Afghan athletes, many of whom are refugees, are suffering under the Iranian regime. These athletes face systemic oppression, physical violence, and coercion, with some being forced into silence and even coerced into false confessions under the threat of deportation for their families. In one shocking incident, a victorious Afghan fighter was brutally beaten alongside his supporters and forced to falsely claim he lost the match—under the threat of 200 Afghan refugees being deported. This is unacceptable.

If nothing changes, these athletes will continue to live in fear, their voices silenced, and their potential for a fair and dignified future in sports crushed. The credibility of international sports organizations like the UFC will be compromised as their inaction fuels oppression, abuse, and the loss of opportunities for countless fighters. Sports should unite, not divide. Athletes deserve to compete fairly without being subjected to threats, violence, and intimidation.

The time to act is now. Every day that passes, Afghan athletes in Iran face increasing abuse, and the international community’s silence allows these atrocities to continue. We cannot wait any longer. We have the power to make a difference, and the UFC and global sports organizations must step in before it’s too late.

We demand the following actions:

Immediate intervention by UFC and global sports organizations to ensure Afghan athletes' safety and fair treatment.
A full investigation into incidents of coercion, abuse, and the exploitation of Afghan fighters under the Iranian regime.
Support for Afghan refugees in Iran, including the protection of athletes and their families from deportation and abuse.
Solidarity from the international community, including human rights organizations and governments, to hold Iran accountable for its actions.
The UFC and sports authorities have the power to make a difference. They must use their platform to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced by fear and oppression.

Sign this petition and demand that Afghan athletes are treated with dignity, respect, and the opportunity to compete freely and fairly. We cannot remain silent in the face of such cruelty.