Ukrainians in UFC: Why fail and who can become a nation break in the octagon | MMA

It would seem that in a country with a powerful martial arts school, Olympic champions of fighting and talented strikers should be full of representatives in the main MMA organization of the world. But the reality is different: Ukrainian fighters in the UFC can be listed on the fingers of one hand, and even those who broke there for a long time did not stay.

Someone has debut loudly, but quickly faded. Someone impressed in regional promotions, but was lost against the backdrop of world stars. And some Ukrainians became heroes of scandals, not victories. And this issue is not only to athletes – the problem is a comprehensive problem: from weak managerial support and lack of promo to the mental barrier and lack of experience in the big arena.

In this article, we mention everyone who represented Ukraine in the UFC, understand why ours are not delayed in the tops of ratings, and we are looking for the answer to the main question: when the octagon will appear one who will really be able to lift the championship belt?

Igor Potary (21-8)

Potary is one of those who tried to pave the way in the UFC, and for some time even it seemed that it could be a new Ukrainian breakthrough. The fighter from Kiev began his professional career in 2017, and gradually gained momentum in regional leagues.

Potary attracted the attention of the world MMA-community after winning the show Dana White’s Contender Series, where he spent its opponent and literally persuaded Dana White to give him a chance in the main octagon of the world.

However, the path in UFC for Igor was much more complicated. His debut against Nicholas Negumerian in August 2022 ended with a painful defeat of a technical knockout. Then there was a magnificent victory over Mauricio « Shogun » Rua, the legend of MMA, but that battle was rather farewell to the Brazilian than a serious test for the Ukrainian. In the subsequent battles, Potary was unable to show stability again: there were defeats and criticism for insufficient endurance, and doubts about whether he was really ready for UFC level.

The history of the Ukrainian in the Topova organization ended in January 2025. Igor sent to a cruel knockout of UFC Marko Tulio already in the third minute of battle. Potary was unable to recover quickly from this defeat, By announcing first about pause in a career and then about departure From the best mma-agreed world.

Marina Moroz (11-6)

Marina Moroz became the first Ukrainian woman to get to UFC. Her debut in 2015 was a real sensation: a 23-year-old native of the Dnieper region in just 90 seconds, she strangled the contender for Joanne Caldewood title, shocking viewers and experts. For that performance, she received a bonus for the « speech of the evening », and fans immediately talked about a « new star from Ukraine ».

However, the star up was only the beginning of a difficult path. After the debut victory, Marina began to alternate success with defeat. She showed character, technical struggle and endurance, but did not always cope with the pressing of more experienced rivals. Her style was sometimes criticized for caution, and her career was inhibited by injuries, long breaks and visa problems. However, the frost has always returned, and, importantly, even stronger every time.

In 2022, her popularity flew with new vigor: Marina began to actively develop social networks, appeared in Playboy, She was starred She became one of the most recognizable Ukrainian athletes in the United States. But even in spite of this media hip, new challenges are waiting for her octagon.

Now Marina goes to a series of three in a row, but that does not mean the end of her career. The 33-year-old Ukrainian has a large fan lane in America and is unlikely to be released. However, unfortunately champion ambitions can be forgotten.

Nikita « Fan of Russian Measure » Krylov (30-10)

Nikita Krylov is one of the most famous mixed martial arts fighters born in Ukraine, but today it looks like a traitor and a « encumbered » fighter with a Russian flag for all fans today.

The Donetsk Seizure became the first Ukrainian to go to the UFC Octagon in 2013. However, with the beginning of the Russo-Ukrainian War, Krylov’s behavior raised many questions. Neither condemnation of Russian aggression, nor positions in support of the Ukrainian army, nor even yellow-blue flag on the shoulders. He was silent or turned away – and this is despite the fact that his hometown was occupied.

After the start of a full -scale invasion of Krylov became a « neutral » fighter, and soon publicly announced the change of citizenship on Russian. Karma quickly caught up with Nikita and the next day he He suffered shameful defeat From the UFC veteran Dominica Regis, going to the knockout in the first round. He now has a record of 30 wins for 10 defeats, and, of course, no ghostly dreams about the title.

