Mark Vologdin in fighting shape for UFC debut against John Castaneda

Twenty-five-year-old Russian fighter Mark Vologdin is preparing for his UFC debut with a current record of 12-4-1, including 6 knockouts and 4 submissions. In October, he lost a decision on Dana White's Contender Series, but the fight was so exciting that Dana White gave standing applause and awarded contracts to both Vologdin and his opponent Adrian Luna Martinetti. Vologdin represents Petrozavodsk in the Republic of Karelia and holds a master of sport ranking in Kyokushin karate. His opponent, John Castaneda, is an experienced veteran with a 4-4 UFC record who has not fought in exactly one year, having last lost to Chris Gutierrez by split decision. The matchup represents a significant opportunity for the Russian prospect to establish himself in the UFC bantamweight division.