"We are pleased with the high level of talent that we have been able to assemble to lead our new organization," said Monte Cox, M-1 Global president and chief executive officer. "Our leadership team has a great blend of experience and skills that will help guide our organization in the years to come."

Vadim Finkelchtein was appointed to the M-1 Global Executive Committee. He is also president of M-1 Mix Fight and will continue to manage Fedor Emelianenko, the world's greatest MMA fighter. Finkelchtein, 43, will be responsible for providing strategic guidance to the entire team. He will also help stage M-1 Global events in Russia.

"We are elated to partner with Vadim. Not only is he the founder of M-1 Mix Fight, but he is also a very successful Russian businessman. He owns and manages Russia's first and only sports-entertainment center located on water. Located in St. Petersburg, right across from the famous Hermitage museum, the center is located on board the 'Letuchii Golandez,' (or Flying Dutchman), a replica of the 1748 sailboat 'Amsterdam.' It contains four levels, and includes an exercise room, beauty salon, restaurants, cafes and hotel rooms," Cox said.

Bob Clark was appointed chief operating officer. Clark, 51, will be responsible for directing and managing day-to-day operations. He was also appointed to the M-1 Global Executive Committee. Clark also serves as president of Sibling Theatricals, Inc. and director of marketing for Sibling Entertainment Group, Inc. Prior to joining Sibling in July 2007, he spent the past 9 years working for CarMax, a Fortune 500 company and one of the Fortune 2007 "100 Best Companies to Work For."

Joost Raimond was appointed president of M-1 Eurasia. Raimond, 42, will be responsible for directing and managing day-to-day operations in Eurasia. He was also appointed to the M-1 Global Executive Committee. Prior to joining M-1 Global, Joost provided legal advice and management consultant services to Too Hot to Handle, M-1 Mix Fight & PRIDE Europe. He also owns his own project management and consultancy company -- WORX. He specializes in health and fitness projects and focuses on sourcing fabrication of consumer or commercial products in the Far East and establishing production and QA/QC systems.

Apy Echteld was appointed vice president of fighter development. Echteld, 46, will be responsible for match-making and helping to identify fighters for M-1 Global to sign. He was also appointed to the M-1 Global executive committee. Echteld has been an accomplished martial arts trainer since 1979. In 1997, Echteld joined forces with Vadim Finkelchtein to create the Russian organization M-1 Mix-Fight, which is recognized as the largest MMA event in Europe.