Ruslan Suleymanov, the man who many believed would help the UFC venture to Russia, remains in custody for allegedly embezzling 800 million rubles ($12 million USD).

The longtime LEGENDs promoter, who is also the former head of the defense company "Prompostavka" and President of Club Martial Arts N1 was arrested on May 30, 2016 along with former Director General of Moscow Design Bureau "Compass" Murad Safin. Officials later announced that a total of four suspects had been detained by operatives. The operation was carried out by Moscow's Economic Security Service, in cooperation with the Federal Security Service (FSB).

While it was believed that the defendants would be released on bail, a Moscow City Court upheld the decision to extend their detention until October 27, 2016. The prosecutor fought for this decision because of a belief that the defendants are powerful enough to pressure the court, exert their influence, and alter the case if at large.

The well organized group of executives acquired foreign trade contracts for the supply of civil and military purpose products by negotiating and operating under fake companies over a five-year period between 2011 to 2016. During that time, Suleymanov and his associates allegedly embezzled 800 million rubles

The group was eventually caught when Deputy Director General of the Rostec subsidiary organization Pribor, Oleg Gulin demanded 1 million rubles from the founder of another commercial organization to supply them defence products. The money was eventually transferred under the supervision of the FSB.

Suleymanov became a recognizable name in the mixed martial arts space when he founded the LEGENDS promotion and Combat Sports Club No 1 in 2012. Though his promotion hosted a total of three events, they included a roster of fighters like Badr Hari, Mirko Crocop, Melvin Manhoef, Andy Souwer, Paul Daley, and Alexey Oleinik. Though no official plan was ever set in motion, Suleymanov was also prepared to help the UFC venture into Russia.