Kickboxers and MMA fighters in Serbia are increasingly becoming involved in brutal crimes and violence outside the ring. The latest case shocked the public: Slobodan M., a kickboxer from Lazarevac, was arrested for the brutal murder of 70-year-old businessman Zoran Lukić. Not only did he kill Lukić, but he also dismembered the body, packed it into sacks, and threw it into the Kolubara river. This case is not isolated. Criminologist Dobrije Biba Radovanović warns of a worrying pattern – fighting skills and physical strength often go beyond the sporting context and are used for criminal activities. Many well-known boxers, kickboxers, and MMA fighters in Serbia have been arrested for fights, causing serious injuries, and even murders. Some have also been targets of attacks, with some paying with their lives. Slobodan M. was previously convicted for a fatal traffic accident and now faces charges for this monstrous crime. The criminologist emphasizes that martial arts are not the cause of crime, but in some individuals, there is a dangerous mix of sporting ambitions and criminal activities. In a society that glorifies masculine strength, young men often use kickboxing as a tool for self-affirmation and demonstration of power on the streets, not just in the ring. In recent years, there have been numerous cases of violence and murders linked to kickboxers and MMA fighters, including the murder of MMA fighter Uroš Stefanović in Novi Sad and shootings injuring other fighters. The problem is not the sport itself but the lack of moral boundaries and control over the use of physical power. Young people gain immense strength but lack awareness of when and where it is appropriate to use it. Add to this the weak role of family and school, and the glorification of violence on the streets, and you get an explosive mix threatening not only the sport but society as a whole. This problem demands urgent attention and serious measures, as every day brings new victims and tragedies. What do you think – is it time to finally put a stop to this violence, or will the ring become just the beginning of bloody street fights? Drop a comment, let’s see who’s for and who’s against!
