Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Physical Culture and Sports Dmitry Svishchev commented on the decision of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to lift the ban on fighters carrying the national flag during the fight. Svishchev quotes his words TASS.
“Such decisions show an unwillingness to engage in politics in any way. These are adopted for the benefit of the development and dissemination of sports and against discrimination,” said Svishchev.
In the spring of 2022, UFC President Dana White canceled the appearance of fighters with flags.
The closest UFC tournament in which a Russian fighter will participate will be UFC 294. It will take place on October 21. The main fight of the night will be the fight between Russian Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira. This will be a championship fight for the lightweight belt. Makhachev defended his title against Alex Volkanovski in February.
Former MP Svetlana Zhurova appreciated The UFC’s decision to allow Russians to fight under the flag.