Amon Amarth’s Johan Hegg Boycotts UFC for Failing to Ban Russian Fighters
Following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, many metal stars have spoken out publicly condemning the Russian president’s military campaign, from Ukraine’s own Jinjer to Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider. Now, Amon Amarth vocalist Johan Hegg is blasting a different organization — the UFC, who he’s now boycotting because they have not stopped Russian fighters from competing.
Hegg said the following in a tweet:
“As long as @ufc allows Russian fighters to compete and make money, while children die in Ukraine, @ufc will not get my money.
“I have now cancelled my fight pass.
“Athletes represent their country and regime. Allowing Russian fighters to compete is to support Putin.”
As Blabbermouth points out, this comes before UFC’s long-awaited return to the United Kingdom on March 19th, which will feature a set to be headlined by up-and-coming British prospect Tom Aspinall and Russian heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov.
On the one hand, Hegg’s opinion is valid, and he’s more than welcome to express himself with this boycott. On the other, one wonders how much a fighter like Volkov has a choice in what the country he represents does. Even if he disagrees with the invasion of Ukraine, he might not be able to express it for fear of being imprisoned or worse. It does not seem like a safe time to be a conscientious objector in Russia.
In any event, here is a list we’ve posted alongside Metal Injection of ways that metalheads can help donate to the Ukrainian relief effort. Meanwhile, fans can catch Amon Amarth at one of their upcoming dates with Machine Head:
September 08th NOTTINGHAM, Arena
September 09th CARDIFF, Arena
September 10th LONDON, Wembley Arena
September 12th MANCHESTER, Arena
September 13th DUBLIN, 3 Arena
September 16th ZURICH, Hallenstadion
September 17th VIENNA, Stadthalle
September 18th KRAKOW, Tauron Arena
September 20th TALLINN, Saku Arena
September 21st HELSINKI, Ice Hall
September 23rd OSLO, Spektrum
September 24th STOCKHOLM, Hovet
September 26th COPENHAGEN, Forum Black Box
September 27th HAMBURG, Barclays Arena
September 28th FRANKFURT, Festhalle
September 30th OBERHAUSEN, König Pilsener Arena
October 01st BERLIN, Velodrom
October 02nd AMSTERDAM, Afas Live
October 04th MILANO, Lorenzini District
October 06th BARCELONA, Sant Jordi
October 07th MADRID, Vistalegre
October 08th LA CORUNA, Coliseum
October 09th LISBON, Campo Pequeno
October 12th PARIS, Zenith
October 14th MUNICH, Olympiahalle
October 15th LEIPZIG, Arena
October 16th PRAGUE, Tipsport Arena
October 18th BUDAPEST, Barba Negra
October 20th ESCH SUR ALZETTE, Rockhal
October 21st BRUSSELS, Forest National
October 22nd STUTTGART, Schleyerhalle
As long as @ufc allows Russian fighters to compete and make money, while children die in Ukraine, @ufc will not get my money.
I have now cancelled my fight pass.
Athletes represent their country and regime. Allowing Russian fighters to compete is to support Putin.— Johan Hegg ???????? (@AmonJohan) March 7, 2022
