IT was billed as the global M-1 challenge at Harvey Hadden on Saturday night. In truth it was more A52 (with roadworks).

The first half of the show, the Russian Legion v the Europe/World team, was dull to say the least. For the record the Russians won 4-1.

The fact that there were numerous team changes and the wrong ring was delivered – it should have had five ropes – didn't help with fighters rolling onto the apron.

The second half was far better as the Red Devils whitewashed Team USA 5-0.

There was a bit of needle to this one, as several of the Americans had struggled to make the weight. Indeed, there were very real doubts that some of the fights would go ahead.

There was trouble outside after top-of-the-bill Wayne Buck lost out to Italian hard-man Matteo Minonzio for the second time.

Minonzio reopened up a cut on Buck's cheek in the first round and he went down by the ropes.

He motioned with his hand, but top referee Marc Goddard ruled that he had tapped out and called the fight off – despite protests from Buck's corner and boos from his army of over 300 fans.

Jimmy Wallhead, with Dan Hardy working his corner, stopped Swiss-based Brazilian Igor Araujo after 1-19 of the first – again to protests from the opposition – while Nottingham's Cliff Hall was knocked out by the well-supported Chris Smith after 33 seconds of the second round.

Cage Warriors boss Tony McDonagh admitted some of the action was "poor".

"It was a strange show," he said. "There were some poor fights, no question. But overall, I think it was a good show.

"Christian Smith's fight with Cliff Hall was fantastic. I would have liked to see Jimmy Wallhead's last longer and the debate over Wayne Buck will no doubt rage for some time."

Affable UFC star Michael Bisping spent the night posing for pictures and signing autographs. Rico Rodriguez was also there, along with Kongo, Cage Warriors world champion Gegard Mousasi and Aleksander Emelianenko, brother of undefeated Fedor.