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Mark Vologdin fights for UFC contract after dominant AFN title run

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19 augusti 2025

Mark Vologdin has racked up seven straight wins, captured the AFN belt and proven he belongs on MMA’s biggest stage. On October 8, he steps onto Dana White’s Contender Series, where a UFC contract awaits if he can deliver another stellar performance!

Mark Vologdin AFN MMA UFC Dana White Contender Series ENG.

Photos: AFN

Mark Vologdin keeps raising the bar and delivering every time.

Since moving to Sweden three years ago, he has gone from a promising prospect to one of the most dangerous bantamweights in Northern Europe.

Now, at just 25 years old, he stands on the brink of the UFC. On October 8, he will step onto Dana White’s Contender Series with a chance to fight his way into the world’s biggest MMA promotion.

The road to this moment hasn’t been easy. Vologdin left Russia and moved to Sweden alone, chasing nothing but his dream to become the best fighter he could be.

– Living and training in Sweden has been the most valuable experience of my career, Mark Vologdin tells Frontkick.

– Moving here alone, without family or friends was tough, but I don’t regret it for a second. I have found new friends, a new family, great professionals to train with, and I have developed a lot as a fighter.

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The results speak for themselves. Mark Vologdin holds a professional record of 12-3-1, the AFN bantamweight title, and two brutal defenses, both first-round finishes that cemented his reputation as a dangerous finisher. But on DWCS he faces his toughest challenge yet.

Adrian Luna Martinetti of Ecuador enters with a 16-1 record and 14 consecutive wins, ten by finish. He has trained in the U.S., faced tough competition, and captured multiple UWC titles.

It’s a clash of two surging prospects, but only one can leave with a UFC deal. Mark Vologdin doesn’t hesitate for a second about what lies ahead. He is respectful, but confident.

– He has an impressive match record and a long winning streak. To be honest, I haven’t seen many of his fights, and the ones I saw were from a while back. What stands out is his experience, but in the end I’m going to beat him, put on an exciting fight and get the contract.

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Mark Vologdin about his teammates at Allstars: They have all played a big role

Mark Vologdin has honed his skills at Allstars Training Center in Stockholm, training alongside some of the most promising names in the Nordic and European region.

George Pilidis has been a key figure in the preparation, but also fighters like Zoran Milic, Filipe Lima, Bernardo Sopai, Liam Pitts, Machete and Elshod Anvarov have been crucial in the camp. Overall, he feels like he is surrounded by like-minded people that push him in the right direction.

– I’ve had a lot of help from my teammates and we have a great team of top-level professional fighters. They have all played a big role in my preparation, he concludes.

When he steps into the cage to fight for a UFC contract, he will be representing his Swedish team and his home country Russia. On Tapology, however, he is listed as competing from Finland, something he himself does not really understand but still clarifies.

– I will represent my home country Russia and my gym Allstars Training Center. I don’t really have any roots in Finland. My only connection is that my father worked there for a long time. I respect the country, but my real roots are in Russia.

If you still have not seen Mark Vologdin fight, he explains what makes him UFC material and why he will be victorious at UFC Apex arena in Las Vegas.

– Expect a technical and exciting performance that won’t go to the judges. I’m a well-rounded fighter, and I am always looking for the finish. I don’t like leaving it to the judges. I want to end the fight myself!

With seven straight wins and an aggressive style, Vologdin has all the ingredients to impress UFC boss Dana White. On October 8, fans will find out if the AFN champion can secure a UFC contract and take his place on MMA’s biggest stage.