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Chechnya’s Kadyrov Sparks Controversy on MMA Participation of Boy Fighters | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov makes a speech during a ceremony to mark his 35th birthday in the Chechen capital Grozny October 5, 2011. Kadyrov, installed as president in April 2007, is known for his colorful lifestyle. He keeps big cats in a personal zoo near his mansion, owns a gold-plated handgun and often performs traditional Chechen dances in public. REUTERS/Yelena Fitkulina (RUSSIA)


Moscow- Russian social media networks have caught fire ever since Chechnya Head of Republic Ramzan Kadyrov, and his three sons became a national MMA sensation.

Covering an event on mixed martial arts, Kadyrov did not mind that his three boys Akhmad, aged 10, Eli, nine, and Adam, eight to partake in the activities, entering the boxing arena. The Gronzy held event is meant to raise sports spirit and promote for fitness and bravery.

Kadyrov posted boastful comments along with the Instagram video clips, such as: “Little Adam showed that he’s a real Lion!… The opponents had strong fighting spirit and will, but Adam won a confident victory and won the champion’s belt. Congratulations, Adam!”

In Russia’s parliamentary and regional elections last month Mr. Kadyrov won in Chechnya with 98% support.

Since a statement was released by Fedor Emelianenko regarding the underage children in MMA fights that were organized during a martial arts event in Grozny, Chechnya, Russia’s MMA community has been split in two, which has already led to a UFC call out.

According to the official rules of the MMA Union that were approved by Russian government, all athletes under the age of 21 must wear helmets and special ankle protection while participating in MMA, and children under 17 cannot perform shirtless.

More so, Emelianenko condemned the competition, saying it was “unacceptable and cannot be justified”. Despite, Mr. Emelianenko’s loudly voiced condemnation of Kadyrov allowing his children to participate, the head of the Chechen Republic did not take executive action against him.

The strong criticism of Emelianenko, who is the most respected Russian martial artist of all time, sparked a new wave of angry messages on social media – this time against the Chechen backing side.