Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov spoke out in support of UFC fighter Zubaira Tukhugov after the UFC 229 brawl.
Chechen dictator Ramzan Kadyrov took to social media this week to show his support for UFC fighter Zubaira Tukhugov in the aftermath of the UFC 229 post-fight brawl.
Kadyrov, who recently gifted UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov a brand new Mercedes Benz and made him an honorary citizen of Chechnya, advised Tukhugov to fight “like you were taught in your village” before revealing that Tukhugov is welcome to join Kadyrov’s Akhmat MMA fight club if he can no longer compete for the UFC.
“Zubair, you know who you are and where you’re from!” Kadyrov said on his various social media accounts (h/t RT.com). “I remember you from when a spritely young boy from the Tukhugov family regularly fought in the fields near Tsentaroy. You are not on your own, don’t worry about that. You have us – your countrymen. You have the best club under the sun – Akhmat MMA, which arranges fights for you on the highest possible level.”
Kadyrov went on to explain that Tukhugov should have been more effective in his attack on McGregor and that he expects better from him next time.
“And what’s more…I saw the slap you gave Conor. That’s not according to our custom. If it was, it would be entirely different. If you give your word to stand up for your friend again, remember! Strike like you were taught in those same meadows – silently, briskly and sharply. On the button, as they say…that’s it Zubair!”
Tukhugov responded by thanking Kadyrov on his own Instagram account before promising the dictator that he will “show just how sharp we are.”
It remains unclear whether Tukhugov will remain on the UFC roster following his involvement in the UFC 229 brawl. Initially, UFC president Dana White was firm that Tukhugov “will never fight here again” but has since softened his stance after Nurmagomedov threatened to leave the UFC if Tukhugov was released from his contract.
Bloodyelbow attempted to reach out to the UFC for an update on the Tukhugov’s status with the promotion. However, UFC has declined to comment on fighter or any potential action they may take against him.