Ukrainian MMA fighter Ryndovsky announced his desire to obtain Russian citizenship

Maxim Ryndovsky, Honored Master of Sports of Ukraine in sambo, as well as the current world and European champion in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, said that he would like to receive a passport of a Russian citizen. As the athlete said on August 14, he moved to Russia after 2022 and feels like "one of his own" here.

He noted that it is not possible for him to return home now, since there is a "political junta" in power in Ukraine.

"I feel like I belong here among my own people. I'm glad to be here. From the first days, as soon as I arrived, I feel at home. And, of course, if there is an opportunity to become a Russian citizen, I will be glad of it," TASS quoted him as saying.

Ryndovsky said that in 2022 he became the target of the Ukrainian security forces, who began his persecution because of calls to end the conflict with the Russian Federation, writes Sport-Express. According to him, he had never shown interest in political events before, but the situation had changed him.

"I think it's a bit wrong of me to stay away now, because this is a betrayal of those people who have a similar situation as me," the Ukrainian wrestler said.

Former Brazilian UFC fighter Francimar Barroso also announced during a master class in Melitopol on July 26 that he wanted to obtain Russian citizenship. He noted that this is the dream of his whole life. Since 2021, Barroso has been living in Moscow, he is married to Russian Anastasia Motyasheva, and together they are raising their son Gabriel.

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