The Daily Star’s FREE newsletter is spectacular! Sign up today for the best stories straight to your inbox
A row has erupted over “the most hyped fight of the year” in Russia- a contest between two teenagers with dwarfism.
The fight has reportedly already taken place.
But a video has not yet been released amid anger over the “unethical” bout conducted as a “freak show”.
The fight was between 3ft tall and 18kg Hasbulla 'Hasbik' Magomedov, 18, a popular TikTok star from the Russian republic of Dagestan.
His opponent is Abduroziq, 17, 3ft 3in tall, weighing 17kg, a singer from Tajikistan.
A video with almost nine million hits shows their pre-fight banter as Abduroziq threatens Hasbulla: ”If you lay even a finger on me now, they will take your corpse away.”
He also said: “Believe me, I don't care where you're training. And why are you imitating Conor McGregor?”
The mixed martial arts fight was organised by Chechen blogger Ashab Tamayev, 19, and was due on 18 May, but it is unclear who won.
He has promised to upload the video, but has delayed doing so.
He is seen in the pre-fight video keeping the pair apart.
Female prison officer, 28, had 'inappropriate relationships' with two locked up brothers
But the Sports Association of Little People of Russia branded the fight – between two combatants with a total weight of 35kg – “unethical”.
The body said it was aimed at turning the pair into a 'laughing stock'.
The association’s head Ulyana Podpalnaya said: “It's not like even a show fight.
“They get paid a lot of money and it's a show to make people laugh.
"There is nothing serious about this, this is not a sport.
US government in possession of 'exotic material' from UFOs, ex-Pentagon officer claims
"This is unethical and wrong, from my point of view.”
Martial arts for small people might be appropriate as a Paralympic sport, she said.
She added: “It can be judo, karate, and people will understand that this is a serious sport, serious performances, and not some kind of freak show.
"Such an event does not draw attention to the sport of small people.
Prince Harry wanted to quit royals after Diana’s death because he ‘didn’t want the life’
"If interest is aroused, it is only due to the fact that a lot of money is being invested in it.
"And from the point of view of the sports career growth of these guys, there are no prospects."
But ex-UFC bantamweight champion Pyotr Yan backed the fight.
And English professional mixed martial artist Darren Till expressed his willingness to pay money to see this confrontation, according to local media.
Get latest news headlines delivered free
Want all the latest shocking news and views from all over the world straight into your inbox?
We've got the best royal scoops, crime dramas and breaking stories – all delivered in that Daily Star style you love.
Our great newsletters will give you all you need to know, from hard news to that bit of glamour you need every day. They'll drop straight into your inbox and you can unsubscribe whenever you like.
You can sign up here – you won't regret it…
Russian newspaper Express Gazeta called it the “most hyped fight of the year” and “unique” in “the world of martial arts”.
Hasbulla said: "I do not consider myself disabled, but my parents do, and doctors too.
“It is only my height that is not increasing, that is all.
“And when I walk fast, I get tired.
“Other 18-year-old children are sitting at home and write that I am retarded."
Spain to let Brit tourists in from Monday in huge boost to holiday hopes
He said they "sit at home" and "want to earn something but fail", so they envy him.
Abduroziq said: "Praise God, I have legs, arms, and my brain.
“I'm making money, I send it home to my family every month.
“I'm building a house and a restaurant in Tajikistan.
“Thank Allah, I do not consider myself disabled, this is the most important thing.
“I even believe that I am better than some adults because I know how to make money.”
- Russia
- Money
- MMA
Source: Read Full Article