Two Olympic medallists are switching combat sports, training footage hints at intense preparation and an Arena showcase this summer.
Olympic medalists Zhan Beleniuk and Parviz Nasibov are preparing for their debut in mixed martial arts. The Ukrainians, at the final stage of their athletic careers, will venture into the world of MMA.
Promo clips for Arena, the league’s new promotion, appeared on the league’s Instagram account. The organization is led by former UFC fighter Ludvik Sholinyan, who has taken on the role of president.
The promo video also features other MMA representatives – the brothers Dmytro and Vladyslav Parubchenko, Bovar Khanakov, and Artem “Aggressor”.
The opponents’ names for Beleniuk and Nasibov are currently under wraps.
Outlook for Future Fights and the Athletes’ Path
For Beleniuk, this will be his first appearance in MMA and his first bout since ending a 24-year career in Greco-Roman wrestling. The well-known Ukrainian athlete ended his competitive career after earning a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympic Games, completing a full set of medals.
Parviz Nasibov will also debut in Arena’s promotion – a two-time Olympic medalist (silver in 2020 and 2024). Unlike Beleniuk, Nasibov continued his athletic career: his last participation was at the 2025 World Championship, where he finished eighth, but boosted his world ranking.
It is noted that the tournament will take place on July 11 under the Arena banner. The organization’s president is former UFC fighter Ludvik Sholinyan.
In Lviv, a mixed martial arts tournament “Idu na Vy. Under the Sign of the Lion” was also held, which confirmed the preparation of Ukrainian athletes for future debuts in MMA.
Events around the debuts of Beleniuk and Nasibov are drawing heightened interest from fans: the combination of classic wrestling with the dynamics of mixed martial arts promises spectacular fights and new faces on the Ukrainian MMA stage.