Yaroslav Amosov, the Ukrainian welterweight mixed-martial arts (MMA) competitor (29–1) made a sensational UFC debut, submitting seasoned American Neil Magny in the first round at UFC Vegas 112 in Las Vegas on Dec. 13. Moments after his emphatic victory, the former Bellator champion used the spotlight to deliver a powerful and deeply personal message about Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The bout took place at the UFC Apex on the night of Dec. 13. Amosov, the former Bellator (a lesser known fighting league) champion and a decorated combat sambo master, needed less than five minutes to demonstrate why he is considered one of the most dangerous men in the welterweight (up to 170 pounds, 77.1 kilos) division.
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After a brief tactical exchange , Amosov executed a flawless takedown and locked in a suffocating anaconda choke, forcing the tap-out from the winningest welterweight in UFC history.
The victory improved Amosov’s professional record to 29 wins with just 1 loss.
“War is not the Octagon”
Speaking to reporters after the fight, Amosov addressed the often-used combat sports cliché of “going to war” in the cage – and firmly rejected the comparison.
He stressed that real war bears no resemblance to grueling training camps or extreme weight cuts.
“If you don’t know what war really is, shut up,” Amosov said, his voice calm but heavy. “War is not the Octagon. It’s not a hard training camp or a difficult weight cut. It’s a reality where you or your friend can die at any second. My country has been living this for four years.”
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Amosov revealed that memories of his wartime experience often surface during difficult moments in competition – and serve as a source of inner strength.
“When things get hard in a fight, I think about how hard it was for me during the war. After that, everything in sport feels easier,” he explained.
For Amosov, fighting is no longer just about titles or rankings, but about representing Ukraine and lifting spirits during a time of national trauma.
“If I can give even a little positive emotion to our soldiers, I’m happy. If I can do something good for my country, that’s the most important thing,” he said.
Amosov’s words carry the weight of someone who has seen the front lines. In early 2022, at the peak of his career, he famously withdrew from a high-profile title defense in London to join Ukraine’s Territorial Defense Forces. He spent months on the ground during the defense of the Kyiv region, later releasing a viral video of himself retrieving his world title belt from the ruins of his family home in Irpin after the Russian retreat.
As Ukraine continues to endure Russia’s full-scale invasion, athletes like Amosov serve as vital symbols of resilience. His debut wasn’t just a win; it was a reminder that while the lights of Las Vegas are bright, the shadow of the war in Eastern Europe remains the defining reality for Ukraine’s greatest champions.