Kadyrov’s Birthday Brawl Causes Brouhaha Across Russia
Ramzan Kadyrov, Head of the Republic of Chechnya, in a working meeting with Vladimir Putin.
On October 4, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov held a mixed martial arts (MMA) tournament as part of his fortieth birthday celebrations in Grozny. The event, which was broadcasted on Russian television, saw Kadyrov’s young sons step inside the ring to fight opponents before a fervent crowd.
Akhmad, 10, Eli, 9, and Adam, 8, were shirtless and without protection as they kicked and punched their rivals. All three were victorious, and Akhmad won by technical knockout after only 14 seconds.
Public reaction in Russia was largely negative, with the most notable criticism coming from Fedor Emelianenko, former fighter and president of the Russian MMA Union. Emelianenko, a Russian sporting legend, declared in anInstagram post, “What happened in Grozny is unacceptable and cannot be justified!” He reminded Kadyrov that children under the age of 12 are not allowed to watch MMA fights, let alone participate.
Indeed,according to MMA Union official rules approved by the Russian Ministry of Sport, athletes younger than 21 are required to wear protection and helmets, and those under the age of 17 are banned from brawling shirtless.
Kadyrov’s supporters were happy to respond with ad hominem attacks against the former Russian fighter. Member of the State Duma, Adam Delimkhanov,said Emelianenko was a man “whose moral, ethical, and professional integrity raises the most profound doubts.” Chechen MMA fighter Abdul-Kerim Edilov said that Emelianenko was simply jealous that he had not been invited to the event.
On October 12, a manreportedly attacked Emelianenko’s 16-year-old daughter. She was hospitalized following several blows to her chest, Moscow’s Department of Health toldR-Sport news agency.
Further outcry ensued on Russian social media. Anonline petition personally addressed to Vladimir Putin asked that the Russian President protect Emelianenko from attacks and demand a public apology. It has received more than 98,000 signatures to date.
Yet, response from the Kremlin has been vague and sluggish. President Putin’sspokesman said that “there is probably reason for the appropriate oversight agencies to get involved.” Meanwhile, Children's Ombudswoman Anna Kuznetsova did not comment for two days before finallydeclaring that it was important to “find out to what extent holding such fights is a systemic phenomenon and how it affects the health of children.”
On Instagram, Kadyrov continues to flaunt his sons’ accomplishments,posting videos of their prowess against fearful opposition. In an effort to reconcile clashing parties, he asked Chechens to halt attacks on Emelianenko,saying that he was “certain that Fedor realized his mistakes.”
Russian leaders are reluctant to publicly reprimand Kadyrov for fear of igniting tensions in the fragile region. While Kadyrov’s methods have been brutal, the strongman has kept Chechnya free of Islamic extremism, which was once a looming threat to Russia. His close personal relationship with Putin has been crucial in doing so and hence must be preserved. Needless to say, conflict over a sporting spat could have a high price for both parties.