If with a newcomer Martin Lazarov, Fedor Emelianenko did not have too much difficulty, the next battle was a much more difficult task - to defeat the experienced Georgian fighter Levon Lagvilava (height 174 cm, weight 97 kg).
The battle took place on August 16, 2000 in Tula (Russia) at the tournament RINGS Russia: Russia vs. Georgia.
Levon Lagvilava from a childhood engaged in the struggle, including the martial arts. In 13-14 years he has focused on karate, where reached the black belt in Kyokushin style. Then Levan became interested in mixed martial arts.
Lagvilava at the time of the fight with Emelianenko has already had behind him the experience of the MMA fights, including the successful: in his account were wins over such fighters Russian, Alexander Zaitsev and Maxim Konikov.
The fight with Emelianenko lasted quite a long time. Important role played by the fact that the style of the fight the opponents were approximately the same. Emelianenko has made repeated attempts to painful methods, but the more experienced Lagvilava managed to evade them.