It’s sportwashing like you’ve never seen before.
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For 17 years, the tiny Russian republic of Chechnya has been ruled by the ironfist of Ramzan Kadyrov. He’s a warlordturneddictator, one of Vladimir Putin’s favorite allies, and the most controversial figure in the world of mixed martial arts. Kadyrov has used MMA to reshape Chechen society, turn it into a hotbed of talent, and produce worldfamous fighters.

Many leaders have used sports to achieve political goals but Kadyrov is doing something new; many of his MMA fighters are showing up in Ukraine – as members of his feared, private army. This video will explain how Kadyrov is using MMA to build an army.

Special thanks to Harold Chambers.

Correction:
10:23 Chimaev has not won a UFC Championship. I apologize for the error.

Welcome to Search Party!
Search Party is a new, independent, video news show that combines experienced journalism and visual design to decode the most complex stories in international sports and geopolitics.

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About:
Search Party is led and produced by Sam Ellis, a journalist, director, editor, and animator based in New York City. For more than 6 years, Ellis produced the hugely popular video series, Vox Atlas, for which he earned an Emmy nomination. He specializes in breaking down the most complex new stories and presenting them with a refreshing, accessible, and engaging visual style.

He’s produced explainers on some of the world’s thorniest geopolitical stories; from corruption scandals in Latin America, conflict in the Middle East, and the rise of China, to the world of sports; the Monaco Grand Prix, the FIFA corruption scandal, and the 100foot waves of Nazaré, Portugal. Ellis has also directed multiple episodes of TV; notably on Netflix’s ‘Explained’ and HBO Sport’s ‘Level Playing Field’.

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Email: [email protected]