Fedor criticizes Chechen leader for allowing underage sons in MMA fights
Fedor Emelianenko's condemnation of underage MMA fights hasn't sat well with his fellow countrymen.
The heavyweight luminary criticized Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov for allowing his three underage sons to compete in Tuesday's World Fight Championships of Akhmat event in Grozny. The boys, aged 9-11, each won their fights, the eldest via knockout, and the other two by decision. Kadyrov later praised his offspring on social media, while ally and State Duma rep Adam Delimkhanov posted a picture of himself and the boys brandishing miniature title belts on Instagram.
The proceedings prompted an outraged Emelianenko to criticize Kadyrov and the authorities behind the event, stating children under the age of 12 are forbidden from any involvement in MMA.
"What happened at the tournament in Grozny is unacceptable and, moreover, cannot be justified. Needless to say that kids under age of 12 cannot even attend MMA fights (in Russia) as spectators, but here we had little ones as young as 8 beating each other up in front of happy adults. I am outraged by the fact that the head of Chechnya was watching over it. Didn't (the Chechen) sports minister tell him about the fact that children under 12 cannot participate in MMA under any circumstances?"
Russian MMA union rules dictate underage fighters must wear helmets, shirts, and protective ankle gear, all of which were absent from Tuesday's juvenile contests.
Emelianenko's tirade has earned him some backlash from several compatriots, including Delimkhanov, WSOF flyweight champion Magomed Bibulatov, and UFC alum and Russian ex-pat Jeff Monson.
The Russian Sports Ministry is currently investigating the matter.
- With h/t to Bloody Elbow