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One of the more fascinating fights of the year takes place this Saturday in Dublin, Ireland when Yaroslav Amosov returns to Bellator for a welterweight title unification bout against Logan Storley.
Amosov, the reigning welterweight champ, has not fought since June 11, 2021. That was the night he won the title, defeating Douglas Lima by unanimous decision–but he has not been able to defend it. Amosov (26-0) left the sport last year to help defend his home of Ukraine, serving as a member of the Ukrainian military fighting off invading Russian troops.
MMA is a global entity, yet within the cage, it remains a tightly-connected world. Since returning to training, splitting his time between Germany and Poland, Amosov has discussed the war with a number of Russian fighters.
“Relations with some athletes have become colder,” says Amosov, speaking through a translator. “Many Russian fighters are of the opinion that they do not understand politics and nothing depends on them in this situation. But at the same time, many give me words of encouragement.”
Amosov appreciates that support, but noted that any positive remarks from Russian fighters are intended to be kept between them. There have been consequences for Russian fighters, Amosov added, who have spoken out against the war.
“Some fighters told me they’d liked my video, where I spoke in the first days of the war, and after that they were visited by people from the FSB [Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation],” Amosov says. “Many are simply afraid to speak out. And many do not understand what is happening because propaganda on TV and from the authorities works very hard in their country.
“People must know that the war continues and the occupiers of our country are acting as vilely, cynically, and inhumanly as possible. When they do not have success at the front, they throw rockets and drones at the civilian population. They kill women, children, and the elderly. They lie cynically, saying that they are saving us when they are destroying and blowing up our cities.”
Initially after leaving the war last spring, with his motivation to compete in MMA ripped away, Amosov contemplated retirement. But that changed as he distanced himself from the military. Inspired by each new day, Amosov has clutched onto the haunting memories of all those in Ukraine who suffered cold, undignified deaths by the cruel hands of war–and he has vowed to fight for them.
Amosov is well aware that Storley (14-1) is seeking revenge for the lone blemish on his record, which occurred in a split decision against Amosov in November of 2020. Since then, Storley has won three fights in a row, including the bout that crowned him interim champ. His wrestling causes a myriad of problems for opponents, and countering that has been a major part of Amosov’s preparation.
“I am working with great desire and energy,” Amosov says. “On the one hand, I understand that because of the war I have already lost at least a year of my professional career. But on the other hand, I understand that I have become much stronger mentally.
“Facing a real war, you realize that the fight in the cage is just a game. I also understand what a huge responsibility I now have in front of me, and I am ready.”
Training for the fight has been refreshing, as it remains a part of life that brings him joy.
“I didn’t think about MMA during the war,” says Amosov. “I forgot I was the champion. It wasn’t on my mind. We were being bombed. All I was thinking about was my country. People suffering and dying.
“I was really looking forward to training. It signifies some semblance of normalcy. It was hard at first, but once I got acclimated, it has been great.”
Amosov understands this is the most significant bout of his career. The reason for that holds far more significance than this being his first-ever title defense. Amosov desperately wants to win so he can shine an even brighter light on Ukraine.
“I cannot disappoint my countrymen,” Amosov says. “I need to focus on this fight. Once it is over, I will have a lot to say. This is my chance to tell the world what is happening in Ukraine.”
