“Buddying up to a warlord” – Dana White meeting Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov’s sons for picture after UFC 294 has fans in turmoil

Fight fans criticize UFC head Dana White for posing with Ramzan Kadyrov's sons at UFC 294, raising concerns.

“Buddying up to a warlord” – Dana White meeting Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov’s sons for picture after UFC 294 has fans in turmoil

Dana White, Ramzan Kadyrov with his son (Image via IMAGO)

Dana White was seen with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov‘s sons at UFC 294 held in Abu Dhabi last weekend. Kadyrov is infamous all around the world for his leadership in Chechnya. He has been accused of serious human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, and persecution of political dissidents, and the LGBTQ+ community, which has contributed to his reputation.

In addition to his controversial political role, Kadyrov is known for his keen interest in mixed martial arts and his close association with several UFC fighters. Kadyrov has actively supported and promoted MMA in Chechnya, providing assistance to local fighters in their careers. Some of the most notable names are UFC rising superstar Khamzat Chimaev, light heavyweight Magomed Ankalaev, etc. 

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Recently, Kadyrov’s sons Adam and Ali who are budding MMA fighters, were spotted with UFC president Dana White in Abu Dhabi. The warlord posted pictures of his son and White on his Instagram story after the UFC 294 pay-per-view events.

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UFC 294 turned out to be one of the best PPV events of the year and on the fight card, both Chimaev and Ankalaev were featured. Kadyrov and their sons must have come to support the fighters in their fights. However, the pictures have since gone viral and have gathered a considerable amount of attention from fight fans.

Fight fans react to Dana White and Ramzan Kadyrov’s sons meeting at UFC 294

Since the beginning, Ramzan Kadyrov’s association with the UFC has drawn criticism from the public and demands that the organization break ties with him. Concerns regarding his involvement with the sport have been voiced by certain competitors and spectators.

Dana White (Image via Imago)
Dana White (Image via Imago)

In their defense, the organization has stated that they do not endorse any political figures or support any controversial causes but a situation like this, where the president is clicking pictures with Kadyrov’s sons, definitely attracts massive criticism. 

https://twitter.com/Benny_J_Brooley/status/1716266721903100072?t=vQZaZ9MRmDeJG0wMaMapjw&s=19

Many fans commented against White ignoring all the controversies regarding Kadyrov and taking pictures with his sons. Some even called White’s behavior ‘disgusting’ and ‘shameful’. However, there were few who didn’t find any problem with Kadyrov’s sons, who are MMA fighters, meeting with the boss of UFC.

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