MMA Series announces champions clash for lightweight title

One of the most anticipated matchups on the upcoming MMA Series-94 card is now official: reigning lightweight champion Dmitriy Mikhailidi will defend his title against featherweight champion Nikita Barkhatov in a battle of champions.

Mikhailidi, who represents Omsk, is 6-0 in MMA Series and currently sits atop the promotion’s lightweight division. He has looked dominant throughout his run, showing a well-rounded skill set and the ability to dictate where the fight takes place. Mikhailidi is effective at range, dangerous in the clinch and consistently able to take opponents to the ground, where he controls the pace and flow of the fight. In his most recent outing, he defeated Andrey Vasilenko, further cementing his status as one of the division’s top fighters.

Across from him will be Barkhatov, a native of Obninsk who holds the MMA Series featherweight title. Barkhatov is 4-0 in the promotion and has finished all four of his opponents. He already owns two submission victories, underscoring both his high-level ground game and his ability to end fights before the final bell.

The upcoming showdown gives Barkhatov a chance to capture a second championship and become the first two-division champion in MMA Series history. For Mikhailidi, it will be a title defense against one of the most dangerous challengers the division has to offer.

Tickets are available at show.mma-series.com