A significant heavyweight team has assembled in St. Petersburg, representing the strongest concentration since the legendary Red Devil gym 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 compete in ACA, creating inevitable losses due to the high level of competition, but those who succeed there can be considered world-class fighters. Upcoming notable matchups include Kornilov vs Tony Johnson and Matsola vs Khadis Ibragimov, with Ibragimov also having developed professionally in St. Petersburg.
A heavyweight collective based in St. Petersburg has quietly grown into one of the most formidable regional fight teams in Russia, representing the strongest concentration of heavyweight talent in the city since the legendary Red Devil gym operated roughly two decades ago.
The roster spans several promotions and weight classes but gravitates primarily around heavyweight and light heavyweight competition in ACA. Key members include Kirill Kornilov (18-3), Alexander Maslov (12-1), the experienced Anton Vinnikov (18-5), unbeaten prospect Daniil Matsola (7-0), light heavyweight Artem Dushenko (6-3 at 93 kg), Dmitry Baboryko (2-0), and the seasoned Denis Goltsov (36-9), with Anton Vyazigin (17-6) a regular presence in the training camp. The concentration of talent means fighters frequently face one another at a high level inside ACA, which naturally produces losses — but those who thrive in that environment can legitimately be considered world-class.
Two matchups on the near horizon will test the group's standing. Kornilov takes on Tony Johnson, a heavyweight who stands six-foot-one and carries a record of 11-3. Johnson lands two significant strikes per minute at a sharp 53 percent accuracy and averages two takedowns per fifteen minutes, making him a well-rounded test for Kornilov.
Matsola, still undefeated at 7-0, faces Khadis Ibragimov (8-4), a 31-year-old Russian orthodox striker who stands six-foot-three with a 78-inch reach. Ibragimov lands 3.55 significant strikes per minute and carries genuine offensive volume, giving Matsola his sternest examination yet. Notably, Ibragimov also developed professionally in St. Petersburg, meaning the city's competitive scene has shaped both men heading into their clash.
Why it matters
- The team's depth across multiple records and styles signals St. Petersburg is re-emerging as a serious heavyweight hub in Russian MMA
- ACA's competitive environment serves as a credible proving ground; success there translates directly toward global recognition
- Both upcoming bouts — Kornilov vs Johnson and Matsola vs Ibragimov — carry implications for where these fighters rank among the heavyweight and cruiserweight elite
