On February 16th, the Namazon Club hosted the traditional female power competition for Maslenitsa 2017. The girls competed in two categories: arm wrestling and submission grappling, where victory required forcing the opponent to submit. This time there were four participants in the 60+ kg weight category:

• Viktoria Vardugina (68 kg) — a multiple winner of power competitions organized by Namazon Club, specializing mainly in arm wrestling;
• Elena Vasileva (74 kg) — a well-known arm wrestler who also practices grappling, MMA and rugby;
• Oxana Grigorenko (62 kg), who practices wrestling and MMA at the club;
• Alyona Piven (61 kg), specializing in grappling.

Namazon Club was represented by Alyona Piven and Oxana Grigorenko. Elena Vasileva took part in arm wrestling only.

ARM WRESTLING. In the semifinals Piven faced Vardugina and Grigorenko faced Vasileva. In both pairs, on both hands, the more experienced arm wrestlers Elena Vasileva and Viktoria Vardugina won relatively easily and met in the final. As a result, winning on both hands, the more titled Elena took first place, with Viktoria second. In the fight for third place, on the left and right hand, Oxana defeated Alyona.

WRESTLING (SUBMISSION GRAPPLING). The girls wrestled each against each. Oxana Grigorenko came first, defeating both Viktoria and Alyona with a large margin. The bout for second place was exceptionally hard-fought. The rules provided for two five-minute rounds with a two-minute break. The result was a draw. To determine the winner, after rest it was decided to hold another five-minute round, in which Alyona Piven won by choke.

The bout between Alyona Piven and Viktoria Vardugina was in many ways a matter of principle. Alyona has been practicing grappling at the club for a relatively short time, progresses every session and has achieved significant success in that time. It remained to be seen how her match with Viktoria would end.