Gadzhimurad Khiramagomedov Faces Lifetime Ban After Attack on Russian MMA Official

Dagestani fighter Gadzhimurad Khiramagomedov is facing a lifetime ban from the Rusian Mixed Martial Arts Union (RMMAU) after attacking the sanctioning body's vice president Radmir Gabdullin.

Following a split decision loss to Georgy Kichigin at May 19's Fight Nights Global 65 in Astana, Kazakhstan, Khiramagomedov and his brother, Gamzat, entered Gabdullin's hotel room. Though their entrance into the room was recorded by hotel surveillance cameras, no footage has been recorded of the alleged attack that took place inside. Gabdullin was hospitalized with a broken jaw and facial bones and a concussion, following an argument stemming from Khiramagomedov's loss to Kichigin.

Khiramagomedov, 25, was arrested by local authorities in Astana following the incident, but was later released and returned to Moscow.

“Now I'm home and I plan to spend time with my family,” Khiramagomedov told Russian sports channel Match TV. “I don't wish to say anything, understand?”

The RMMAU has maintained that both Khiramagomedov brothers will face sanctions for their actions, including potential lifetime bans, while Fight Nights Global owner and promoter Kamil Gadzhiev has stated that the Krepost Fight Club product will never fight for the promotion again.

The welterweight Khiramagomedov has posted a 5-2 pro MMA record, competing largely under the Fight Nights banner. His coach, Magomed Kadiev, has reportedly stated that the perceived injustice of the split decision loss to Kichigin was just the latest in a series of disagreements between the fighter and his promoter.