Hasanali Hasanaliev, the trainer behind UFC fighter Victoria Lipova, confirmed that Lipova will face American Jin Yu Frey in a bout set to the rhythm of the song I am Russian by SHAMAN. The confirmation comes as Lipova continues to build momentum in her growing mixed martial arts career, a path marked by discipline, hard work, and a rising profile within the sport. Lipova has trained intensely to be in peak form for this matchup, focusing on sharpening technique, endurance, and strategic game planning that can translate into a compelling performance inside the octagon. (Sports24)
According to Hasanaliev, Lipova has long submitted this particular song for her entrances to UFC events, and the plan is to deliver a memorable walkout while performing that track. He noted that the team had not received any pushback or formal changes, suggesting that Lipova’s choice of music is finalized and aligned with her camp’s strategy. The decision to accompany Lipova’s fight with this music has become part of how she presents herself under the UFC banner, reflecting a blend of personal expression and professional preparation. (Sports24)
The bout is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on October 21, as part of UFC 294, a card that draws fighters from around the globe and generates significant attention in North American and international fight communities. The event’s location in the United Arab Emirates adds an additional layer of global reach and cultural exchange to Lipova’s ongoing journey in the sport. (Sports24)
Lipova, a 24-year-old from Russia, enters this upcoming fight with an undefeated record, carrying seven wins from seven professional bouts. Her MMA debut occurred on September 25, 2020, when she faced and defeated fellow Russian Irina Degtyareva, marking the start of a promising career that has shown rapid development and a growing fan base. Her rise has been accompanied by careful coaching, relentless training camps, and a focus on evolving every aspect of her game to compete at the highest levels. (Sports24)
In other UFC 294 news, UFC President Dana White recently stated that the promotion allows athletes of all nationalities, including Russians, to compete wearing their national flags. This stance marks a shift from an earlier policy in the spring of 2022, when UFC briefly prohibited fighters from presenting their national symbols during fights in order to reduce potential discrimination or controversy around flags associated with different countries. The evolving approach reflects an ongoing conversation about representation, identity, and the global nature of mixed martial arts. (Sports24)
In the main event of UFC 294 on October 21, Russian fighter Islam Makhachev will defend his title against Australian contender Alex Volkanovski, a matchup that has drawn substantial interest from fans in North America and beyond. The bout adds to a diverse lineup that highlights the sport’s international reach and the continuing evolution of title competition within the UFC. (Sports24)
There have also been moments when gym teams and athletes were encouraged to consider symbolic gestures, such as flag display, as part of their entrance rituals. In one earlier instance, Duduova was asked to bring a Russian flag, underscoring how fighters’ identities and national symbols can intersect with the spectacle of a UFC show. These discussions illustrate the careful balance between personal pride and organizational guidelines that shape fight night experiences. (Sports24)