UFC Might Make a Comeback to Russia, Says Putin's Envoy
Kirill Dmitriev has announced that efforts are underway to bring UFC events back to Russia. In a Telegram post on Sunday, the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and economic aide to President Vladimir Putin indicated a renewed commitment...
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Kirill Dmitriev has announced that efforts are underway to bring UFC events back to Russia. In a Telegram post on Sunday, the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and economic aide to President Vladimir Putin indicated a renewed commitment to re-establish connections with the global mixed martial arts community.
“We are working on the return of UFC tournaments to Russia,” Dmitriev stated.
His comments come amidst ongoing discussions between Moscow and Washington, including a meeting earlier this week in St. Petersburg with Steve Witkoff, a special envoy for former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The head of the RDIF has previously expressed his support for resuming UFC events in Russia. In early March, he encouraged Russian fans to “follow the news and believe” in the return of tournaments, following the victory of Russian fighter Magomed Ankalaev, who became the first UFC light heavyweight champion from the nation. Ankalaev earned this title by defeating Brazil’s Alex Pereira via unanimous decision in five rounds at UFC 313 in Las Vegas.
UFC President Dana White has also mentioned that the organization could return to Russia if diplomatic relations between Washington and Moscow improve. “Trump and Putin have to figure this thing out, you know what I mean? Then we’ll do it,” he said during a tournament appearance, as reported in a video on YouTube.
Despite facing international sanctions, Russian fighters have remained active in the global MMA scene. The International Olympic Committee recommended in February 2022 that sports federations exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes from competitions. Although this led to the exclusion of many Russian athletes from international events, major MMA promotions like UFC, Bellator, and One FC have continued to allow Russian fighters to compete.
Since 2018, the RDIF, along with various international co-investors, has collaborated with UFC Russia to enhance the development of the mixed martial arts industry in the country, hosting three UFC tournaments in Russia between 2018 and 2019.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
“We are working on the return of UFC tournaments to Russia,” Dmitriev stated.
His comments come amidst ongoing discussions between Moscow and Washington, including a meeting earlier this week in St. Petersburg with Steve Witkoff, a special envoy for former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The head of the RDIF has previously expressed his support for resuming UFC events in Russia. In early March, he encouraged Russian fans to “follow the news and believe” in the return of tournaments, following the victory of Russian fighter Magomed Ankalaev, who became the first UFC light heavyweight champion from the nation. Ankalaev earned this title by defeating Brazil’s Alex Pereira via unanimous decision in five rounds at UFC 313 in Las Vegas.
UFC President Dana White has also mentioned that the organization could return to Russia if diplomatic relations between Washington and Moscow improve. “Trump and Putin have to figure this thing out, you know what I mean? Then we’ll do it,” he said during a tournament appearance, as reported in a video on YouTube.
Despite facing international sanctions, Russian fighters have remained active in the global MMA scene. The International Olympic Committee recommended in February 2022 that sports federations exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes from competitions. Although this led to the exclusion of many Russian athletes from international events, major MMA promotions like UFC, Bellator, and One FC have continued to allow Russian fighters to compete.
Since 2018, the RDIF, along with various international co-investors, has collaborated with UFC Russia to enhance the development of the mixed martial arts industry in the country, hosting three UFC tournaments in Russia between 2018 and 2019.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
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