Tag: Ramzan Kadyrov

Head of Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov demands Magomed Ankalaev be made champion following draw at UFC 282

magomed ankalaevFollowing a split draw in the main event last night at UFC 282 between former UFC light-heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz and no. 4 ranked Magomed Ankalaev, many of us were left believing that the Russian contender should have walked away as champion. Russian politician and Head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov, is one of […]

magomed ankalaev

Following a split draw in the main event last night at UFC 282 between former UFC light-heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz and no. 4 ranked Magomed Ankalaev, many of us were left believing that the Russian contender should have walked away as champion.

Russian politician and Head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov, is one of those people, who spoke out on the matter following the result, calling out the organization, as well as its President, Dana White.

“Dana White, what happened to you? You were a normal, principled man, and today you took the championship belt out of the ring without handing it to the clear winner. Or has politics entered the UFC ring and requires you to referee dirty? It’s a sport, Dana. Be honest.

“Take an example from Mairbek Khasiev, (ACA league), who stops any juggling (judging) in the league, any bias, demanding objectivity and not mixing sports with politics.

“Hey, Dana White, where are you going? Save the face of the league, your own face. Admit your mistake, give the belt to the real winner, and apologize for this show. Save your league’s reputation.”

Following an opening round that most believe Magomed Ankalaev won with his striking, he’d lose the next two due to Jan Blachowicz’ thunderous leg kicks.

The former champion absolutely battered both of Magomed Ankalaev’s legs in those second and third rounds. However, Ankalaev mauled Blachowicz in rounds four and five, accumulating nearly 10 minutes of control time in those championship rounds.

The scoring totals were read 48-47 Blachowicz, 48-46 Ankalaev, and 47-47, as it became the fifth UFC championship fight in history to end in a draw.

But, instead of going with an immediate rematch, Dana White stated at the UFC 282 post-fight press conference that he’s deciding to book another former champion, this one no. 2 ranked Glover Teixeira versus no. 7 ranked Jamahal Hill for the vacant UFC light-heavyweight championship at UFC 283 on January 21, 2023.

Do you agree with this, or should Magomed Ankalaev get the next crack at the belt?

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Ramzan Kadyrov Chastised Dana White Over UFC 282 Judging Disaster

Controversial leader of the Czech Republic Ramzan Kadyrov is not happy with Dana White after UFC 282. Kadyrov is one of the most polarizing leaders in the world today, having been accused of numerous heinous acts against Muslims and members of the LGBT…

Controversial leader of the Czech Republic Ramzan Kadyrov is not happy with Dana White after UFC 282. Kadyrov is one of the most polarizing leaders in the world today, having been accused of numerous heinous acts against Muslims and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Despite this, he has inexplicable ties with the world of MMA,…

Continue Reading Ramzan Kadyrov Chastised Dana White Over UFC 282 Judging Disaster at MMA News.

Ariel Helwani: Usman, Gaethje, & Cejudo Visiting Kadyrov Is “Disappointing”

MMA reporter Ariel Helwani has reacted after Kamaru Usman, Henry Cejudo, and Justin Gaethje traveled to Chechnya at the invitation of controversial leader Ramzan Kadyrov. The link between sports and politics has long created debate, and the topic has r…

MMA reporter Ariel Helwani has reacted after Kamaru Usman, Henry Cejudo, and Justin Gaethje traveled to Chechnya at the invitation of controversial leader Ramzan Kadyrov. The link between sports and politics has long created debate, and the topic has risen close to the surface in recent times owing to the 2022 FIFA World Cup‘s host…

Continue Reading Ariel Helwani: Usman, Gaethje, & Cejudo Visiting Kadyrov Is “Disappointing” at MMA News.

Ramzan Kadyrov posts footage of UFC stars Kamaru Usman, Justin Gaethje, Henry Cejudo firing grenade launchers

Kamaru UsmanChechen dictator, Ramzan Kadyrov has posted footage of former UFC champions, Kamaru Usman, Justin Gaethje, and Henry Cejudo, using firearms and firing grenade launchers at a training academy in Gudermes – a facility utilised to train special forces ahead of recruitment to the Russian army.  Invited by Republic of Chechnya leader, Kadyrov, former welterweight champion, Usman, […]

Kamaru Usman

Chechen dictator, Ramzan Kadyrov has posted footage of former UFC champions, Kamaru Usman, Justin Gaethje, and Henry Cejudo, using firearms and firing grenade launchers at a training academy in Gudermes – a facility utilised to train special forces ahead of recruitment to the Russian army. 

Invited by Republic of Chechnya leader, Kadyrov, former welterweight champion, Usman, former interim lightweight titleholder, Gaethje, and former two-weight champion, Cejudo – who are all managed by Dominance MMA founder, Ali Abdelaziz, were filmed at the training complex – where they were provided a tour of the base before firing and utilizing an array of firearms, including grenade launchers.

Making the visit to the Republic of Chechnya for the first time, Gaethje and Cejudo were joined by Auchi native, Usman – who had previously attended a birthday party for Kadyrov’s son in November of last year. 

As well as the aforenoted trio, undefeated welterweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev has been continually spotted alongside Kadyrov since his move to the UFC back in 20202, sparring the Republic’s leader and his teenage children, as well as attending parties in his honor, and accepting gifts on behest from Kadyrov. 

