major organizations.

Finally, Sengoku stepped up and after two weeks of negotiations, today at 4 AM CET, the deal was signed. Mamed will not only make his debut in the Japanese organization, but will also fight at middleweight for the first time since approximately 2005. The fight will not be for Santiago's title, but this doesn't bother Khalidov. When I talked to him a few hours ago, he said:

I'm extremely happy for this bout. My last fight abroad was in US, now I have the opportunity to fight in Japan. I've watched Santiago's fights and I really respect his skills. At this level there are no weak opponents, he's great on the feet and on the ground. I may be victorious or he may be, this is MMA, you never know what is going to happen. 

Asked about anything he wants to say to his fans:

I want to thank my fans for the support and please root for me November 7th. I hope I won't disappoint you.

He may lose or he may win, but I'm pretty sure with Santiago he will put a great show. Some of Khalidov's best fights after the jump.