Artem Grot, a veteran of the Special Operations Forces and founder of the M13 veterans' movement, stated that the current sporting events under the M13 FIGHTS brand are only the first stage in the project's development. According to him, the team intends to scale up veterans' initiatives within Ukraine and build sustainable cooperation with similar communities abroad. Grot emphasized that the team's imagination is "unlimited" and that, in the long term, they are even considering fights on a dirigible and in mid-air. The statement came against the backdrop of the recent M13 FIGHTS tournament, which became one of the most discussed events in the Ukrainian veterans' sports space.
A Format That Breaks Stereotypes
M13 FIGHTS is not just a series of mixed martial arts and full-contact combat sports bouts. The organizers categorically reject standard arenas and seek out unconventional venues, turning every tournament into a spectacular event. Events already held took place on a barge in the middle of the Dnipro River, inside a dramatic theater, and on other atypical locations. This approach not only attracts a wide audience but also underscores the unique character of the veterans' movement: here, fights are not entertainment but a means of rehabilitation, unity, and a demonstration of resilience. Photos from the latest tournaments show participants in camouflage uniforms and MMA gloves stepping onto a rope-surrounded ring against the backdrop of a dark hall or open water — an atmosphere far removed from commercial sports shows.
International Contacts and Plans Abroad
Grot reported that the M13 team already maintains working contacts with veterans' motorcycle clubs in the USA and Europe. These connections are seen as the foundation for future exchange of formats and joint events. At the same time, the founder of M13 clearly outlined the priority: the main direction remains the development of the veterans' movement within Ukraine. "Our veterans' movement is the most relevant one in Ukraine. That is, if we see demand abroad, of course, we will take all of this out there and promote it. But, first and foremost, we are interested in doing this within the country, scaling up in terms of format, scaling up in terms of connections and cooperation," Grot explained. Thus, international expansion is possible, but strictly subject to external demand and without compromising domestic projects.
A Dirigible, Mid-Air, and Other Crazy Ideas
Talking about the future, Grot did not hold back his imagination: "I think this is only the beginning. That is, my imagination and that of our team are unlimited. We will come up with fights on a dirigible, in mid-air." These words are not merely a rhetorical device but a reflection of the M13 philosophy, in which every tournament must be memorable and go beyond the conventional. The team has previously demonstrated its willingness to experiment, holding fights on the water and in theatrical spaces. Looking ahead, according to open-source reports, veterans are also considering setting a new Guinness World Record on the Dnipro, which further underscores M13's drive for large-scale, media-visible actions.
State Partnership as a Strategic Goal
Separately, Grot expressed hope for deepening M13's cooperation with state institutions. Primarily, this refers to the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine and the Ministry of Veterans' Affairs. As envisioned by the organizers, systematic interaction with government bodies will not only legitimize veterans' sports formats but also integrate them into broader rehabilitation and social adaptation programs for military personnel and veterans. M13 FIGHTS is part of the wider M13 movement, which brings together sports, rehabilitation, and other projects aimed at supporting military personnel and veterans. Thus, mixed martial arts tournaments are only the visible part of an ecosystem in which sport serves as a tool for recovery and social integration.
Context: Ukrainian Veterans' Sports on the International Stage
In parallel with the development of M13 FIGHTS, Ukrainian fighters continue to make their mark on the international stage. Recently, media attention was drawn to the impressive victory of a Ukrainian UFC star at a tournament in Paris, which further intensifies interest in the Ukrainian veterans' sports community. In a situation where M13 is building bridges to Western veterans' organizations, such successes at global tournaments create additional resonance and open up opportunities for exchanging experience, joint projects, and drawing international attention to veterans' issues.
