SAINT PETERSBURG, March 28 — The KSK Arena played host to IBA Bare Knuckle 4, featuring a stacked card of elite fighters from across the globe. The event was defined by a string of clinical finishes, brutal exchanges, and high-stakes showdowns, while the undercard set the tone for the evening with a series of standout performances.

Early in the tournament, Magomed Abdurakhimov (Rus) secured a decision victory over Mikhail Alabugin (Rus). In other action, Viktor Zakrevsky (Rus) defeated Oleg Zharkov (Rus) via TKO, and Cuban standout Yassel Reyes (Cub) also earned a stoppage, defeating Eduard Yashchenin (Rus) by TKO. Igor Dimov (Rus), meanwhile, suffered a TKO loss to Kazakhstan’s Kanysh “Kona” Seidazym (Kaz).

Nadratovsky’s lightning-fast finish

One of the most electric moments of the evening came in the clash between Usman Magomedov (Rus) and Anatoly Nadratovsky (Rus). From the opening bell, both fighters bypassed the feeling-out process and immediately engaged in a wide-open exchange of power shots. The bout escalated rapidly and reached its climax in the very first round: Nadratovsky connected with a pinpoint right hook that sent Magomedov to the canvas. Unable to beat the count, Magomedov was counted out, handing Anatoly Nadratovsky a spectacular first-round TKO victory.

Suleymanov dominates in gritty display

Abubakar Suleymanov (Rus) delivered a commanding performance against Igor Barabanov (Rus) from start to finish. Seizing the initiative early, he maintained relentless forward pressure, regularly digging heavy power shots into Barabanov’s body and head. Barabanov attempted to maintain distance but was largely forced onto the back foot throughout the contest.

In the second round, Suleymanov doubled down on his body work before scoring his first knockdown with a thudding left hook. Refusing to let up, he surged forward again, dropping Barabanov for a second time with a heavy right hand.

Showing immense heart in the third round, Barabanov attempted to claw back into the fight, turning aggressor in an effort to close the scoring gap. The two engaged in a dense mid-range slugfest, but Suleymanov remained the sharper of the two. After rocking Barabanov once more, Suleymanov navigated the closing stages to secure a comprehensive points victory.

Chizhov triumphs in local grudge match

The showdown between Eduard Kuzminov (Rus) and Danila Chizhov (Rus) was a deeply personal affair. For Chizhov, a Saint Petersburg native, the stakes were heightened by the vocal support of the home crowd. Both men maintained a frantic pace from the outset, trading heavy leather in a grueling opening round where neither side would give an inch.

The intensity remained high in the second, as the fighters battled through grueling clinches and power exchanges. The momentum swung back and forth in a high-octane display of durability and grit, with neither man backing down.

By the third and final round, fatigue began to set in, yet both Kuzminov and Chizhov continued to treat the fans to an all-out war. In the closing minutes, Danila Chizhov’s composure proved to be the difference. Acting with slightly more precision throughout the duration of the fight, Chizhov earned a unanimous decision victory in what was undoubtedly one of the most hard-fought battles of the night.

Iskandar Ziyaev wins anticipated rematch to claim the crown

The co-main event saw Iskandar Ziyaev (Rus) and Timur Musaev (Rus) face off in one of the most anticipated rematches of 2026. With their first encounter five years ago ending in a TKO win for Ziyaev, this second meeting carried significant weight and a palpable sense of rivalry.

Ziyaev looked the sharper man in the opening round, using superior footwork and timing to find his range. He asserted his dominance early, dropping Musaev twice in the first round to set a commanding tone.

Musaev attempted a comeback in the second, ramping up the pressure and forcing Ziyaev into a more defensive posture. However, Ziyaev remained composed, utilizing lateral movement to make Musaev miss and firing back with sharp counters. The round was significantly more competitive as Musaev began to find his range.

The momentum continued to shift in the third as Musaev pushed the pace, leading to heavy exchanges from both sides. Musaev landed several clean, powerful shots in what was likely his strongest round, though Ziyaev remained a constant threat on the counter.

By the fourth, the pace and accumulated damage began to show. While accuracy dipped and the clinch work increased, Musaev appeared the more convincing of the two in this stretch, outlanding Ziyaev by a narrow margin.

In the final round, both warriors relied on pure instinct and heart. Despite the exhaustion, they traded until the final bell, finishing the fight in emphatic fashion. After a grueling and tense five-round battle, Iskandar Ziyaev was awarded a majority decision victory, officially becoming the IBA Bare Knuckle Champion.

Vagab Vagabov defeats Yoel Romero to secure the title

The main event featured a massive title clash between two giants of combat sports: UFC legend and Olympic silver medalist Yoel Romero (Cub) and the formidable Vagab Vagabov (Rus). The opening round was a tactical, high-stakes chess match, with both men staying patient and scouting for openings, clearly wary of each other’s power.

The intensity picked up in the second as the exchanges became more frequent. Both fighters landed significant strikes, but the round remained too close to call, with neither establishing a clear lead.

The third round followed a similar pattern until a split-second opening changed the dynamic of the fight. Romero pinned Vagabov against the ropes and unleashed a thunderous left hand. The shot landed flush, sending Vagabov to the canvas and swinging the momentum in the Cuban’s favor.

In the fourth, Romero continued to pick his shots with surgical precision, targeting the body and catching Vagabov with dangerous left hands. However, late in the round, Vagabov made a crucial adjustment, finding success with his right cross and visibly rocking Romero on several occasions.

The fifth and final round was an all-out sprint. Knowing the title was on the line, both men moved forward and threw everything into their strikes. The fight opened up completely as they traded heavy blows in the center of the ring. While Romero had his moments, Vagabov’s right hand proved to be a constant and stinging weapon. At the end of a legendary title fight, Vagab Vagabov emerged victorious, being crowned the new IBA Bare Knuckle Champion.