A notable heavyweight team has assembled in St. Petersburg, representing the city's strongest lineup since the legendary Red Devil team from 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 fighters compete in ACA, where the high level of competition means losses are inevitable, but those who maintain strong records can be considered world-class fighters. Upcoming interesting matchups include Kirill Kornilov vs Tony Johnson and Daniil Matsola vs Khadis Ibragimov, with Ibragimov also having developed as a professional in St. Petersburg.
St. Petersburg has quietly assembled one of its most formidable heavyweight rosters in two decades, with a team that observers are calling the city's strongest collection of big men since the legendary Red Devil squad that dominated the scene roughly 20 years ago.
The current roster spans a wide range of experience and pedigree. Kirill Kornilov carries an 18-3 record, while Alexander Maslov stands at 12-1. Anton Vinnikov brings veteran depth at 18-5, and Daniil Matsola remains unbeaten at 7-0. Artem Dushenko competes at 93 kilograms with a 6-3 mark, Dmitry Baboryko is an undefeated prospect at 2-0, and Denis Goltsov — perhaps the most battle-tested of the group — has an extensive 36-9 career record. Anton Vyazigin, a regular training camp participant, adds further quality at 17-6. Most of these fighters compete inside ACA, a promotion known for its competitive heavyweight division where a blemish or two on a record reflects the level of opposition rather than a lack of quality.
Two upcoming matchups are generating particular attention. Kornilov is set to face Tony Johnson, who holds an 11-3 record and lands 2 significant strikes per minute at 53 percent accuracy, while also averaging 2 takedowns per 15 minutes. Separately, the undefeated Matsola is booked against Khadis Ibragimov, a 31-year-old Russian who himself developed professionally in St. Petersburg before fighting out of Sambo Piter. Ibragimov stands six-foot-three with a 78-inch reach and owns an 8-4 record, generating 3.55 significant strikes per minute and nearly 1 takedown per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- St. Petersburg's heavyweight depth rivals any regional hub in Russia, with records ranging from promising prospects to seasoned veterans
- The Kornilov vs. Johnson matchup pits one of the team's top names against a well-rounded heavyweight with both striking and grappling tools
- Matsola's unbeaten record faces its stiffest test yet against a physically imposing and active striker in Ibragimov
- Ibragimov's St. Petersburg roots add a local rivalry dimension to that contest
