Cortez Replaces Injured Drinaldo, Faces Sarnavskiy at M-1 Challenge 30

Sergio Cortez will face Alexander Sarnavskiy at M-1 Challenge 30. | Photo: Jeff Sherwood

Sarnavskiy was originally supposed to face Francisco Drinaldo at the event, but Drinaldo was forced to withdraw from the bout due to injury.

Headlined by a welterweight title rematch between defending champion Shamil Zavurov and challenger Yasubey Enomoto, M-1 Challenge 30 goes down Friday from The Hanger in Costa Mesa, Calif. The evening's main draw airs on Showtime.

Cortez has won three of his last four fights. A veteran of Gladiator Challenge and Palace Fighting Championship competition, Cortez has finished six of his seven career victims by either knockout or submission. Most recently, the lightweight was outpointed by Anthony Avila on Oct. 8.

Undefeated through 16 pro outings, Sarnavskiy, 22, is a five-time M-1 veteran. The Russian has only been seen the judges' scorecards thrice in his three-year career and owns half of his wins by submission. Sarnavskiy last competed on Nov. 19, earning a unanimous nod over Thomas Deak.