UTMA Announces Eight-Man Bracket for 81kg Tournament with 50,000 Euro Prize

The UTMA organization has officially announced the eight fighters competing in the quarterfinals of the 81kg category tournament, which boasts a significant 50,000 euro prize. The tournament structure, designed to foster competition and identify top talent, will unfold across multiple events.

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We chose the eight-man format because we have a lot of fighters in the 81kg category. It certainly won't end with eight. We want as many fights as possible during this tournament, for fighters to get ranked and continue to determine who are the best in this category.

Viktoras Gecas, head of UTMA, explained the decision to use an eight-man bracket, noting the depth of talent in the 81kg division. "We chose the eight-man format because we have a lot of fighters in the 81kg category. It certainly won't end with eight. We want as many fights as possible during this tournament, for fighters to get ranked and continue to determine who are the best in this category," Gecas stated. He added that the organization aims to encourage younger fighters by showcasing the possibility of substantial prizes.

The quarterfinals are scheduled for September 26 at the Kaunas "Žalgiris" Arena. The main event of that evening will be a highly anticipated clash between Sergey Maslobojev and Dominyk Dirksis. Other matchups in the bracket include Oskaras Buinickas facing debutant Rodrigo Mineiro, and Deividas Jemeljanovas against Arnoldas Misiūnas.

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We want to encourage young people and other fighters to work, so they understand that prizes of this size, like 50,000 euros in this tournament, are possible. We will continue to do this and develop it in the future.

Further stages of the tournament will take place on October 24 with the semifinals at "Arena Vilnius," culminating in the grand final on November 28, also at the Kaunas "Žalgiris" Arena. Gecas highlighted the Buinickas vs. Mineiro bout as particularly interesting, noting Mineiro's experience in other organizations and Buinickas's demonstrated improvement within UTMA despite not yet securing a win.

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It's great to see everyone so motivated, I can't wait to see this tournament, who will be the champion and who will be number one in the 81kg category ranking.

Deividas Jemeljanovas, with a professional record of 3-1 (1 KO), has shown consistent performance since his 2024 debut in UTMA, including a knockout victory. His sole loss within the organization occurred at UTMA 13. Arnoldas Misiūnas holds a record of 3-3-2.

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Buinickas, although he has appeared in UTMA three times and does not yet have a win, has truly proven that he is worthy of fighting the main UTMA fighters. We think this is one of the more interesting matchups.