Dagestani MMA Fighter Arrested in Russia

Zaur Ismailov, an amateur MMA fighter from Makhachkala in Dagestan, has been remanded in custody following criminal charges related to desecrating a monument to veterans of Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations. The Dorogomilovo District Court in Moscow ordered his detention for two months, with a scheduled release date of February 5, 2026.

Dagestani MMA Fighter Detained in Moscow for Training Exercise at Veterans Monument

The case commenced after Ismailov posted a video on Instagram showing him performing boxing punches and kicks at a bronze monument located near Slavyansky Bulvar metro station in Moscow. In the footage, Ismailov is visible stretching an elastic training band over the…