Islam Makhachev Blasts The IOC For Banning Russia – ‘Double Standards, Dirty’
Islam Makhachev has hit out the International Olympic Committee for banning Russia from the 2024 Olympic Games.
Russia’s war with Ukraine has left the country at loggerheads with the other nations. As a result, numerous Russian athletes were banned from competing. Those that did have a chance to compete were small, while others were forced to participate under the banner of “individual neutral athletes”.
Things were also not helped by the opening ceremony. Russia’s rich Orthodox Christian community did not take kindly to the presence of drag queens, which was seen as an insult to the Christian faith. There was also suggestions of a parody of the Last Supper, resulting in uproar from many conservative groups. Islam was one of those who were vocal against the ceremony.
Islam On The Olympics
“To be honest, I watched some highlights of the Olympics opening ceremony. It was disgusting. This is disrespectful to all religions and to all human values in general. To be honest, I even planned to go to the Olympics, but after what I saw, I don’t even want to go there. ‘Russia knows how to do it properly, cherishes human values and respects athletes and sports and what happened at the opening ceremony, I don’t think it has anything to do with sports,” Makhachev stated
Now, his attention has now turned towards the ban.
“I enjoyed watching wrestling these days. It’s a pity that dirty politics got into such a courageous sport. People who gave their whole lives to this sport and got a chance to compete at the Olympic Games are forced to stay home and watch the Olympics on TV…The double standards of dirty countries deprive our athletes of what they have been striving for all their lives,” Makhachev said
The conflation of politics and sport has been an issue with Islam’s current trainer, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Donald Trump attended UFC 303, where Islam submitted Dustin Poirier to defend his UFC Lightweight Title.
Russian Influence
It was the third successful defence of his belt, which he acquired from Charles Oliveira. After the win, Khabib was seen conversing with Trump. The former UFC Lightweight Champion called on Trump to end the Israel-Palestine war. The former President responded by stating he would address the situation, as he later referred to Khabib as the GOAT.
“Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired after a RECORD of 29-0, never having lost even a single round, is probably the Greatest Fighter of All Time. I met him at the UFC event on Saturday night in New Jersey. A really smart guy – Big things in the future for Khabib,” Trump revealed
Russian athletes have shown a rich history in the UFC. Khabib, Islam, Peter Yan and Magomed Ankalaev are some of the few who have left their mark. If Russian athletes continue winning, the pressure on the Olympics to include Russia will only increase. However, as long as the war continues, the current stand-off will be more difficult to resolve.
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