First Bout in Mixed Martial Arts
On July 11, Olympic Greco-Roman wrestling medalists Zhan Beleniuk and Parviz Nasibov will make their mixed martial arts debut at a tournament hosted by the newly formed Arena league. This fight night is organized under the banner of a promotion led by former UFC fighter Ludvik Sholinyan, who serves as its president. The opponents for Beleniuk and Nasibov have yet to be announced.
For Zhan Beleniuk, this marks his first MMA fight after wrapping up a 24-year career in Greco-Roman wrestling. He brings substantial athletic experience to the cage, having earned a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics and completing a full set of Olympic medals. His career also includes five World Championship medals—two of them gold—and six European Championship medals, three of which are titles. In early 2026, Beleniuk hinted at a possible return to Ukraine’s national team to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Parviz Nasibov’s Career
Parviz Nasibov will also be stepping into MMA for the first time. He is a two-time Olympic medalist, having secured silver in both 2020 and 2024. Unlike Beleniuk, Nasibov did not retire from wrestling and last competed internationally at the 2025 World Championships, where he finished outside the podium in 8th place. He is also a two-time European bronze medalist, winning in 2023 and 2024, though he sat out the 2026 continental championships.
The promotional video for the new league features Beleniuk, Nasibov, brothers Dmytro and Vladyslav Parubchenko, Bovar Khanakov, and Artem Ahresor. This event promises to be a significant milestone for both athletes as they transition into an unfamiliar discipline.
The MMA debut of Zhan Beleniuk and Parviz Nasibov marks a pivotal moment in their careers, as both bring extensive Greco-Roman wrestling experience that could shape their performances in this new sport.
By moving into MMA, they are not only opening new doors for themselves but also boosting the profile of mixed martial arts in Ukraine. This tournament could serve as a crucial step for both athletes as they pursue fresh sporting achievements.
As both athletes prepare for their MMA debut, the future of their wrestling careers remains a topic of discussion. Notably, Nasibov has expressed skepticism about Beleniuk's potential return to elite wrestling, raising questions about their respective paths in the sport. This adds an intriguing layer to their transition into mixed martial arts.