Ukrainian Olympic medalists Jean Beleniuk and Parviz Nasibov are set to make their mixed martial arts (MMA) debuts, as announced in a promotional campaign for the newly established Arena league.
The fight night featuring Beleniuk and Nasibov is scheduled for July 11, organized under the Arena league, which is led by former UFC fighter Ludvik Sholinyan. The promotional video includes appearances from Beleniuk, Nasibov, and other MMA fighters such as brothers Dmytro and Vladyslav Parubchenko, Bovar Khanakov, and Artem “Aggressor”.
Details regarding the opponents for both Beleniuk and Nasibov remain undisclosed.
This bout will mark Beleniuk’s first foray into MMA and his initial competitive appearance following a 24-year career in Greco-Roman wrestling. He concluded his wrestling career after securing a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics, completing his collection of Olympic medals.
Nasibov will also be making his debut in mixed martial arts. The two-time Olympic medalist won silver medals in both the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games. Unlike Beleniuk, Nasibov has not retired from competition; his last international appearance was at the 2025 World Championships, where he finished outside the medal positions but achieved a personal best by placing eighth.
Background on Beleniuk and Nasibov:
- Beleniuk has earned five medals at World Championships, including two golds, and six medals at European Championships, where he secured three titles. In early 2026, he expressed interest in potentially returning to the Ukrainian national team for Greco-Roman wrestling, with an eye on competing in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
- Nasibov is a two-time bronze medalist at the European Championships in 2023 and 2024. In 2025, he competed in his fifth World Championship, aiming for a medal but fell short. In 2026, he opted out of the continental championship to focus on preparations for the World Championship.
Jean Beleniuk and Parviz Nasibov, both Olympic medalists in wrestling, are transitioning to mixed martial arts with their debuts scheduled for July 11. The event is part of the newly formed Arena league, led by former UFC fighter Ludvik Sholinyan.