Lightweight title bout Rubenilton Pereira vs. Roman Bogatov will headline M-1 Challenge 97.

M-1 Challenge 97 will be held in Kazan, Russia on September 28th when Brazilian finisher Rubenilton Pereira (20-5) will meet Russian submission master Roman Bogatov (6-0). Since the M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Damir Ismagulov has been signed to the UFC, his title has become vacant. Rubenilton Pereira has proved his position among the toughest lightweights on the roster last June when he added one more TKO victory to his record. Five times Rubinho won by KO/TKO and eight times by submission, he is now riding a four-fights winning streak and he is extremely motivated to get that title. Roman Bogatov is one of the best Russian lightweight prospects and definitely one of the most dangerous grapplers. Before starting his professional career Bogatov won the national amateur MMA Cup and the Super Cup. Roman is undefeated in professionals and four of his six wins he got by the way of submission, all four times choking his opponents out. At the same event when Pereira knocked his opponent out, Bogatov demonstrated a beautiful Von Flue choke to receive his title shot. Both lightweights are now riding great winning streaks, but one streak will be broken in the main event of M-1 Challenge 97 on September 28th!