In the 75 kg weight class, the threats to the champion show no signs of fading. Now, the time has come to find a new contender to challenge the throne. Former 75 kg UTMA kickboxing champion Raimondas Avlasevičius will look to extend his winning streak at the UTMA 18 tournament. In a high-stakes battle for the chance to compete for the UTMA 75 kg title belt, he will face a familiar opponent—the defeated, yet now completely transformed Akram Belmekki.
The bout will be a five-round kickboxing match in the 75 kg weight category.
This fight is scheduled for April 18 at the Žalgirio Arena in Kaunas. The main event of the UTMA 18 tournament will feature a clash between Sergejus Maslobojevas and Ignas Pauliukevičius.
Tickets are selling fast at kakava.lt, and the live PPV broadcast can be purchased at UTMA.lt.
R. Avlasevičius has previously held the UTMA 75 kg kickboxing title, but the belt was taken from him by Nikola Cvetkovičius, who remains the current champion of the category.
Following his title loss at UTMA 13, Avlasevičius returned to his winning ways at the UTMA 17 tournament, where he defeated Sabri Ben Henia in the second round.
Meanwhile, A. Belmekki is just taking his first steps within the UTMA organization. He made his debut at UTMA 17, where Belmekki secured a victory in Kaunas against Mindaugas Narauskas.
Both fighters had the opportunity to observe and evaluate each other’s performances at UTMA 17.
“I had a feeling Akram would win; he manages to maintain a high level of intensity and attacks frequently and accurately. Both of us have improved since our last meeting, so it will be interesting to ‘slug it out’ in the ring,” Avlasevičius said of his opponent.
“I watched Raimondas’ fight at UTMA 17. He fought very well; he is a great fighter, so I can only offer him praise,” Belmekki shared, showing respect for his upcoming rival.
Notably, this is not the first time R. Avlasevičius and A. Belmekki have met in the professional ring—back in 2023, Avlasevičius secured a decisive victory.
However, both fighters clearly realize that much has changed since then, ensuring the upcoming rematch will be an entirely different story.
“I believe Akram has sharpened his kickboxing and boxing techniques. He was already durable back then, as he showed in our previous fight. I have also improved certain aspects, but I won’t reveal which ones—that’s a trade secret,” Avlasevičius said with a smile.
“It has been three years since we fought Raimondas in another organization. A lot has changed; I have gained significantly more experience, whereas I was just a rookie at the time. I believe the difference in experience is perhaps the most important factor,” Belmekki added.
Since this is a “title-eliminator” bout for the right to challenge for the UTMA 75 kg belt, it will be contested over five rounds.
“I have fought five rounds before; it’s nothing new to me. I have held the championship belt, I know that feeling, and I want to experience it once more,” Avlasevičius said, looking ahead to the fight.
“Now I am more experienced and mature. I know how to prepare for a fight professionally, how to stay ready, how to feel in the heat of the battle, and how not to lose control and manage my emotions,” stated Belmekki.
Tickets are selling fast at kakava.lt, and the live PPV broadcast can be purchased at UTMA.lt.
