Just a year and a day on from the day that Russia invaded his home country of Ukraine, Bellator MMA world champion Yaroslav Amosov, who went back to serve his country during this period, marked a successful return to the ring with a win over interim champion Logan Storley in the main event of Bellator 291 in Dublin, Ireland.

Prior to this bout, he had not fought inside the Bellator MMA cage as he was busy with something even greater. The then-reigning welterweight champion from Ukraine stepped away from the limelight in order to defend his country against the Russian aggression in the summer of 2021.

He had a welterweight bout scheduled against Britain’s Michael Page for May 2022, but it eventually got postponed because of his decision to join the war effort. Page then took on American Logan Storley  for the interim welterweight championship and ended up losing, makign Storley the interim champion.

Amosov then made a grand return to the octagon by winning back his title from Storley in Ireland.

He had gotten an outstanding ovation and an immense welcome when he walked to the cage wearing a yellow and blue t-shirt emblazoned with the words “Colors of Freedom” on it.

The Ukrainian dominated and outclassed his American opponent all throughout the bout leaving no margin for error. As a result, all the judges scored the fight in his favour.

The 29-year-old dedicated his victory to Ukraine and its people who are still carrying on the fight against Russia. “Ukrainian people, I love you. I love you my people,” Amosov said, with tears of emotion evident. “Please do not forget what is happening.”

Amosov now stands at 27-0 in his career which makes him the longest undefeated fighter active in MMA. In fact, only former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has a better record than him in the sport’s history at 29-0. Explore more about MMA matches and betting in Nextbet. 

Amosov’s decision to take part in the war effort first came to light in April 2021. He had posted a video of himself recovering his world championship belt from the rubble of his home in Irpin which went viral on social media.