St. Petersburg has assembled a notable heavyweight team, potentially the strongest 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, a young Greco-Roman wrestling master), Denis Goltsov (36-9), and Anton Vyazigin (17-6) who regularly attends training camps. Most of these fighters compete in ACA, which means they will face inevitable losses due to the high level of competition, but those who build strong records will be considered world-class fighters. Upcoming fights include Kirill Kornilov vs Tony Johnson and Daniil Matsola vs Khadis Ibragimov.
A St. Petersburg-based heavyweight collective has emerged as one of the most significant regional MMA rosters in Russian combat sports, drawing comparisons to the storied Red Devil team that dominated the scene roughly two decades ago. The squad is preparing several of its members for upcoming ACA competition, with two matchups already confirmed.
The roster spans a wide range of experience levels. Veterans Denis Goltsov (36-9) and Anton Vyazigin (17-6) provide seasoned depth, while Kirill Kornilov (18-3) and Alexander Maslov (12-1) represent the established core of the group. Anton Vinnikov (18-5) adds further credibility at the top of the card, and unbeaten prospect Daniil Matsola (7-0) is among the most closely watched names on the roster. Artem Dushenko (6-3, competing at 93 kilograms) and Dmitry Baboryko (2-0), a young Greco-Roman wrestling specialist, round out a team that blends youth with experience.
Two fights are on the immediate horizon. Kornilov is set to meet Tony Johnson, who carries an 11-3-0 record and averages two significant strikes per minute with a strong 53 percent striking accuracy. Johnson also contributes two takedown attempts per 15 minutes, making him a multi-dimensional threat at heavyweight.
Matsola's upcoming opponent is Khadis Ibragimov, a 31-year-old Russian fighter out of Sambo Piter who stands six-foot-three with a 78-inch reach. Ibragimov holds an 8-4-0 record and is notably active on the feet, landing 3.55 significant strikes per minute, though his striking accuracy sits at 49 percent. He adds nearly one takedown attempt per 15 minutes to his game as well.
Why it matters
- The team's depth at heavyweight gives ACA's 93-kilogram and unlimited divisions a major new talent pipeline
- Competing regularly in ACA, considered a high-level proving ground, will sharpen or expose each fighter's world-class credentials
- Kornilov vs Johnson and Matsola vs Ibragimov serve as early benchmarks for how the squad measures up against established opposition
