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The UFC is a global sport that brings fans around from everywhere. However, there seems to be an issue growing that could be a dark stain upon the organization.
By now, it’s no longer a secret that Chechen dictator Ramzan Kadyrov has ties with many UFC fighters. For that reason, the US State Department is watching the situation closely.
According to MMA Junkie, due to the numerous fighters who have ties with Kadyrov, the US State Department feels it’s necessary to pay closer attention to the UFC. The organization hasn’t shied away from the Chechen dictator, as he’s been seen at events, embracing fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov. “‘The Department of State is aware of Kadyrov’s association with Chechen UFC. fighters,’ a State Department official familiar with the investigations of Kadyrov’s business dealings.”
Ramzan Kadyrov is the dictator of Chechnya and “first was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department in 2017 over a wide range of human rights violations that include the kidnapping, torture, and killing of LGBTQ people,” per MMA Junkie.
Although the “organization doesn’t have a known official relationship with Kadyrov, the promotion hasn’t shied away from signing fighters tied to his gym,” per MMA Junkie. Guys like Khamzat Chimaev and UFC 282 headliner Magomed Ankalaev both train in Ramzan Kadyrov’s gym. The Chechen dictator even called out Dana White after Ankalaev’s fight was ruled a draw.
Any fighter from Russia or Chechnya is kind of expected to know Kadyrov at this point. Especially considering he and his family are heavily involved in their lives. Even so, things took a turn when former UFC champions Kamaru Usman, Justin Gaethje, and Henry Cejudo were seen firing assault rifles and rocket launchers alongside the Chechen dictator.
For that reason, the US State Department feels it’s necessary to keep a closer eye on the situation as a whole. Ramzan Kadyrov apparently invites many UFC fighters to celebrate his children’s birthday parties as well.
With that said, it’s unclear what will happen. For now, this is something to monitor as the UFC catches some heat with their ties to Ramzan Kadyrov.