Johan Hegg calls for ban of Russian fighters from UFC events

16 March 2022

Amon Amarth vocalist Johan Hegg has called for the ban of Russian fighters from UFC Events. Hegg recently tweeted out about the same in the light of UFC London which is set to be headlined by Russian Heavyweight Alexander Volkov and British star Tom Aspinall.

“As long as @ufc allows Russian fighters to compete and make money, while children die in Ukraine, @ufc will not get my money. I have now cancelled my fight pass. Athletes represent their country and regime. Allowing Russian fighters to compete is to support Putin,” Hegg wrote on Twitter last day.

Russia has been facing a long list of sports sanctions after initiating a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Last day, ONE Championship had taken away Russian fighters from their upcoming cards in Singapore and noted that the fighters would be paid their show money. The International Judo Federation had also restricted the Russian athletes from using the Russian flag for their events.

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British Boxing Board had last day banned Russian and Belarusian boxers from competing in pro boxing events in the United Kingdom.

Hegg further went on to clarify his take and added that what is happening in Ukraine is bigger than what was seen during World War II.

“I feel I have to clarify my point of view. I love watching @ufc, and I have nothing but respect for the skill and dedication of the athletes competing in the octagon. What is happening right now in Ukraine is a tragedy. It’s the biggest war we’ve seen in Europe since WWII,” he added.

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What do you think of the take from Hegg? Do you think UFC should ban Russian fighters from their upcoming cards? Let us know in the comments below.