Team England’s chances of making it to the M-1 Challenge finals received a major boost earlier this week when Team England manager Ian Dean confirmed to M-1Global.com that Rob Brouhgton would resume representing the team at heavyweight for its semifinal playoff matchup vs. Russia Legion on Sept. 26.

Broughton last competed under the M-1 banner at “Breakthrough” on Aug. 28 in Kansas City, losing a decision to Dutch heavyweight Jessie Gibbs. Because of his scheduled bout at “Breakthrough,” M-1 officials held Broughton out of England’s Aug. 15 regular season finale vs. Team Spain.

Former pro basketball player David Keeley stepped in for Broughton as England’s heavyweight representative. Raw but talented, Keeley overcame his MMA inexperience and helped England to a 5-0 shutout victory following a second round TKO over Paco Estevez.

However, Broughton, 10-5-1, has made a name for himself on the British heavyweight scene with notable wins in recent years over ex-UFC fighter Neil Grove, former EliteXC competitor James Thompson, former Cage Rage vet Robert “Buzz” Berry, and heavyweight prospect Martin Thompson.

While Russia Legion has yet to formally announce its roster for Sept. 26, Broughton is currently expected to match up against Akhmed Sultanov, who went 3-1 under the M-1 banner in 2009 with two M-1 Challenge wins plus an M-1 Selection win against Alexander Volkov this past June.

In addition to Broughton’s scheduled appearance on Sept. 26, sources close to the fighter have revealed to M-1Global.com that rematches vs. James Thompson and Grove could both be on the horizon upon the completing of the 2009 M-1 Challenge season.

For more information on Broughton and Team England, please visit CageWarriors.com.