In the lead-up to a highly anticipated kickboxing showdown, Dominykas Dirkstys has spoken openly about his respect for fellow Lithuanian athlete Sergejus Maslobojevas, revealing that he once sent someone he admires to face the veteran fighter for a specific purpose. The comments come as both athletes prepare for their upcoming bout under the UTMA 18 organization, scheduled for September 26 at the Žalgiris Arena in Kaunas.
Dirkstys, a rising star in Lithuania’s combat sports scene, has previously competed in UTMA events, including a notable performance in Kaunas where he secured a quick victory over a Romanian opponent. His upcoming match against Maslobojevas is expected to be one of the main attractions of the UTMA 18 event, which will feature multiple fights across different weight classes, and disciplines.
The tension between Dirkstys and Maslobojevas has been building for some time, with both athletes exchanging strong words during press conferences ahead of their scheduled encounter. While Dirkstys has acknowledged Maslobojevas’s experience and skill in the ring, he has also made clear his intention to challenge the established fighter and prove himself among Lithuania’s elite combat athletes.
Maslobojevas, a seasoned competitor with a background in international kickboxing organizations, recently defeated Ignas Pauliukevičius in a K-1 rules bout at UTMA 18 held in April at the same Žalgiris Arena. That victory came after a three-round decision, with all judges scoring the fight in Maslobojevas’s favor. Following the win, Maslobojevas confirmed that his next fight would be against Dirkstys in September.
The UTMA 18 event in April also featured other significant matchups, including a welterweight title defense by Vitas Karosas and a light heavyweight kickboxing bout won by Naglis Kanišauskas against Maxim Zaplitnii. Across the card, the promotion showcased a range of combat sports disciplines, from muay thai to traditional kickboxing, highlighting the growing depth of talent in Lithuania’s fighting community.
As the September 26 date approaches, both Dirkstys and Maslobojevas continue to prepare for what promises to be a pivotal moment in their respective careers. The fight is expected to draw significant attention from fans of combat sports in Lithuania and beyond, particularly given the history and mutual respect between the two athletes despite their competitive rivalry.
For updates on the UTMA 18 event and future fight announcements, fans are encouraged to follow the organization’s official channels. As of now, no further details have been released regarding undercard matchups or exact fight times for the September event.
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