Russian UFC fighter receives death threats after Baku bout

Russian mixed martial arts fighter Irina Alekseeva said she received death threats on social media after appearing with a Russian flag during a UFC event in Baku on June 21.

Alekseeva, who lost the bout to Poland’s Klaudia Syguła, told Match TV that users claiming to be Ukrainians posted her personal data, including address and phone number, in online groups.

“They threatened my life,” she said. “They wrote that I shouldn’t ride a scooter, shouldn’t approach my car, and that I didn’t know how many of them were around.”

Alekseeva said she had not contacted police but was concerned for the person who drives her car.

Despite the threats, Alekseeva praised her experience in Azerbaijan, saying local fans welcomed her regardless of the flag. “They took photos with me, supported me, hugged me,” she said. “Azerbaijan is a very friendly country.”

N.Tebrizli