Vlad Belaz has a new opponent for the RCC x Gamebred event in Chelyabinsk on September 12 after Andre Muniz was forced out due to a training injury. Belaz will now face Top Dog champion Timur "Doktor" Akimov under bare-knuckle rules.
Vlad Belaz has a new dance partner for the RCC x Gamebred card in Chelyabinsk on September 12, stepping in to replace an injured Andre Muniz as Belaz is now set to meet Top Dog champion Timur "Doktor" Akimov under bare-knuckle rules.
Muniz, the Brazilian middleweight known as "Sergipano," was forced off the card after sustaining a training injury. The 36-year-old southpaw out of Tata Fight Team Montes Claros carries a 24-8 record and presents a physical profile built for grappling, averaging nearly four takedowns per 15 minutes across his career. His six-foot-one frame and a 78-inch reach make him a naturally threatening presence in any format, and his removal leaves a notable gap in what had been a high-profile matchup for Belaz.
Stepping into that void is Akimov, who holds the Top Dog championship and now brings that bare-knuckle pedigree directly into the RCC x Gamebred framework. Details on Akimov's verified statistical background are not available in the current record, but his title in the Top Dog promotion signals a proven track record in the bare-knuckle arena.
Why it matters
- The late swap changes the complexion of the bout significantly, pitting a bare-knuckle specialist in Akimov against Belaz rather than a seasoned MMA veteran in Muniz.
- Akimov's Top Dog title adds a championship belt to the stakes, giving the fight added promotional weight on the September 12 card.
- Bare-knuckle rules favor Akimov's established experience in that format, creating a meaningful stylistic question mark around how Belaz adapts.
