Maksym Benderov was repeated champion of Ukraine on pankration, silver medalist of world championship, repeated champion of Ukraine on military-sports multiathlon, champion of Ukraine on hand-to-hand fighting.

Scout served in 3rd separate regiment of Special Forces. On July 16, 2014, he was killed in battle near the settlement Izvaryne, Luhansk region.

In commemoration of hero, Ukrainian Federation on pankration decided to hold annual competitions in native town of Maksym – in Oleksandriia. This year, more than 110 participants took part in it. Competition includes single combat on tatami and shooting from air gun.

Maksym’s relatives and his combat sworn brothers were presented in opening ceremony of tournament. Combat sworn brothers expressed the words of grief and gratitude to parents for patriot who gave his life for integrity of Ukraine.