UFC’s Dana White states it ‘never stopped’ collaborating with Russian fighters
(MENAFN) UFC President Dana White confirmed that the organization has never stopped working with Russian fighters, despite international political tensions. During a post-fight press conference following UFC on ESPN 66 in Kansas City, White responded to a question about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aide, Kirill Dmitriev, who mentioned ongoing discussions to bring UFC events back to Russia.
While White did not specifically confirm the discussions, he made it clear that UFC's collaboration with Russian athletes has remained uninterrupted. “We never stopped,” White said. “Our fighters still fought, and those things all happened during all that.” He emphasized that Russian athletes have continued to be part of the UFC, even during times of political strain and global sanctions, stressing that the UFC operates as a global business and will continue as it always has, regardless of external challenges.
In April, Dmitriev, who serves as Putin’s special representative for investment and economic cooperation, revealed efforts to bring UFC events back to Russia. Dmitriev, also CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), has played a significant role in Russia-U.S. diplomatic relations, especially regarding the conflict in Ukraine.
The RDIF has been working with UFC Russia since 2018 to promote mixed martial arts in the country. Dmitriev also encouraged Russian fans to stay hopeful for the UFC’s return, following Magomed Ankalaev’s victory at UFC 313, where he became the first Russian fighter to win the UFC light heavyweight title. White previously suggested that the full return of UFC events to Russia would depend on improved diplomatic relations.
In 2022, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended banning Russian and Belarusian athletes from global events, but organizations like UFC, Bellator, and One FC did not follow this recommendation. Despite international sanctions, Russian fighters have continued to compete in major MMA promotions.
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