BELLATOR champion Yaroslav Amosov has withdrawn from his next title fight to defend Ukraine amid Russia's invasion.

The welterweight was due to put his belt on the line against Britain's Michael "Venom" Page on Friday, May 13 in London.

But it was announced unbeaten Amosov has now been replaced as he bravely defends his nation against Vladimir Putin's Russia.

Bellator president Scott Coker said: “Like the rest of the world, we’ve been shocked by the tragic events in Ukraine and the thoughts of everyone at BellatorMMA are with Yaroslav and all the Ukrainian people during this time.

“We wish he and his family the best and look forward to seeing him return safely to happier times, both inside and out of the Bellator cage.”

Amosov, 28, won the title in his last fight in June against Brazilian star Douglas Lima, 34.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

Meet hero boxers fighting on Ukraine front line against Russia including Usyk

Usyk expected to leave Ukraine and start training for blockbuster AJ rematch

But he will now be replaced by American Logan Storley, 29, who recently beat Neiman Gracie, 33, in February.

Storley fills in as a replacement to fight Page, 34, for the 'interim' welterweight belt.

Amosov revealed he had evacuated his family to a ‘safe zone’ and warned he would continue to fight for Ukraine.

He said on Instagram: “Probably, many will think that I ran away, I’m hiding or something like that, but this is not so.

Most read in MMA

"I took my family to the safe zone. Now I have returned and will defend this country as best I can, with what I can.

"I love this country, our own. Russia came to our house and started a war here, many people are dying — innocents, women and children.

"We are in a real war. I cannot understand those people who do not believe that Russian troops entered Ukraine.

"I see it with my own eyes, I hear it. Terrible things are happening here."

Source: Read Full Article