MOSCOW, August 31 - RAPSI. The relatives of Ivan Agafonov, who was allegedly killed by Rasul Mirzayev, a professional mixed martial arts fighter, have requested state protection, the Russian Legal Information Agency (RAPSI) reports from the courtroom.

The relatives have filed an application with investigative authorities for state protection, their attorney, Igor Trunov, said at a hearing.

Trunov added that witnesses in the case have been threatened.

Moreover, Agafonovs relatives have information that leads them to believe they are in danger. For instance, they have maintained that unidentified individuals have been asking people in their neighborhood exactly where they live.

Mirzayevs attorney said the allegation that Agafonovs relatives are in danger is biased and farfetched.

Earlier, a law enforcement source told RAPSI that, on August 13, athlete Mirzayev punched 19-year-old Ivan Agafonov, near a nightclub in downtown Moscow. Agafonov was taken to a hospital, where he never regained consciousness, and died several days later.

Police detained Mirzayev on August 19 following an interrogation.