MMA promotion KSW announced Monday that it has canceled a Russian fighter’s upcoming bout in protest of his home country’s invasion of Ukraine.
Shamil Musaev, an unbeaten former M-1 standout, won’t compete on March 19th at KSW 68 as originally planned, a decision KSW considers “ethically justifiable” as Russia wages war against neighboring Ukraine.
“Due to the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine, KSW has made a tough, albeit ethically justifiable, decision to cancel Russian fighter Shamil Musaev’s fight, which was scheduled for KSW 68 on March 19th in Radom,” KSW said in a statement.
Due to the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine, KSW has made a tough, albeit ethically justifiable, decision to cancel Russian fighter Shamil Musaev’s fight, which was scheduled for KSW 68 on March 19th in Radom.
— KSW (@KSW_MMA) February 28, 2022
Poland, which is home to KSW, has been a staunch ally of Ukraine. Since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the military assault last week, tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees have been welcomed to Poland, which borders Ukraine to the west.
Musaev’s (15-0-1) fight cancellation is another example of Russian athletes dealing with consequences because of Putin’s decision to wage war. The International Olympic Committee has recommended banning Russian athletes from international competition. FIFA has taken measures against Russia over the invasion of Ukraine.
