Bellator champion Yaroslav Amosov to remain in Ukraine, ‘defend this nation as greatest I can’

Bellator champion Yaroslav Amosov stated Saturday he’ll keep in his native Ukraine and “defend this nation as greatest I can” towards Russia’s invasion.

Amosov, Bellator’s welterweight title-holder, stated in a video posted to Instagram that he took his household to a “protected zone,” however has now returned to Ukraine, the place he’ll stay and combat. Amosov spoke Ukrainian within the video and the English translation of his feedback was confirmed to ESPN by his supervisor Andrey Spivachuk.

“In all probability, many will suppose that I ran away, I am hiding or one thing like that, however this isn’t so,” stated Amosov, ESPN’s No. 7-ranked welterweight fighter. “I took my household to the protected zone. Now I’ve returned and can defend this nation as greatest I can, with what I can. I like this nation, our personal. Russia got here to our home and began a conflict right here, many individuals are dying — innocents, ladies and youngsters.

“We’re in an actual conflict. I can’t perceive these individuals who don’t consider that Russian troops entered Ukraine. I see it with my very own eyes, I hear it. Horrible issues are occurring right here.”

Ukrainian boxing legends Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko said they plan to take up arms to defend towards the invasion. Vitali is the mayor of Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, and Wladimir enlisted in Ukraine’s reserve military earlier this month because the nation braced for an assault.

Former three-division champion Vasiliy Lomachenko, ESPN’s No. eight pound-for-pound boxer, has additionally joined a territorial defense battalion in Ukraine.

Amosov, 28, is undefeated at 26-Zero and thought of the most effective up-and-coming MMA fighters on the earth. He beat Douglas Lima to win the Bellator welterweight title final June through unanimous resolution. He is an ideal 7-Zero in Bellator.

Amosov stays scheduled to defend his welterweight title for the primary time towards Michael Web page on Could 13 at Bellator London.