Yegor "Bir" Birkun is a fan of "Kryvbas" football club (Kryvyi Rih) and a representative of "The Company" team.

Yegor Birkun was born on August 9, 1997, in Kryvyi Rih, where he finished school, then studied at Kryvyi Rih Technical School of the National Metallurgical Academy of Ukraine. He received his higher education at Kryvyi Rih National University. Since childhood, Yehor was engaged in martial arts and cheered for FC "Kryvbas". From a young age, he was a member of the fan group "The Company". His teammates recall that "Bir" had leadership qualities, so when in 2014-15 his older comrades went to the front, he took over the leadership of the team. People followed him. There were victories and military defeats, which tempered his character. At the same time, Yehor was involved seriously in sports. Since 2014, Yegor had been supporting his comrades at the front and was interested in the opportunity to join the ranks of the Ukrainian army. In 2017, he joined the AZOV regiment, where he proved to be worthy, courageous, and responsible. He always participated in various competitions, such as the birthday of the regiment, the day of the fallen brothers, and the anniversary of the Shyrokyne standoff, where he often won prizes. After the military service, he returned to Kryvyi Rih, where his mother and girlfriend were waiting for him. He managed to raise money to buy a flat and renovate it. At the same time, he continued his career in mixed martial arts and held individual training classes. Among the sports achievements of "Bir" the following awards deserve special attention:

- Champion of the region in MMA (UFMMA);

- Champion of the region in grappling;

- Silver medalist of the European UFMMA Championship;

- Candidate Master of Sports in unifight;

- Blue belt in BJJ.

His active sports life was just beginning. He was to represent Ukraine at the GAMMA MMA World Championship in March.

But on February 24, a full-scale Russian invasion began. "Bir" immediately packed up and went to Mariupol. His teammates from "The Company" who had no combat experience, went there with him. One of them would later be captured, the other wounded. Yehor Birkun sacrificed his life defending Mariupol on March 22. Running between the houses to rescue his comrade who got under enemy fire, he received bullet wounds incompatible with life. He died as a hero, with the weapon in his hands. The next day, the World Championship, where Yehor was expected to perform for our country, began. For personal courage and selfless actions displayed in the protection of state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, loyalty to the military oath, exemplary performance of official duty, Yegor Birkun was awarded the Medal "For Courage" of the III degree (posthumously).

We were in touch with Yehor during his life. He was always in a fighting mood. There is a lot to say about such bright and courageous guys, they are forever in our hearts. Yehor sacrificed the most precious thing of all - his life, and we keep fighting and taking revenge for him!

That is how a teammate and senior comrade-in-arms from "The Company" recalls his fallen friend.