'It changes you' - From the frontline to 3Arena for Ukrainian MMA champion

Yaroslav Amosov has become accustomed to rushing women and children to safety, consoling those weeping for lack of food and the sight of lifeless bodies.

By the time he steps into the cage at Dublin's 3Arena on Saturday night, where his welterweight title and undefeated 26-0 record will be on the line, it will be a year and a day since Russia invaded his Ukraine homeland.

After a 36-hour drive that lead his family to safety, Amosov went all the way back and joined the frontline.

Eleven months ago, Bellator announced that due to him "actively defending his home country of Ukraine", Amosov would not be able to compete in his first title defence against Michael "Venom" Page in London.

A week later, Amosov helped reclaim his hometown from the Russian forces in The Battle of Irpin. The following day, remembering that his mother buried keepsakes in a basement in the family home, he returned to the now dilapidated region.

In footage that has since gone viral, he emerged from the rubble with a plastic bag, which after being opened, revealed his golden welterweight championship of the world.

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The decision to return to fighting was not one that was made lightly.

Amosov's friends and family convinced him to return to the spotlight to spread Ukraine’s message to the world.

Although he is candid when retelling his experiences of the war, it only takes a glimpse into his eyes to recognise the pain and hardship he’s faced over the last 12 months.

"It’s affected me in many different ways," Amosov