“Thought UFC Was About Free Speech?” – Security Snatching Flag Out of Undefeated Fighter Upsets Fans

UFC Qatar victor Nurullo Aliev's team does not get to wrap the Tajikistani flag around him after UFC official pulls it away.

“Thought UFC Was About Free Speech?” – Security Snatching Flag Out of Undefeated Fighter Upsets Fans

Nurullo Aliev gets Tajikistani flag pulled away by UFC official (via X)

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Many UFC athletes treat their nationality as a core part of their identity, often showcasing it by wrapping their national flag around themselves after a victory. The gesture serves as a symbol of heritage, pride, and global representation on a major stage. During the UFC’s first event in Qatar, Nurullo Aliev attempted to uphold that tradition. However, he was denied the chance when an official intervened.

Aliev made his UFC debut in February 2023, defeating Rafael Alves at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The win established him as a promising newcomer and marked a significant milestone for his home country. His profile grew quickly as fans noted his striking resemblance to former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. This comparison helped boost his visibility early in his career.

Aliev competes under the Tajikistani flag and continues to rise through the lightweight division. At UFC Qatar, he earned a unanimous-decision win over Shaqueme Rock during the promotion’s first event in the country. Moments later, a member of his corner attempted to drape the Tajikistani flag over him. A UFC official stepped in and removed the flag before it reached Aliev.

The incident reignited attention on the past flag restrictions, which were introduced during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The policy limited fighters from displaying national flags inside the Octagon. By 2023, CEO Dana White reversed the ban, first allowing flags back during the Noche UFC event. The organization has since permitted fighters to walk out with national symbols again.

Before entering the UFC, Aliev built an undefeated record across regional promotions such as Gorilla Fighting Championship and AMC Fight Nights. His résumé includes wins over contenders like Kirill Kryukov, Kamil Iskakov, and Makkasharip Zaynukov during his rise through the lightweight ranks. These victories helped shape his reputation as a disciplined and relentless grappler.

The broader implications of the flag removal extend beyond a single post-fight exchange, touching on identity and representation in global MMA. For Nurullo Aliev, the first-ever Tajikistani fighter to compete in the UFC, national symbols carry significant meaning. Incidents like this highlight the tension between organizational policies and cultural expression.

Fans react to Nurullo Aliev’s Tajikistan flag getting pulled away by a UFC official

Some fans revisited Dana White’s long-stated views on free speech and fighter expression, noting that he has often emphasized personal freedom. They argued that the flag incident seemed inconsistent with that stance. The moment led many to question how firmly those principles are upheld. For them, the situation reopened debates about UFC’s messaging on expression.

Nurullo Aliev
Nurullo Aliev (via UFC)

Many fans were frustrated by the official pulling the flag away just as Aliev was preparing to celebrate. They felt the interruption was unnecessary and poorly handled, especially after a strong performance. At the same time, they commended Aliev for staying calm in the Octagon. His composed reaction was seen as a sign of professionalism under pressure.

Some fans also acknowledged that certain countries impose political restrictions on flag display at sporting events. They suggested that such rules can influence how organizations manage symbols on a global stage. This led to broader discussions about how promotions navigate international sensitivities. Many felt the situation reflects the challenges of operating across diverse geopolitical landscapes.

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