A notable team of heavyweight fighters has gathered in St. Petersburg, representing the strongest lineup since the legendary Red Devil team 20 years ago. The current roster includes Kirill Kornilov (18-3), Alexander Maslov (12-1), Anton Vinnikov (18-5), Daniil Matsola (7-0), Artem Dushenko (6-3 at 93kg), Dmitry Baboryko (2-0), Denis Goltsov (36-9), and regular training camp participant Anton Vyazigin (17-6). Most of these fighters compete in ACA, which presents significant challenges due to the high level of competition. Two upcoming fights of interest are Kirill Kornilov vs Tony Johnson and Daniil Matsola vs Khadis Ibragimov, with Ibragimov also having developed as a professional in St. Petersburg.
A heavyweight training collective based in St. Petersburg has drawn attention after assembling what observers are calling the most formidable roster the city has produced in roughly two decades, drawing comparisons to the celebrated Red Devil team that flourished around the early 2000s.
The current group includes a range of fighters across different stages of their careers. Kirill Kornilov carries an 18-3 record, Alexander Maslov stands at 12-1, and unbeaten prospect Daniil Matsola is a perfect 7-0. Anton Vinnikov adds experience at 18-5, while veteran Denis Goltsov brings a career mark of 36-9. The roster is rounded out by Anton Vyazigin (17-6), who participates in the camp regularly, along with Artem Dushenko (6-3) and Dmitry Baboryko (2-0). Most of the group competes in ACA, a promotion known for its demanding competition level.
Two fights from within the camp are drawing particular interest. Kornilov is set to meet Tony Johnson, an 11-3 heavyweight who stands six-foot-one (185 cm), lands two significant strikes per minute at 53 percent accuracy, and also contributes on the ground with two takedown attempts per 15 minutes.
Matsola's upcoming opponent, Khadis Ibragimov, carries an 8-4 record and brings his own St. Petersburg connections — the 31-year-old Russian developed as a professional in the city before competing under the Sambo Piter banner. Standing six-foot-three (191 cm) with a 78-inch reach, Ibragimov is an active striker who lands 3.55 significant strikes per minute, though his 49 percent accuracy leaves some room for opponents to work with.
Why it matters
- St. Petersburg now has depth across multiple experience levels, from seasoned veterans to unbeaten prospects
- Kornilov vs. Johnson and Matsola vs. Ibragimov give the camp back-to-back tests in the near term
- The Ibragimov matchup carries an added layer given his own roots in the St. Petersburg fight scene
