What about Nate Landwehr's KO win in Russia was like 'Rocky IV,' and what wasn't?

When Nate Landwehr went to fight for M-1 Global in Russia 10 days ago, it was hard not to think about a classic 1980s sports movie.

In “Rocky IV,” Sylvester Stallone goes to Russia in the height of the Cold War to fight Ivan Drago. There, he beats the hulking favorite in front of his home fans – and turns the Russians, if just for one night, and just one boxing match, to Team America.

These days, there’s a new Russia vs. U.S. storyline playing out in the political world. But Landwehr (9-2) said his second-round knockout win over Mikhail Korobkov (13-3) was only partially like going to the theater more than 30 years ago.

“It was kind of like the ‘Rocky (IV)’ movie,” Landwehr told MMAjunkie Radio. “At first, it was like, ‘Who is this guy?’ But after, I was having a great time. I was taking pictures with everybody. They were loving it. I can tell you out of all those fights, they probably remember me the most when they went home that night.”

But the 29-year-old Tennessee native said he doesn’t think the folks at M-1 Global are matchmaking their fights in order to prey on the renewed Russia vs. the United States sentiment permeating politics.

“They’re bringing in who they can bring in to make great matchups – that’s why I like M-1,” he said. “They’re bringing the best guys they can possibly bring in from anywhere, they’re matching them up – and that’s why this sport was made, to see whose style from where is the best. I’m all in. I’m ready.”

Landwehr’s fight against Korobkov was his first in nearly 11 month. That’s a layoff the featherweight wasn’t fond of. With six knockouts in his nine career wins, he wants to get back in there quickly.

And if that means taking another call from M-1 Global, he’s all about it. If he has to go back to Russia again, he believes he’ll be ready to go. Before M-1 Global 83, he had a couple fights in Pennsylvania and one in North Carolina – and the rest were in his home state of Tennessee.

“I think I just embraced the moment and killed it,” he said. “Now I’ve got it even more down pat. This next time, it’s going to be even more crazy. I just got that taste again after a long layoff, and I’m feeling great.”

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