Putin’s Envoy Announces Possibility to Reintroduce UFC to Russia

(MENAFN) Efforts are actively in motion to reestablish UFC competitions in Russia, according to a Telegram post shared on Sunday by Kirill Dmitriev, President Vladimir Putin’s economic adviser.

Dmitriev, who also holds the position of Chief Executive Officer at the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), revealed that plans are progressing to welcome the popular mixed martial arts organization back into the country. He stated, “We are working on the return of UFC tournaments to Russia.”

This announcement coincides with ongoing negotiations between Moscow and Washington. Earlier this week, Dmitriev engaged in discussions with Steve Witkoff, a special representative of former US President Donald Trump, during a visit to St. Petersburg.

Dmitriev has shown public support for the revival of UFC activities in Russia before. Back in early March, shortly after Russian fighter Magomed Ankalaev achieved a historic win, he encouraged supporters to “follow the news and believe” in the return of such events.

Ankalaev’s unanimous decision victory over Brazil’s Alex Pereira at UFC 313 in Las Vegas earned him the title of Russia’s first UFC light heavyweight champion.

Dana White, the head of the UFC, has also expressed that the organization may return to Russia depending on the state of US-Russia diplomatic relations. “Trump and Putin have to figure this thing out, you know what I mean? Then we’ll do it,” White stated to fans at a UFC event, in a video uploaded to YouTube.

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