Latest news with #Russo-Georgian
USA Today
11 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Ilia Topuria wants Paddy Pimblett for first UFC lightweight title defense
Ilia Topuria sets his sight on long-time enemy Paddy Pimblett. LAS VEGAS – Ilia Topuria wants his first title defense of the UFC lightweight belt to feel much different than when he first claimed it. Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) won the vacant UFC lightweight belt this past Saturday, viciously knocking out former champion Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 317, which took place at T-Mobile Arena. Despite the brutal nature of the finish, Topuria didn't exactly want to fight Oliveira (35-11 MMA, 23-11 UFC), which is why he aims for his next fight to be against Paddy Pimblett. "Yes, that's the fight that I want because with Charles it was a little bit of a difficult situation because I really like the guy," Topuria said at the UFC 317 post-fight press conference. "He's a really great human being. You can't hate him. You always see him surrounded by his family and friends and teammates. He's an amazing human being, but in the end, I was like, 'This is competition. I have to do my job and that's it.' But with Paddy, I'm really going to enjoy kicking his ass." Topuria and Pimblett have had a long-standing beef. Topuria, of Georgian descent, took personally some comments Pimblett made online, making fun of Georgians for losing the Russo-Georgian war. Although Pimblett later apologized for the comments, the feud with Topuria continued. "La Leyenda" is on one of the best runs ever seen in MMA. He's coming off back-to-back knockout wins over Oliveira, Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski – all in championship fights. Topuria is well aware of the type of legacy he's building. "It's amazing, and it's difficult to put into words," Topuria said. "Beating guys like Volk, Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira, not any people in the world can say that." As far as a timeline for his return, Topuria is down to fight one more time this 2025. "I could be ready by the need of the year if they want me," Topuria said. "If I get the call from the UFC, and they want me to get back in the octagon by the end of the year, I'll be ready."
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
EU condemns Russia's decision to launch commercial flights to occupied Abkhazia
The European Union condemned on May 3 Russia's unilateral decision to launch passenger flights from Moscow to the Georgian city of Sukhumi, the capital of Russian-occupied Abkhazia. "This action, taken without the consent of the Georgian authorities and in the absence of a necessary international aviation code for the Sukhumi airport, is yet another step by the Russian Federation violating Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity," a statement from Anouar El Anouni, Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, read. Russia resumed regular flights with Sukhumi on May 1, with the city's airport receiving the first commercial flight in 32 years. Sanctioned airline carrier UVT Aero currently operates the flights. Abkhazia, an occupied region internationally recognized as part of Georgia, continues to lie under de facto Russian control. Moscow has held a grip Abkhazia since the Russo-Georgian war in 2008, when it rolled troops into the region and declared Abkhazia and the breakaway Georgian province of South Ossetia to be independent states. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) cancelled Sukhumi aviation code in 2006 having refused to recognize Russia's occupation of the region. "The European Union reiterates its firm support for Georgia's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders," the statement adds. As Russia continues to seek to regain control and influence over former Soviet states, the Kremlin has repeatedly sought to influence relations with Georgia. The country's ruling Georgian Dream party, founded by oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, has drawn criticism for steering Georgia closer to Russia while hindering its EU accession. Following disputed election in late 2024, mass protest errupted led by Georgian citizen concerned over perceived democratic backsliding as well as Russian influence in domestic affairs. Since the election, a number of Western countries have imposed on Georgia over the perceived democratic backsliding. On Jan. 27, the European Union parts of its visa facilitation agreement with Georgia. Read also: Despite popular uprising, Kremlin's grip on occupied Abkhazia runs supreme We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
