"Killed by Kadyrov" - Fans suspect foul play in the death of former UFC fighter Abdul-Kerim Edilov
MMA fans have been reacting to the passing of former UFC fighter Abdul-Kerim Edilov and suspecting whether or not his death was due to foul play.
According to journalist Karim Zidan, Edilov was formerly a close friend of the head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov. The 30-year-old fighter previously worked as a nanny for the dictator's children but fans are debating whether his passing has to do with his recent fractured relationship with Kadyrov.
Karim Zidan wrote:
"Chechen activists are reporting that former UFC fighter Abdul-Kerim Edilov has died at age 30. Edilov was a nanny for dictator's sons before becoming vice premier. Circumstances surrounding Edilov's death are unclear but should note he'd fallen out of favor w/ Kadyrov."
Chechen activists are reporting that former UFC fighter Abdul-Kerim Edilov has died at age 30.
Edilov was a nanny for the dictator's sons before becoming vice premier.
Circumstances surrounding Edilov's death are unclear but should note he'd fallen out of favor w/ Kadyrov https://t.co/mQK3veemaT
MMA fans have been discussing Edilov's passing on Reddit, with many assuming his sudden death is tied to the Chechen leader. One fan seems convinced that Edilov had been murdered by Kadyrov:
"Killed by Kadyrov"
Another fan hopes that UFC star Khamzat Chimaev, who is close friends with the Chechen leader, won't get on the wrong side of him either:
"RIP. Hopefully Khamzat never falls out of favor with this guy."
Reddit user @ConorLovesPepsi stated that fans can't help but make assumptions about Edilov's unfortunate passing due to how close it was to his falling out with Kadyrov:
"As unfortunate as his passing is, it seems very suspicious that he passes after failing out with a dictator"
Check out more reactions here:
UFC fighter Khamzat Chimaev cornered Ramzan Kadyrov's son on his MMA debut
Khamzat Chimaev's close relationship with Ramzan Kadyrov is well documented and the same can now be said for the welterweight star and Kadyrov's children.
'Borz' has been both a mentor and MMA coach to Kadyrov's family, with the 28-year-old recently accompanying Ali Kadyrov, the Chechen leader's 16-year-old son, to the cage for his MMA debut in Absolute Championship Akhmat.
Ali Kadyrov finished his opponent in the first round and the UFC fighter took to Instagram to congratulate him and his family on the victory. Chimaev wrote:
"I wholeheartedly congratulate my dear BROTHER, grandson of the First President of the Czech Republic, Hero of Russia AKHMAT-HADZHA KADYROV (GAVE g1azot kyobaldoyla tsunan! ), representative of the Republican sports club "Akhmat" Eli Kadyrov with a bright victory in the ASA 150 tournament! Making his MMA debut against Islam Akbarov in Moscow, Eli displayed excellent fighting skills and will to win by sending his opponent off in the first round. I sincerely wish Eli good health, further success in sports!"