FNG Trying To Sign Former Hockey Player

Fight Nights Global is one of the biggest MMA promotions in Russia, having previously streamed events live on UFC Fight Pass.

The promotion is attempting to sign former hockey player Damir Ryspayev to a contract, who is currently banned from playing hockey in Russia.

Ryspayev was banned after inciting a massive brawl at a KHL hockey game, where he first fought players from the opposing team on the ice, then fought the players who were on the bench as well.

"Ryspayev's behaviour has nothing to do with hockey and contradicts not only the rules, but also the spirit of our game,” the KHL stated following the mass brawl. “Such actions should not be the case not only in matches involving clubs in the KHL, but also in sports in general."

If FNG is able to sign the former hockey player to a deal, they would like him to fight another hockey player in Samvel Mnatsyan.

Although he has yet to sign a deal with the promotion, the former hockey player is going to be in attendance at the next FNG event.

“I think it’s a great chance to bring together hockey and fighting fans,” Fight Nights president Kamil Gadzhiev stated to RT. “He’s a big star in Kazakhstan.”

It should be noted that Gadzhiev not only owns FNG, but he owns the hockey team (Admirals) that Mnatsyan plays on as well.