In a promotional video posted by the aforenoted Kadyrov, the almost minute and a half footage shows the trio of Gaethje, Usman, and Cejudo firing grenade launchers, RPGs, and other weaponry at the complex.

“Chechen dictator Ramzan Kadyrov posted a video of former UFC champs Kamaru Usman, Justin Gaethje, and Henry Cejudo firing grenade launchers and assault rifles at a special forces facility in Chechnya – a facility that trains Russian soldiers for the country’s invasion of Ukraine,” Karim Zidan tweeted. 

Kamaru Usman is expected to fight Leon Edwards in March of next year

While Gaethje and Cejudo are still yet to book their respective Octagon returns ahead of expected 2023 comebacks, former undisputed welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman is expected to fight recently minted titleholder, Leon Edwards in a trilogy rubber match in the United Kingdom next year.

UFC stars Kamaru Usman, Henry Cejudo, and Justin Gaethje spotted in Chechnya with warlord Ramzan Kadyrov

UFCJustin Gaethje and former UFC champions Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo, all fighters managed by Ali Abdelaziz, were recently spotted in Chechnya at the invitation of the head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov. In a tweet by Karim Zidan, the three fighters were captured testing out weapons at a special forces facility in the […]

UFC

Justin Gaethje and former UFC champions Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo, all fighters managed by Ali Abdelaziz, were recently spotted in Chechnya at the invitation of the head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov. In a tweet by Karim Zidan, the three fighters were captured testing out weapons at a special forces facility in the Republic’s capital, Gudermes.

“Former UFC champs Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo, along with Justin Gaethje, are all currently in Chechnya at the invitation of the republic’s warlord Ramzan Kadyrov. Here they are testing out guns at a special forces facility in Gudermes.”

Undefeated welterweight Khamzat Chimaev has had a longstanding relationship with the Chechen warlord for some time, but this is the first that Justin Gaethje, Kamaru Usman, and Henry Cejudo have been associated with the man accused of multiple human rights abuses including anti-LGBTQ purges in the Republic and advocating to restrict the rights of women. If that weren’t enough, Kadyrov has also been accused of kidnapping, torture, and assassinations since he assumed office in 2007.

Fans Are Not Happy with UFC Fighters Associating With the Chechen Warlord

The relationship between the United States and Russia has always been strained. That was further exacerbated by Russia’s needless invasion of Ukraine which has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians on top of leaving 7.6 million Ukrainians and Russians displaced.

Many MMA fans on Twitter responded negatively to the revelation that three of the UFC’s most successful fighters have chosen to associate with such a contentious figure, particularly in the midst of a war that a majority of the world is very much against. Twitter user @ridingbycycles said:

“That’s just absolutely vile. I can tolerate Chimaev’s relationship with Kadyrov because he appears to be in a hole he can’t get out of. But for American athletes to embrace this is a disgrace.”

Another Twitter user, @GMCManning, says that he is done rooting for the trio of fighters after their association with Kadyrov.

“Well…guess I’ll be rooting for all their opponents from now on.”

You can check out more fans’ responses below and let us know what you think in the comments.

UFC champion Islam Makhachev poses for picture with Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov following title win

Islam MakhachevFollowing his stunning vacant UFC lightweight title victory earlier this month in Abu Dhabi, UAE – Dagestan favorite, Islam Makhachev embarked on a trumphant tour and parade around his region and the Middle East. And it appears during that victory lap, the AKA grappler met with sanctioned Chechen warlord and leader, Ramzan Kadyrov at his […]

Islam Makhachev

Following his stunning vacant UFC lightweight title victory earlier this month in Abu Dhabi, UAE – Dagestan favorite, Islam Makhachev embarked on a trumphant tour and parade around his region and the Middle East. And it appears during that victory lap, the AKA grappler met with sanctioned Chechen warlord and leader, Ramzan Kadyrov at his home in Grozny. 

Makhachev, the newly minted undisputed UFC lightweight champion, managed to clinch the promotion’s undisputed title with a second round arm-triangle submission win over Sao Paulo grappler and former champion, Charles Oliveira.

Expected to make his first attempted title defense next year as soon as February, Islam Makhachev has been hotly tipped to headline UFC 284 in Perth, Australia – welcoming undisputed featherweight best, Alexander Volkanovski to the lightweight limit.

Islam Makhachev poses for a photo with the sanctioned, Ramzan Kadyrov

Last week, Islam Makhachev embarked on a victory tour in his native Dagestan following his UFC title coronation, sharing photos with fans and supporters, as well as meeting the Republic’s leader and draping the title over his father’s shoulder.

However, over this weekend, pictures show Makhachev posing for multiple pictures alongside Chechen warlord, Kadyrov – who has been sanctioned by the United States government and officials. 

The founder of Akhmat MMA, Karydov is a close friend and associate of undefeated UFC welterweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev to boot, hosting the Chechen-born finisher at his home in Chechnya, as well as sparring with Chimaev and instructing his teenage children to spar with the #3 ranked contender. 

During Makhachev’s post-fight Octagon interview following UFC 280, Chimaev engaged in a physical altercation with Abubakar Nurmagomedov at Octagon-side – the cousin of former undisputed UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov.

And at a function and dinner in the hours following the pay-per-view event, Kadryov played mediator between the two, encouraging both to post for a picture together and urging them to bury the hatchet.