The MMA Draw Newsletter

The MMA Draw Newsletter

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The MMA Draw Newsletter
The MMA Draw Newsletter
Caught in the Crosshair: Exploring the role of combat sports in the Russia-Ukraine war

Caught in the Crosshair: Exploring the role of combat sports in the Russia-Ukraine war

Combat sports have emerged as a tool for recruiting soldiers, platforming wartime propaganda, and as a target of international sanctions.

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Karim Zidan
Apr 25, 2023
∙ Paid
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The MMA Draw Newsletter
The MMA Draw Newsletter
Caught in the Crosshair: Exploring the role of combat sports in the Russia-Ukraine war
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Illustration by Chris Rini

When Russia first launched its brutal war in Ukraine in February 2022, footage of a Ukrainian mixed martial arts fighter being tortured began to circulate on Telegram. 

The footage appeared to show former MMA fighter Maxim Ryndovskiy being abused by a group of unknown assailants. One of the videos showed the victim seated on a c…

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