A former UFC title challenger competing for the final time, an Olympic boxer facing the brother of a world champion, and an unbeaten Russian prospect looking to extend his winning streak: IBA.PRO 21 has plenty to offer when the series returns to Brest, Belarus, on 25 October.

The Viktoria Sports Club will host an international card featuring professional boxing, MMA and crossover contests, with athletes from eight countries competing. The event will be broadcast live on the official IBA YouTube channel. Here are five reasons why it deserves your attention.

1. Jeffrey Monson: a combat sports legend’s farewell bout

Few athletes on the IBA.PRO 21 card have had a career as long or as unconventional as Jeffrey Monson’s.

The American-born veteran, who also holds Russian citizenship, has spent decades competing at the highest levels of grappling and mixed martial arts. A multiple ADCC Submission Wrestling champion, Monson challenged Tim Sylvia for the UFC heavyweight title in 2006 and has shared the cage with many of the biggest names in MMA.

In Brest, he will step in for the last bout of his career, facing Ivan Sholtoianu (MDA) over four two-minute rounds.

For Monson, it is the closing chapter of a career that has spanned generations, organisations and disciplines. For spectators in Brest, it is a final chance to see one of the most recognisable veterans of international combat sports in action.

2. Smyaglikov vs Surov: an Olympian meets a rising heavyweight

The heavyweight clash between Vladislav Smyaglikov (BLR) and Teymuraz Surov (SRB) brings together two accomplished amateur boxers looking to build their professional careers.

Smyaglikov represented Belarus at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and reached the finals of both the 2019 European Games and the 2024 BRICS Games. He has also competed at two IBA World Championships, bringing substantial international experience into the ring.

Surov arrives with credentials of his own. A bronze medallist at the 2026 Russian National Championships, he is also the brother of David Surov, the 2025 world champion and 2026 European champion.

Both men have already won on the IBA.PRO stage. Smyaglikov defeated Dimuntu Shapito in Brest last year, while Surov stopped Bekhan Israilov at IBA.PRO 17 in Ufa.

Over six rounds, the question is whether Smyaglikov’s experience against elite international opposition will prove decisive, or whether Surov can take another significant step forward.

3. Cuba’s boxing tradition meets Belarusian Olympic pedigree

Cuban boxing has produced generations of Olympic and world champions, and Victor Perez (CUB) will bring that celebrated tradition to Brest when he faces Alexander Rodionov (BLR).

Perez represents a boxing culture renowned for its footwork, timing, defensive awareness and precision. Across the ring will stand Rodionov, a Belarusian boxer with Olympic experience.

Their six-round contest at 66.7kg promises a fascinating meeting of boxing schools, with both men looking to impose their strengths.

Beyond the result, the bout will show how two boxers shaped by different systems adapt to each other in the professional ring.

4. Igor Sviridchenkov: an unbeaten prospect with something to prove

Igor Sviridchenkov (RUS) is one of the most interesting young professionals on the card.

A two-time Russian national champion and winner of the 2026 Russian Cup, the 25-year-old has built his reputation on technical ability, ring intelligence and discipline.

Sviridchenkov made his professional debut in October 2025, recorded two victories within a month and remains unbeaten.

His next opponent, Viktar Murashkin (BLR), has more professional experience and has previously faced established names including Vadim Tukov, Gleb Bakshi and Andrey Sirotkin.

For Sviridchenkov, this six-round contest at 71kg is an opportunity to show that his amateur success can translate into sustained progress in the professional ranks.

Murashkin, meanwhile, has the experience to make the Russian work for every opening. It is precisely the sort of test a promising prospect needs.

5. Nekrash vs Ilhomov: two aggressive fighters, one explosive contest

Not every compelling match-up requires an Olympic pedigree or a long list of titles.

Alexander Nekrash (BLR) and Shoxrux Ilhomov (UZB) are known for their willingness to engage, and their meeting at IBA.PRO 21 could deliver some of the evening’s most intense action.

Nekrash has established himself in IBA Bare Knuckle with three victories from three appearances. His aggressive approach and confidence in exchanges have made him a dangerous opponent.

Ilhomov brings a similarly uncompromising style. A powerful puncher who likes to press forward, the Uzbek rarely gives opponents the time or space to settle into a rhythm.

Both have bare-knuckle experience, but their encounter in Brest is scheduled as a four-round MMA contest at 90kg.

The change of rules adds another dimension to a meeting between two fighters who prefer to take the initiative. If both approach it with their usual aggression, it could be one of the most entertaining bouts of the night.

IBA.PRO 21 takes place at the Viktoria Sports Club in Brest, Belarus, on Sunday, 25 October 2026. Watch the action live on the official IBA YouTube channel.