In 1985, Ivan Drago, a boxer from the USSR, arrived in the United States for a series of exhibition matches. During a press conference, he says he has no interest in boxing against Apollo Creed, Rocky's great friend, because he would easily beat him. Vexed, Apollo officially challenges him, despite Rocky's reluctance. He is killed in the ring and Rocky will ask for a fight against Ivan Drago to get revenge. This confrontation will take place on Russian soil.