Donetsk to host large mixed martial arts festival on September 27

Donetsk, Sep 26  – DAN. Donetsk will host the international MMA festival “United Donbass-2” at the Olympiyskiy sport complex,” Donetsk People’s Republic Deputy Minister of Youth, Sport and Tourism Nikolay Tarapata said at a press conference at the Donetsk News Agency on Thursday.

“Tomorrow, on September 27, the United Donbass-2 MMA festival will begin at the Olympiyskiy sport centre at 16:00,” Tarapata said.  “It will gather 18 athletes from the DPR, the LPR, Russia, Iran, Brazil and Kyrgyzstan.”

The main event is the fight between Russian kickboxer, European and world champion Vladimir Mineyev with Brazilian Diego Dias who has an impressive professional fight record.

The press conference was attended by DPR Combat Sambo Federation Vice President Ivan Lugovoy and famous MMA fighter from Donetsk Maxim Shvets. Shvets will confront Iranian MMA fighter Mahro Bakhtiari in co-main event.

“I’m facing a difficult opponent who packs a punch and has a good technique. I’m waiting to show a good fight to everybody. I hope to win; I believe my chances are good,” Shvets told reporters ahead of his bout.

The United Donbass MMA Festival is held under the auspices of DPR Head Denis Pushilin.  The bouts will be broadcast live and on Oplot and FIGHT MASTERS TV channels.*jk