Uploaded November 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
It’s sport-washing like you’ve never seen before.
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For 17 years, the tiny Russian republic of Chechnya has been ruled by the iron-fist of Ramzan Kadyrov. He’s a warlord-turned-dictator, 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 world-famous 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.
Subscribe and turn on notifications 🔔 so you don't miss any videos: youtube.com/@SearchParty
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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 100-foot waves of Nazaré, Portugal. Ellis has also directed multiple episodes of TV; notably on Netflix’s ‘Explained’ and HBO Sport’s ‘Level Playing Field’.
Got story ideas or tips? Reach out to the team at:
Twitter: twitter.com/swellis_
Email: sam@searchparty.ch
It’s sport-washing like you’ve never seen before.
Use code searchparty at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: incogni.com/searchparty
Join Newpress, our community-driven hub for creator journalism: newpress.com/start
For 17 years, the tiny Russian republic of Chechnya has been ruled by the iron-fist of Ramzan Kadyrov. He’s a warlord-turned-dictator, 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 world-famous 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.
Subscribe and turn on notifications 🔔 so you don't miss any videos: youtube.com/@SearchParty
Become a Search Party Original member today: youtube.com/channel/UC7KbIaEOuY7H2j-cvhJ3mYA/join
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 100-foot waves of Nazaré, Portugal. Ellis has also directed multiple episodes of TV; notably on Netflix’s ‘Explained’ and HBO Sport’s ‘Level Playing Field’.
Got story ideas or tips? Reach out to the team at:
Twitter: twitter.com/swellis_
Email: sam@searchparty.ch
