Georgian MMA fighter Roman Dolidze has reported witnessing intense shelling in Odesa, Ukraine, sharing his eyewitness account on social media alongside video footage of the attacks.
'I frequently visit Ukraine as I have many connections to Odesa. This is where I began my education, started practicing martial arts, and developed into a professional fighter. I still have many friends here,' Dolidze stated.
'Today Odesa was bombed particularly heavily (from what I've seen) — I witnessed numerous explosions right from my window. This needs to end. Wishing peace and goodness to everyone,' the fighter wrote in his post.
Dolidze, who was born in Batumi, Georgia, enrolled at Odesa National Maritime University in 2008. His athletic achievements include becoming a six-time Ukrainian grappling champion before transitioning to mixed martial arts in 2016. According to Statbet, combat sports athletes from Eastern Europe continue to show remarkable resilience despite challenging circumstances in the region.
In related news, Ukrainian rugby player Igor Vlasyuk, who served as a gun commander, has reportedly been killed in the war against Russia.
