Russia faces controversy over televised children's MMA fights
The Russian region of Chechnya has come under fire this week because they are televising children’s MMA fights.
Well this may very well be one of the most bizarre things you’ll see all week. It seems the fine folks over in Russia are televising children’s MMA fights, with the kids being as young as eight years old. And it’s not a backyard wrestling production they’re putting on either.
Ramzan Kadyrov, the Moscow-backed leader of Chechnya, has taken a lot of criticism this week after his own children took part in televised mixed martial arts fights. When you think of these type of fights, you think UFC-style matches. But these aren’t grown men stepping into the octagon to trade punches, they’re little kids.
The children enter the ring with full background music, receive official ring introductions, and are even awarded championship titles for their victories. The television broadcast is mainly focused on adult fights, but it also features professional commentary and graphics that introduce the child fighters.
Televised mixed martial arts bouts with children as young as 8 prompt concern in Russia. https://t.co/SyMQTVVzPq
— AP Sports (@AP_Sports) October 5, 2016
Kadyrov’s sons, Akmad ( age 10), Zelimkhan (nine), and Adam (eight) hit the octagon in full MMA gear in front of Chechen strongmen and other officials, and then posted a video of the event online. His youngest son Adam was presented with a championship belt by the head of Chechyna’s parliament. However, as you would expect, it was not met with full support.
The tournament that was held prompted outrage from people that the kids were participating in a sport that many consider violent, even for adults. The head of Russia’s MMA union, Fedor Emelyanenko, publicly blasted the event, saying the kids were too young to be fighting.
There were little boys, who were eight years old, beating each other around the eyes for the delight of adults. Is it really so important to organize a show at the cost of the children’s health?
The events seem to be part of a test of authority between Chechen and Russian authorities. A lawmaker close to Kadyrov issued a threat to Emelyanenko that promised more of these kind of events.
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