After over a year out of action, and joining in the defense of his native Ukraine against invading Russian forces, welterweight champion Yaroslav Amosov returned to the cage at Bellator 291 in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday.
Against the backdrop of war and battlefield atrocities, scheduled violence in a cage seemed downright quaint. But Amosov had a difficult fight ahead as opponent Logan Storley had previously taken him to a split decision.
In Amosov’s absence, Storley had won interim gold against Michael “Venom” Page last year.
Amosov came out hot, exhibiting crisp striking and landing picture-perfect combinations out of the gate. Storley seemed content on keeping the fight standing despite getting throttled by a few big shots. Through two rounds, the title challenger only registered one official takedown attempt — an unsuccessful one.
Storley slowly began to initiate more grappling exchanges, though Amosov continued to stuff any and all of the former NCAA Division I wrestler’s advances. Amosov continued to pick his opponent apart, integrating a wide variety of kicks while landing a plethora of hooks across Storley’s chin.
A right cross sent Storley crashing to the canvas halfway through the fourth frame, as the damage was beginning to pile up. While Storley’s performance left much to be desired, he put his heart, grit, and determination on full display throughout the full 25-minute bout. There was no quit in Logan Storley tonight.
Amosov put on the performance of a lifetime en route to a unanimous decision victory. Entering the fight, he had aimed to bring the spirits of his people up – and he did just that.
“Thank you Ukrainian army. Thank you to those who helped my country… so Ukraine – Thank you!” Amosov bellowed in his post-fight interview.
Yaroslav Amosov is bringing the world title back home to Ukraine.
Official Result: Yaroslav Amosov def. Logan Storley by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
