Finland’s top ranked lightweight Niko Puhakka will fight for the Draka Championships lightweight title this saturday at Draka 7 event in Vladivostok, Russia according to Puhakka’s homegym Espoo Ring Sharks. In the championship bout Puhakka will face Russia’s Arsen Shabanov (2-0). Shabanov doesn’t have a pro record on Sherdog but in Fightlife.ru’s database he is 2-0 with a recent win over Dutch Victor “Tigri” Kuku (8-9) from Draka’s event in February of 2012. Puhakka hasn’t fought since October of 2011 when he beat UFC veteran John Gunderson by decision at Fight Festival 31.
The rules in Draka championships are somewhat special: three three minute rounds but with just 30 second breaks between rounds. Also ground fighting is limited to 30 seconds so there will be a lot of stand ups by the referees.
