Maryna Moroz is not mincing words when it comes to her home country of Ukraine.
Ukraine was invaded by Russian troops this past week. Russian military forces have been targeting many major cities across Ukraine, prompting everyday citizens to take up arms as part of the defense effort.
“It’s a hard time for Ukraine,” Moroz told TMZ. “There’s a big war right now. I want to support my country, my president, the army in Ukraine, and I want to say that we don’t want war. I worry about my family right now in Ukraine.
“If you see (the) news, many, many people are dying right now and I don’t want something to happen with my family because it’s dangerous.”
Moroz, who was born in Vilnohirsk, told TMZ her family in Ukraine is safe for now, but she worries about what might come. She even said her father is making “home grenades” to help in the resistance effort against Russian troops.
Moroz (10-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC) fights Saturday at UFC 272 in Las Vegas against Mariya Agapova (10-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC).
“It’s really hard (to get ready for the fight), but I want to show that my Ukraine girl heart is strong and focused,” Moroz said. “I don’t step back. I will be fighting and I will show that the Ukraine people are strong. My flag will be in the octagon.”
Moroz said she hopes the fighting will come to an end. The 30-year-old is saddened by the current situation and didn’t hold back in sending a message to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
“I want to say: ‘F*ck you, b*tch,” Moroz said. “I love my country. Don’t touch Ukraine. This is my country, and I love Ukraine.”
