Dagestani fighter Nurmagomedov ignores a challenge to a duel with an “Akhmat” fighter

The leader of Chechnya says his proposal to Dagestani fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov to hold a duel with a fighter from the “Akhmat” league was a spontaneous move. In their comments, social media users note that Ramzan Kadyrov’s statement about Khabib Nurmagomedov contained no insults. The fighter ignored the challenge.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that on May 13, the leader of Chechnya announced his willingness to pay Khabib Nurmagomedov the remuneration whatever he would request for a victory over a fighter from the “Akhmat” club. Meanwhile, Ramzan Kadyrov reproached the fighter for performing under the auspices of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and not under the flags of Russia or Dagestan.

Ramzan Kadyrov did not hurt Khabib Nurmagomedov’s dignity, but his proposal is rather provocative, says Igor Ryazantsev, the editor-in-chief of the “Sila TV” Channel. “I believe the mentioned proposal is of provocative nature, since this year, Khabib has officially finished his career as a fighter and it is very difficult for him to come back after that. The proposal to fight should be considered taking into account the Caucasian tradition, when a man is expected not to reject any proposal voiced by elders,” Igor Ryazantsev explained.

Ruslan Kutaev, the president of the Assembly of Caucasian Nations, treats the statements voiced by Ramzan Kadyrov as a PR move and notes that the leader of Chechnya has no conflict with Khabib Nurmagomedov. “We have witnessed how Ramzan Kadyrov gave expensive gifts to Khabib Nurmagomedov. It is known that Ramzan Kadyrov treats the fighter with respect,” Ruslan Kutaev said.

Svetlana Gannushkina, the chair of the “Civic Assistance” Committee, explains the Ramzan Kadyrov’s statements by the changes in his mood.

Caucasian expert Akhmet Yarlykapov believes that by voicing the statements under discussion, Ramzan Kadyrov decided to demonstrate his power.