Denis Bondar (14-5)

The Ukrainian « Star », which glowed only three fights. One of the most promising Ukrainian fighters of his time. Before coming to the UFC, he had a solid record, was based on Grepling and Sambo, and showed an aggressive, spectacular style.

Its signing with the UFC in 2021 caused a wave of optimism among Ukrainian MMA fans, it seemed that an athlete was finally appeared, capable of punching the « ceiling » of the world soaked. However The reality was rigid. He made his first battle in the UFC only in February 2022, and in the debut Bondar lost to American Malkommus Gordon.

The next two battles ended worse: Sabmisnn from Ronaldo Rodriguez in 2023 and the defeat of Carlos Ernandez in February 2024 put a point in his UFC career. CooperUndoubtedly, he had talent and perspective, but Dana White does not forgive weakness.

Ascar Mozarov (19-13)

The most controversial figure among Ukrainian fighters who got to UFC. His debut in the most prestigious League of MMA was a real information explosion, but for other reasons than fans expected. Before entering Octagon, it turned out that Mozarov manipulated his own record for years, « rubbing » defeats and falsifying the results on Sherdog and other databases. His real record was significantly worse than the stated, and this instantly caused the scandal in the media.

In June 2022, Ascar won the only battle in UFC against American Alonzo Mefield. He looked confused – the American fighter finished it without much difficulty in the first round with a technical knockout. After that, the UFC immediately terminated the contract with Mozarov.

The Ukrainian later received disqualification for half a year for doping, which his professional career ended. Now the 30-year-old fighter lives in Dubai, becoming a « cryptocurrency ».

Sergey Sideus (12-2)

Canadian of Ukrainian descent, which in 2024 received a contract due to the victory over Ramon Taveras. His quick signing with the UFC was a surprise for many, because at that time Sergei had a good record in regional tournaments, but was not particularly famous in wide mma-cola.

Unfortunately, Sergei’s debut was not very successful. In a three -rand bloody fighter with the same Ramon Taeras, the fighter was defeated. Later, he managed to rehabilitate for the unfortunate start in the UFC to the American over American Garrett Armfield, this time the arbitrators did not doubt the dominance of the Ukrainian.

On the eve of Sidus spent a duel against American Cameron Smozermann at the UFC on ESPN 67. The match ended unanimous decision of judges in favor of Sidey.

Now the 28-year-old passenger car is the only representative in the male roster of the best soaked world from Ukraine. We hope his career at Dana White will only be gaining momentum.

Ludwik Sholinan (9-2-1)

Another Ukrainian who managed to get to the UFC, although the path was atypical. Born in Ukraine a fighter of Armenian descent, the Sholinans initially moved to the United States, where he began to professionally engage in MMA. His main force was the struggle, because he has a solid experience in Greco-Roman style, which helped him stand out among other newcomers.

Sholinan gained his chance because of his participation in The Ultimate Fighter 29, where he proved himself as a hardworking and disciplined fighter. In 2021 he spoke at the UFC Vegas 36 tournament, failing against British Jack Schora. Despite the defeat of a unanimous decision of the judges, Ludwik did not look hopeless, especially given the short notice of the fight and the level of the opponent.

Unfortunately, the development of a career was stopped by the war. After a full -scale invasion of Russia, the Scholinians paused, returning to Octagon in November. At the end of 2022, Ludwik suffered a second defeat, giving way to Johnny munus a unanimous decision of the judges. The organization did not give him another chance to correct the situation, and the contract with him was completed.

Despite all the ups and falls, the Ukrainian MMA has a chance for revenge, and the name of this chance is already well known in the world octagon. Yaroslav Amosov, the former Bellator champion, remains the main hope of the country. Now he « sits without work », but if he goes to the UFC, it can be a real breakthrough for the Ukrainian MMA, because for the first time it will be not about survival, but about the real struggle for the title. We will talk about Yaroslav in the following material.