The upstart Russian-based Fight Nights Global promotion has signed a collection of familiar names recently.
According to CEO Kamil Gadzhiev, the organization recently inked Rousimar Palhares (18-8), Ali Bagautinov (15-6), Josh Hill (15-2) and Tyson Nam (14-8-1) to multi-fight contracts.
Gadzhiev told MMA Fighting that Bagautinov vs. Nam will headlined the promotion’s 64th event on April 29 in Moscow, while Palhares’ debut is scheduled for May. His opponent has yet to be determined.
Palhares (18-8) has lost his last two fights in a row after winning four straight. He was recently knocked out by Michal Materla at KSW 36 in October. The Brazilian is still serving a two-year suspension from the Nevada Athletic Commission for his controversial actions in a World Series of Fighting welterweight title fight against Jake Shields in August 2015. His suspension expires in October, however, considering he’s fought overseas twice since then, it’s unclear whether the commission will extend his suspension.
Prior to signing with the UFC in 2013, Bagautinov, a former UFC flyweight title contender, went 8-1 in FNG.