This weekend, the MMA world turns its attention to the UFC’s welterweight division as the title goes on the line at UFC 322. Meanwhile, the reigning champion will defend his belt against former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in a five-round clash. On the undercard, several welterweight bouts will feature fighters including Leon Edwards and Sean Brady, who are looking to secure their path toward a future title shot.

Dana White and Co. recently signed Yaroslav Amosov (28-1) to the roster. Amosov dominated Bellator until it was acquired by PFL in late 2023, ending his six-year run following the first loss of his career. He returned to the cage in the spring after more than a year away from action and is now officially under contract with the UFC. While some fans may not be familiar with him yet, he comes with a notable pedigree, having received backing from boxing legend Oleksandr Usyk.

UFC signs rising Ukrainian fighter supported by boxing legend Usyk

MMA personality Andy Hickey shared on X, “Huge UFC signing. Former Bellator Champion, Yaroslav Amosov, has entered the UFC anti-doping pool.” Currently, Amosov trains at the American Top Team gym in Florida alongside Kayla Harrison. He also works closely with his fellow countryman, undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Earlier in July, when Usyk was preparing for his rematch against Daniel Dubois at a training camp in Gandia, Spain, Amosov traveled there to support him in his boxing bout, a heartfelt gesture. Through this, Usyk called out Dana White on social media, sparking fan excitement about Amosov’s return to competition following his first-round submission win at Cage Fury FC 140 in March.

Now, the boxing superstar is using his influence to help ‘Dynamo’ land a UFC deal with CEO Dana White. “This is future world champion, UFC,” Usyk said in a video shared to Instagram on Friday. “Dana, please send the contract, bro. I’m serious.” In fact, Usyk tagged White in the caption, which read, “Sparring with the future of the UFC. Good work, champ.”

On top of that, Yaroslav Amosov also shares a connection with reigning middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev. Back in 2022, the pair trained together in high-level grappling, which brought Amosov’s career into the spotlight for the first time. Additionally, he gained attention for joining fellow fighters in supporting efforts against the Russians.

Yaroslav Amosov reflects on the first loss of his career

Retiring with a perfect record like Khabib Nurmagomedov is the dream of many fighters. Yet, maintaining it is no easy feat, even for elite athletes like Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan, who, despite their skill and sportsmanship, were unable to do so. It was also a dream for Yaroslav Amosov, who in 2023 stepped into the cage against Jason Jackson with an undefeated record of 27-0. The Bellator 301 bout was set to be Amosov’s second title defense.

However, Jackson turned the tables. The challenger outperformed Amosov on the feet and ultimately scored a third-round knockout, ending Amosov’s hopes of immediately entering the UFC. Still, after one more fight under Cage Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC), Amosov secured his spot in the UFC, the world’s largest MMA promotion, last year. Speaking to MMA Junkie with his UFC dream still alive, Amosov reflected on his defeat.

“We have a plan to go to the UFC… I want to show the world I’m a good fighter, and I will be champion. My last fight is my fault. I want to show it’s just a mistake. I will show this world [it’s a] mistake… I’ve trained with many guys for many years, and I feel I can do this. I will take this belt,” he explained last year.

Now, Yaroslav Amosov has secured his spot in the UFC. How do you see his journey unfolding in the promotion? Do you think the former Bellator champion might move to the middleweight division, potentially facing ground challenges again against fighters like Leon Edwards and Shavkat Rakhmonov? Share your thoughts below.