Ukrainian martial arts stars promised to defend the country from the Russian invasion (Photo: Montage/SUPER FIGHTS)
The attack by Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, who authorized his army's attack in the regions of Kiev and Kharkiv, in Ukraine, on the 24th, sent a warning signal of terror to the world. The invasion was the trigger for a conflict that, to date, has left, according to a UOL report on February 28, 64 dead and another 2040 injured.
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With a war situation, panic in the news and fear on the faces of local populations, we analyze how this historical fact can affect combat sports around the world. With less than a week of confrontation between the powers, it is possible to see how the moment can affect sporting entities.
The geopolitical drama involving Russia and Ukraine did not begin last week. The trigger, however, came after Vladimir Putin recognized the independence of two separatist provinces in neighboring territory and, subsequently, ordered the invasion of the region.
In addition to the terror of war itself, which puts innocent people at total risk of extermination, sports fans are afraid to see idols enlisting in the army to defend their flag. Names from MMA and boxing have already expressed their desire to fight for their people.
Klitschko brothers – Ukrainian boxing legends
Klitschko brothers joined Ukrainian troops for war (Photo: Reproduction/Instagram)
Ukrainian boxing legends, brothers Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko were news in the world of sports this week. Willing to defend their country and population, the former boxers confirmed that they will join their troops for war.
Today, Vitali is mayor of the city of Kiev, capital of Ukraine. In an interview with 'Good Morning Britain', the former world champion in the 'noble art' was sincere in stating that everything will be done to maintain the population's lives as much as possible.
“It is a very difficult situation. We are facing one of the largest and strongest armies in the world. We have to defend our families, our country and our cities. We have no other choice. Ukraine has always been a peaceful country, with peaceful people, but at this moment, we will have to take up arms and fight,” said Vitali.
Champions at the ready
O. Usyk and V. Lomachenko also took up arms to defend the country (Photo: Instagram/UKRBoxing)
Experiencing one of his greatest moments as a boxing professional, Oleksandr Usyk is yet another to put his gloves aside to dedicate himself to trying to keep his population safe. Executioner of Anthony Joshua and current heavyweight champion for the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO, the Ukrainian made himself available to defend his flag and is already in Ukraine.
Two-time Olympic champion and former WBO champion in three weight divisions, Vasyl Lomachenko is also serving in a battalion defending his hometown of Bilhorod-Dnistrovsky, in the south of the country.
From boxing to MMA
Y. Amosov is the Bellator welterweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Within MMA, the number of athletes representing Russia continues to grow considerably. The country has already presented fans with talents such as Fedor Emelianenko, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Petr yan, Vadim nemkov, and also has prospects, such as Islam makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov, Among others.
On the Ukrainian side, the highlight is Yaroslav Amosov, Bellator welterweight champion (up to 77kg), who has already made clear his desire to defend his country in armed struggle. In a long outburst on social media, the athlete stated that he was absent from the conflict to take his family to a safe place, but confirmed that he will not abandon the country in times of difficulty.
“Many will think that I ran away, that I'm hiding or something like that, but that's not true. I took my family to a safety zone. Now, I have returned and will defend this country to the best of my ability. (…) Russia came to our house and started a war here. Many people are dying (…)”, said the fighter.
Also representative of Ukraine, Maryna moroz did not remain silent. Flyweight fighter (up to 56,7kg) in Ultimate, the athlete sent a direct message to Vladimir Putin.
“F*** you (Vladimir). I love my country. Don't touch Ukraine. (…) It is a difficult time for Ukraine. I want to support my country, my president, the entire Ukrainian army and I want to say that we do not want war. I’m worried about my family at the moment,” he said.
Closely linked to martial arts, Vladimir Putin loses decorations after invasion
V. Putin lost decorations in judo and taekwondo (Photo: Reproduction/Twitter)
Vladimir Putin has always had a strong connection with martial arts. A black belt in judo since the age of 18, the president was honored, in 2012, with the red and white belt of eighth dan and with the title of honorary president and ambassador of the sport by the International Judo Federation (IJF), but his honors were suspended after recent events.
In addition to judo, Putin lost decorations in taekwondo. Following the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee, World Taekwondo removed the president's ninth dan honorific black belt, awarded in 2013. The institution also announced that it will suspend the raising of the flag and the playing of the anthem of Russia and Belarus in all competitions .
How does war affect other sports?
Russian team will not be able to compete in the World Cup (Photo: Instagram/TeamRussia)
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine already has a direct impact on other aspects. The Ukrainian Football Federation has already suspended the championship. The rounds should have started on February 25th. Some Brazilians who work in the country even disembarked on Brazilian soil on the morning of March 1st.
Still in football, there was a change in the location of the traditional final UEFA Champions League. The decisive match, which would previously take place in Russia, precisely in Saint Petersburg, will now be held in Paris, on May 28th.
A weighty decision marked the last day of February. FIFA, football's largest organization, decided to suspend Russia from all international competitions. As a result, the team is cut out of the World Cup, which takes place at the end of 2022.
In Formula 1, there has also been change. The Grand Prix in the Russian city of Sochi, scheduled for September 25, will no longer be held there. After showing discomfort on the part of some drivers, the FIA (International Automobile Federation) decided to remove the GP from the initial schedule.
The men's volleyball world tournament also underwent drastic changes. Scheduled to take place in Russia, in the months of August and September, the tournament will no longer have the territory as its headquarters. The announcement was made by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) this Tuesday (1). There is still no information about the new country that will host the teams for the championship.
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