Key insights

• ⚔️ Ramzan Kadirov has built an influential MMA operation and is using MMA to exert influence.
• 🛡️ Kadirov commands the loyalty of feared soldiers known as the kery and has a history of resisting Russian rule.
• 💣 Kadirov's regime is involved in fighting alongside the Russian military in Syria, Ukraine, and is accused of committing war crimes.
• 🎁 Kadirov rewards loyalty with lavish gifts, creates a new class of athletes loyal to him, and uses MMA pipeline to create hard power.
• 💂 Kadirov is recruiting fighters from the Akhmed Fight Club to fuel his private army and represent his ideal Chechen soldiers.
• 🚫 The UFC has allowed fighters linked to Kadirov, despite US economic sanctions, raising concerns about authoritarian involvement in combat sports.
• 💰 Putin supported Ramzan Kadirov in Chechnya and funded the reconstruction of the capital city, while Kadirov used sports to manipulate culture.
• 🥊 Kadirov introduced MMA to Chechnya, established a gym named Fight Club Akhmed, and developed talented fighters from the region.

Q&A

• What is the promotion for incog mentioned in the video?

  The video is sponsored by incog, a data protection and privacy online service, offering a 60% discount with the code 'search party'.

• How did Putin support Ramzan Kadirov's rise in Chechnya?

  Putin supported Ramzan Kadirov in Chechnya and funded the reconstruction of the capital city. Kadirov also established a heavily armed private militia and used sports to manipulate culture with Putin's support.

• Why are there concerns about fighters linked to Ramzan Kadirov competing in the UFC?

  There are concerns about authoritarian involvement in combat sports, specifically regarding the UFC's allowance of fighters linked to Kadirov despite US economic sanctions placed on him and his associates. The UFC denies having a contractual relationship with Kadirov.

• What is the role of Ramzan Kadirov's regime in global conflicts?

  Kadirov's regime is accused of being involved in fighting alongside the Russian military in Syria, Ukraine, and is accused of committing war crimes. He is using these fighters to stay in power and carry out Putin's agenda.

• How does Ramzan Kadirov exert influence using MMA and athletes?

  Kadirov rewards loyalty among MMA fighters with lavish gifts, creates a new class of athletes loyal to him, and uses the MMA pipeline to create hard power. He also recruits fighters from Akhmed Fight Club to fuel his private army, representing his ideal Chechen soldiers.

• What is Ramzan Kadirov's connection to mixed martial arts (MMA)?

  Ramzan Kadirov has established his influence in the world of MMA by introducing the sport to Chechnya in 2015. He established a gym named Fight Club Akhmed and developed talented fighters from the region, even signing athletes to compete internationally.

• 00:03 The relationship between Ramzan Kadirov's regime, his government, his militia, and mixed martial arts is indisputable. Kadirov has built his own influential MMA operation and is using MMA to exert influence. Kadirov also commands the loyalty of feared soldiers and has a history of resisting Russian rule.
• 02:48 The rise of Ramzan Kadirov in Chechnya through Putin's support, and the use of sports to manipulate culture. Sponsored by incog for data protection.
• 04:26 Kadirov introduced MMA to Chechnya and established a gym to develop fighters, including signing talented athletes from the region to compete internationally.
• 06:12 MMA fighter Kadirov rewards loyalty with lavish gifts, creates a new class of athletes loyal to him, and uses MMA pipeline to create hard power. Kadirov's influence extends to paramilitary units and abuse of power.
• 08:02 Kadirov is recruiting fighters from the Akhmed Fight Club to fuel his private army and represent his ideal Chechen soldiers. The Kadirov's regime is involved in fighting alongside the Russian military in Syria, Ukraine, and it is accused of committing war crimes. Kadirov is using these fighters to stay in power and carry out Putin's dirty work.
• 09:56 The UFC has allowed fighters linked to Kadirov, despite US economic sanctions. This raises concerns about authoritarian involvement in combat sports.