Umar Kremlev: “I’m glad that Petr Yan came out to fight against Dvalishvili with the Russian flag”

President of the International Boxing Association (IBA) Umar Kremlev told Match TV that Petr Yan entered the fight against Merab Dvalishvili with the Russian flag because he always stands for true sporting values.

Yan defeated Dvalishvili in the main event at UFC 323 in Las Vegas. After five rounds, the judges unanimously gave victory to the Russian, who became the UFC bantamweight champion.

— I would like to congratulate Petr Yan, who became the UFC bantamweight champion. The fact that the judges unanimously gave victory to our brother speaks of his advantage in the battle.

I am glad that Peter entered the ring with the Russian flag. He always stands for true sporting and human values. Because the Russian flag, the Russian anthem is something our athlete cannot perform without. No matter where you fight in the world, you always defend the honor of your country.

Peter goes towards his goals, and no one can lead him astray. Such people always achieve everything in life. Everyone respects them, they have their own honor and dignity, their own spirit. Everyone takes their example from such athletes. And it is very important that they stand for real sporting values.

At the World Championships, which are taking place these days in Dubai, we also stand for fair sport and the true value of sport. This is what boxing should stand on. Petr Yan gave everyone a good tone in the morning. I am confident that uncompromising and exciting fights will continue to await us at the World Championships,” Kremlev told a Match TV correspondent.

Watch UFC tournaments live on Match TV and Match! Fighter”, as well as on the websites matchtv.ru and sportbox.ru.

• RCC head Klimenko: “Petr Yan deserves to be in the UFC hall of fame. This is a huge victory for Russia.”
• Former ASA champion Slipenko: “Petr Yan was 1000% ready and interrupted Dvalishvili everywhere. I’m very glad that the belt is going to Russia again.”