MAKHACHKALA, Dagestan – Russian mixed martial artist and teammate of UFC icon Khabib Nurmagomedov, Magomedrasul Mutaev, was tragically shot and killed on January 31st in Makhachkala, Dagestan. The 21-year-old athlete reportedly succumbed to his injuries shortly after the shooting, which occurred outside an apartment block on Gaptsakhskaya Street.
Mutaev was a student at Khabib’s late father Abdulmanap’s school of martial arts and had recently shared a photo of himself with the former lightweight champion just days before his untimely passing. It’s believed that there was a prior attempt on Mutaev’s life, adding to the tragic circumstances surrounding his death.
According to reports, 18-year-old Nadyrkhan Kadirkhanov has been arrested in connection with the shooting. The incident is said to have been motivated by personal issues stemming from bullying inside the gym, with allegations of Mutaev taking advantage of his strength to mistreat younger gym members.
It is also alleged that Mutaev had severe conflicts with Kadirkhanov, which escalated to a physical altercation a week before the shooting, further adding context to the tragic events that led to Mutaev’s untimely death.
AMC Fight Nights released a statement expressing deep regret over the death of Mutaev. The organization remembered the young athlete as a promising and influential figure in the world of martial arts, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew him. The situation has undoubtedly shaken the MMA community and led to reflection on the importance of addressing issues related to bullying and conflict resolution within the sport.