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‘Dagestan, Wake Up’: Khabib Nurmagomedov and the role of cultural censorship in the North Caucasus

Last week, a play titled Hunting for Men was shown at the Makhachkala Friendship House in the Republic of Dagestan. The performance featured a now-infamous scene with a woman seducing a man while dressed in lingerie. The scene was recorded by several of the attendees and spread through social media. Eventually, Khabib Nurmagomedov came across the video. The UFC champion criticized the scene as “filth” and demanded that those behind the play be held responsible. Nurmagomedov’s comments stoked outrage within his native republic, gained traction among local politicians, fellow athletes, and caused the play’s producer to receive alleged threats on social media.