In July, 2014, during the performing of combat mission in the area of ATO, Maksym Benderov, a reconnaissance man of 3rd separate regiment of Special Forces was killed. He was a repeated champion of Ukraine on pankration; he gained prize-winning places on the world and Europe championships. He was posthumously awarded the order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi (3rd Class).

In order to honour of memory of an outstanding athlete, brave warrior and patriot, the Ministry of Family and Youth of Ukraine at the request of Pankration Federation of Ukraine made a decision to hold an annual tournament named Maksym Benderov in his native town Oleksandriia, Kirovohrad region.

On April 17-18, 2015, about 100 sportsmen took part in competitions from every corners of Ukraine, including the members of the national team of Ukraine, master of international class. Due to experienced participants, the level of tournament was extremely high.

Taking into consideration the popularity of this event, the organizers are planned to get involved children and teenagers to participate in tournament next year.