Upcoming fight night card UFC London was supposed to be headlined by a heavyweight bout between Alexander Volkov and Tom Aspinall. However, the UFC might need a new main event for that card thanks to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
As a Russian, Alexander Volkov will have many obstacles in trying to enter the UK. The Home Secretary of the United Kingdom, Priti Patel, has stated that she has canceled the visas of any athletes whose country is complicit in Russia’s invasion.
Previously, Patel had canceled a Belarusian Men’s Basketball Team that was scheduled to play on February 27. Priti Patel took to her official Twitter account to announce this news.
“I have canceled the visas of the Belarusian Men’s Basketball Team who were due to play in Newcastle tomorrow night. The UK will not welcome the national sports teams of those countries who are complicit in Putin’s unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine.” Patel wrote on Twitter.
All things considered, it’s looking like Alexander Volkov might not be able to participate in the event come March 20. Some sources said that the visa of the 33-year-old is at risk. The UFC itself hasn’t given any clarification on the matter. They are still monitoring the situation and looking for possible solutions.
Alexander Volkov is not the only fighter who is likely to have visa issues interfere with a fight. There are other Russian fighters scheduled to fight at that event. UFC bantamweight fighter Timur Valiev who is set to fight Jack Shore might also get his Visa canceled. There is also a heavyweight bout between two Russians, Shamil Abdurakhimov and Sergei Pavlovich. UFC had managed to front a card headlined by Dagestani/Russian Islam Makhachev this past weekend. Previously there were rumors one of the promotions biggest stars – Khamzat Chimaev was sidelined over visa issues not relating to the war between Russia and Ukraine.