RCC returns to Yekaterinburg, Russia, this Saturday for RCC: Intro 40, featuring several of the most promising prospects competing outside the UFC. With a number of meaningful matchups scheduled for November 7, the event presents an opportunity for some of MMA’s rising stars to further establish themselves on the international stage. For a select few, an impressive performance could be another step toward reaching the sport’s biggest promotions.
–
Temirkhan Temirkhanov, 28, 16-1-0, Welterweight
–
Fighting out of Yekaterinburg, Russia, Temirkhan “Tank” Temirkhanov has been simply unstoppable over the past seven years. He’s scored 14 consecutive victories since suffering the only loss of his professional career back in 2019 to the undefeated Islam Omarov. The Russian welterweight is an excellent finisher with powerful hands and ten knockout victories to his name. Most recently dispatching Luciano Palhano in the first round at RCC 25.
–
In his next bout, Temirkhanov takes on his second Brazilian opponent in a row, Raimundo Batista. A 33-year-old striker making his RCC debut, Batista holds an impressive record of 19-3-0. However, “Tank” has handled more difficult challenges in the past. Ranked No. 25 in the “Top 25 Prospects Worldwide,” expect Temirkhanov to pick up another finish at RCC: Intro 40.
–
Ivan Podrugin, 25, 8-0-0, Welterweight
–
Ranked No. 6 in the “Top 25 Prospects Worldwide,” Podrugin is viewed as the best prospect featured at RCC: Intro 40. He’s a dangerous submission grappler with plenty of tools on the feet to dominate his opposition in all areas of MMA.</span>
–
For more on Podrugin, click here to read an in-depth evaluation of the 25-year-old superstar.
—
Ivan Bondarchuk, 29, 14-2-1, Featherweight
–
Nicknamed the “Killer Whale,” Ivan Bondarchuk has been garnering quite a bit of attention since returning to RCC after a four-fight stint with ONE Championship. In June, Bondarchuk made his first appearance with the promotion since 2024, defeating Rakhim Midaev by unanimous decision at RCC: Intro 39.</span>
–
The 29-year-old is an efficient striker with a gorgeous array of kicks in his back pocket. He’s secured six knockout finishes throughout his professional career, and he’ll be looking to add to that number come Saturday. Bondarchuk faces former PFL competitor Reinaldo Ekson, who’s coming off his most interesting “victory” to date. Ekson defeated former UFC fighter Khusein Askhabov in a fight that was overturned in his favor due to “unsportsmanlike conduct.” Regardless of the circumstances, Ekson’s experience makes him a meaningful test for the 29-year-old Bondarchuk.
—
Maxim Fukhs, 25, 6-1-0, Featherweight
–
With the recent IMMAF tournament coming to a close, Maxim Fukhs is the perfect name to mention. Back in 2022, the Omsk, Russia, native put together one of the most impressive five-fight runs in amateur history. He defeated Lorenzo Bartsch, Gimbat Magomedov, and Behruz Khurshedzoda on his way to winning gold in the junior lightweight division. Fast forward to 2026, and Fukhs has gotten off to a quality start in what appears to be a very promising professional career.
Fukhs offers a well-rounded skill set with accurate, powerful striking and an advanced grappling base. He’s always thinking one step ahead, disguising his takedown entries with effective feints that consistently catch his opponents off guard. However, Fukhs must be careful not to get too aggressive in close quarters at RCC: Intro 40. The 25-year-old will face Edgar Sargsyan, a quick finisher with six of his nine victories coming by way of first-round stoppage. If Fukhs can corral his dangerous opponent and weather the early storm, he should roll here.
