By Jake Smith
Rising starlet Viktoriya Dudakova continued her perfect run as a professional with a victory over Kseniya Lachkova at Open Fighting Championship 5 on June 12th.
Since turning pro, the 2019 IMMAF-WMMAA European Senior & Junior Open Championship has seriously impressed, collecting three submission victories against Irina Degtyareva, Nina Ruleva & Anastasiya Moskvicheva, respectively, and developing a solid fanbase in the process.
Lachkova was a sizable step up in opponent for Dudakova. With 17 fights under her belt going into the bout, Lachkova had experience way beyond anyone Dudakova had previously fought. Although coming into the clash on a three fight skid Lachkova still posed a threat to the prospect.
From the first bell, Dudakova powered forward and quickly pressured Lachkova up against the fence. Once there, she chipped away at the head and the body of Lachkova before securing a takedown mid-way through the round.
Once securing a dominant position, Dudakova looked to rain shots down onto her opponent. She landed a brutal elbow amongst the strikes which opened a cut over the left eye of Lachkova.
While transitioning through positions, Dudakova threw a knee and landed the strike to a grounded Lachkova’s head. The illegal knee led to the referee bringing the bout back to its feet. Once the bout continued, Dudakova remained composed and selected her shots looking to cause further damage to the cut. AAfter assessing the cut, the doctor made the decision that Lachkova could not continue and the bout was waived off.
The victory meant Dudakova proceeded to the final of the Strawweight Grand Prix final. She will face Marina Shutova in the showdown for Open FC gold.
Dudakova is no stranger to medals, trophies and titles. As she discussed in a recent interview with the RMMAU, she has competed in an array of sports since she was a young child. First finding success in swimming, Dudakova left the pool for the pads and quickly became a force to be reckoned with in the ring, becoming Champion of Russia Cup in kickboxing in her latter teen years. Since transitioning to MMA, Dudakova is yet to find herself on the wrong side of a decision, currently on a 10 fight win streak across the amateur and professional game; claiming IMMAF European Gold & World Bronze medals in the process.
Her journey through the professional game is something fans should definitely keep an eye on!
