Abdul-Kerim Edilov (25 November 1991 – 29 December 2022) was a Russian mixed martial artist who competed in the Light Heavyweight division. Notably associated with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Edilov was also known for his close ties to Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, having served as the Chechnya's Vice-Premier and Minister of Sports.[1]
| Abdul-Kerim Edilov | |
|---|---|
| Born | 25 November 1991 Chechnya, Russia |
| Died | 29 December 2022 (aged 31) |
| Nationality | Russian |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (190.5 cm) |
| Weight | 205 lb (93 kg) |
| Division | Lightweight Heavyweight |
| Team | Fight Club Akhmat |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 21 |
| Wins | 17 |
| By knockout | 9 |
| By submission | 7 |
| By decision | 1 |
| Losses | 4 |
| By submission | 3 |
| By decision | 1 |
| Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog | |
Edilov died in December 2022, with the circumstances of his death attracting attention and discussion.[2][3]
Early life edit
Edilov was born on November 25, 1991, in the Chechen Republic, Russia.[4]
Mixed Martial Arts edit
Edilov began his mixed martial arts career in the early 2010s. Initially scheduled to debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 2016, Edilov faced a setback due to a 15-month suspension by the UFC after testing positive for meldonium, a banned substance.[5][6]
Edilov made a successful UFC debut in 2017, defeating Bojan Mihajlovic by a second-round technical knockout (TKO). In 2018, Edilov left the UFC, reportedly requesting his release to join Absolute Championships Akhmat (ACA), a promotion formed from the merger of several organizations.[7][8]
Relationship with Ramzan Kadyrov edit
Edilov was associated with Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Chechnya.[9] In his political career, Edilov served as deputy prime minister of Chechnya. In September 2022, allegations of drug use surfaced, leading to speculation about Edilov's standing within Kadyrov's inner circle. Following these allegations, Edilov's public appearances and social media activity significantly diminished.[10]
On 23 November 2022, it was officially announced that Edilov had resigned from his position as deputy prime minister, a decision stated to be made "at his own initiative".[11] The lack of clarity surrounding the circumstances of his resignation and subsequent reduction in public visibility contributed to rumors about a potential estrangement from Kadyrov.[12]
Death edit
Edilov died under mysterious circumstances[13] at the age of 31 in December 2022. His death was reported by Chechen opposition movements, leading to speculation about the cause and manner of his death.[14]
References edit
- ^ "Kadyrov's children's coach becomes Sports Minister of Chechnya". The Insider (in Russian). Retrieved 2024-02-24.
- ^ Zidan, Karim (2023-02-28). "The mysterious death of Chechen dictator Ramzan Kadyrov's favorite fighter". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
- ^ "Российский экс-боец UFC Эдилов скончался в возрасте 31 года - Газета.Ru | Новости". Газета.Ru (in Russian). 2024-02-24. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
- ^ "Abdul-Kerim Edilov ("The Chechnyan Lion") | MMA Fighter Page". Tapology. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
- ^ Raimondi, Marc (2016-10-21). "USADA suspends Edilov 15 months for meldonium". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
- ^ "USADA Informs UFC Signee Abdul-Kerim Edilov of Potential Anti-Doping Violation". Yahoo Sports. 2016-02-03. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
- ^ Calhoun, Curtis (2022-12-29). "MMA Fighter & Close Ally To Ramzan Kadyrov Dead At 31". MMA News | UFC News, Results & Interviews. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
- ^ "En Tchétchénie, l'octogone de MMA est un théâtre politique au service de Kadyrov - Le Temps" (in French). 2023-01-17. ISSN 1423-3967. Retrieved 2024-02-25.
- ^ "Imagine Kadyrov is gone. People entertaining rumours about the health of the head of the Chechen Republic should consider the problems Chechnya will face in a worst-case scenario". Novaya Gazeta Europe. 1986-06-15. Retrieved 2024-02-25.
- ^ Узел, Кавказский. "Appointment of Vice-Premier of Chechnya highlights principles of Kadyrov's personnel policy". Caucasian Knot. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
- ^ Узел, Кавказский. "Источники сообщили о смерти Абдул-Керима Эдилова". Кавказский Узел. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
- ^ "CE QUE L'ON SAIT DE LA MORT MYSTÉRIEUSE D'EDILOV, LE COMBATTANT PRÉFÉRÉ DE RAMZAN KADYROV". CNEWS.
- ^ Zidan, Karim (2023-02-28). "The mysterious death of Chechen dictator Ramzan Kadyrov's favorite fighter". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
- ^ "Должность умершего при неясных обстоятельствах экс-тренера детей Кадырова занял его брат". Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (in Russian). 2023-03-14. Retrieved 2024-02-24.