Fight Nights Global 79 set for Nov. 19 with champ Pavlovich vs. Sidelnikov, Pesta vs. Kudin

Russia’s Fight Nights Global returns to action next Sunday for “FNG 79: Pavlovich vs. Sidelnikov,” a 10-fight card that takes place at Dizel Arena in Penza, Russia.

In the main event, undefeated FNG light heavyweight champion Sergey Pavlovich (11-0) meets sambo ace and longtime Fedor Emelianenko protege Kirill Sidelnikov (11-4). The co-feature sees five-time UFC veteran Viktor Pesta (11-4) make his promotional debut against Belarusian vet Alexei Kudin (23-10).

The card is expected to posted to UFC Fight Pass as Video On Demand shortly after the conclusion of the event.

Pavlovich and Sidelnikov were originally slated to meet in March, but a Sidelnikov injury forced him to withdraw from the contest, and Pavlovich went on to score the FNG title in the interim, adding significance to the rescheduled matchup.

Pavlovich’s professional record remains perfect through the first 11 bouts of his career, with eight of those wins coming by knockout – and all of those coming in the first round. Meanwhile Sidelnikov brings a five-fight winning streak into the contest.

Pesta was released from the UFC earlier this year following an unsuccessful five-fight run. However, he rebounded with a January TKO of Michal Kita in the Czech Republic and now makes his FNG debut. He now meets Kudin, who turned pro in 2002 and enters the bout on the strength of back-to-back decision wins.

The FNG 79 lineup includes:

• Champ Sergey Pavlovich vs. Kirill Sidelnikov – for light heavyweight title
• Alexei Kudin vs. Viktor Pesta
• Charles Andrade vs. Vladimir Seliverstov
• Marat Magomedov vs. Rashad Muradov
• Mikhail Lebedev vs. Rustam Madoyan
• Ramil Mustapaev vs. TBA
• Chermen Kobesov vs. Andrey Kurochkin
• Roman Silagadze vs. TBA
• Davor Matic vs. Ivan Okhlopkov
• Sergey Kistanov vs. Dmitriy Tomaev