Conceived to discover the next generation of superstar fighters, the M-1 Selection has outgrown its original scope; in 2010, the M-1 Selection tournament dominated the markets in Asia, North America, Eastern and Western Europe as tomorrow’s talent is continuously found through today’s efforts. A total of 160 fighters battled through preliminary, semi-final and final bouts against opponents from their respective regions and the grueling tournament process chiseled this number down to a mere 20 warriors who represent the best in the group’s athleticism and marketability. These were the M-1 Selection 2010 tournament winners who proudly squared off in clashes to crown M-1 Global’s first-ever champions in each weight class.
Forging the next stage in the sport’s evolution in 2011, the M-1 Selection tournament will focus on developing its brand in markets across North America, Eastern and Western Europe. The M-1 brand is driving these new markets in its own right to fuel the international growth of ‘the next generation’ superstar fighters, creating fan bases in their respective countries. With a full slate of M-1 Selection events on the calendar, the contention system’s ranked fighters in each weight class continues to grow as deep as the oceans these warriors cross. In battles around the world, these aspiring superstars will battle for the right to face M-1 Global champions on a future live, mega-spectacular M-1 Challenge event.
The first rounds of the 2011 M-1 Selection lightweight and light heavyweight tournament kicked-off February, March and April with single elimination bouts in each respective region. The welterweights and middleweights get their turn to shine in July, August and September. From here out, a true global feel takes hold; Semi’s and Finals are packed into international M-1 Selection ‘Supercards’ where all the top prospects assemble in one location to continue their battles for their regional championship titles. The winners are given the ultimate reward: a shot to compete on an M-1 Challenge card; for some the reward is even greater, an immediate shot at the Championship belt.
