Abdul-Kerim Edilov

Abdul-Kerim Edilov (25 November 1991 – 29 December 2022) was a Russian mixed martial artist who competed in the Light Heavyweight division. Notably associated with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Edilov was also known for his close ties to Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, having served as the Chechnya's Vice-Premier and Minister of Sports.

Edilov died in December 2022, with the circumstances of his death attracting attention and discussion.

Early life Edilov was born on November 25, 1991, in the Chechnya, Russia.

Mixed Martial Arts Edilov began his mixed martial arts career in the early 2010s. Initially scheduled to debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 2016, Edilov faced a setback due to a 15-month suspension by the UFC after testing positive for meldonium, a banned substance.

Edilov made a successful UFC debut in 2017, defeating Bojan Mihajlovic by a second-round technical knockout (TKO). In 2018, Edilov left the UFC, reportedly requesting his release to join Absolute Championships Akhmat (ACA), a promotion formed from the merger of several organizations.

On May 28, 2019, it was reported that Edilov was removed from the UFC roster.

Relationship with Ramzan Kadyrov Edilov was associated with Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Chechnya. In his political career, Edilov served as deputy prime minister of Chechnya. In September 2022, allegations of drug use surfaced, leading to speculation about Edilov's standing within Kadyrov's inner circle. Following these allegations, Edilov's public appearances and social media activity significantly diminished.

On 23 November 2022, it was officially announced that Edilov had resigned from his position as deputy prime minister, a decision stated to be made "at his own initiative". The lack of clarity surrounding the circumstances of his resignation and subsequent reduction in public visibility contributed to rumors about a potential estrangement from Kadyrov.

Death Edilov died under mysterious circumstances after a "falling out" with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov's family at the age of 31 in December 2022. His death was reported by Chechen opposition movements, leading to speculation about the cause and manner of his death.

Mixed martial arts record Win

Bojan Mihajlović TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Volkov vs. Struve

Rotterdam, Netherlands Win

Leonardo Gosling TKO (leg kicks) WFCA 3

Grozny, Russia Win

Tiago Mônaco Tosato Submission (rear-naked choke) WFCA 1

Grozny, Russia Win

Gilliard Alfredo Fagundes Submission (rear-naked choke) Fight Nights: Battle of Moscow 18

Moscow, Russia Win

Cristhian Torres Submission (rear-naked choke) ACB 10

Grozny, Russia Win

Fernando Almeida Decision (unanimous) ACB 9

Grozny, Russia Win

Lahat Faye TKO (punch and soccer kick) Fight Nights: Battle of Moscow 15

Moscow, Russia Win

Pavel Tretyakov TKO (punches) Fight Nights: Krepost Selection 3

Moscow, Russia Win

Michał Gutowski TKO (punches) Fight Nights: Battle on Terek

Grozny, Russia Win

Radjabov Sohib Submission (rear-naked choke) Cage Warriors 58

Grozny, Russia Win

Jiří Procházka Submission (rear-naked choke) Fight Nights: Battle of Moscow 12

Moscow, Russia Loss

Charles Andrade Submission (guillotine choke) Fight Nights: Battle of Moscow 11

Moscow, Russia Win

Nicholas Boyarchuk Submission (rear-naked choke) Fight Nights: Battle of Moscow 9

Moscow, Russia Win

Gadzhimurad Antigulov TKO (punches) Dictator FC 1

Moscow, Russia Loss

Viktor Nemkov Decision (unanimous) League S-70: Russian Grand Prix 2011 (Stage 3)

Moscow, Russia Win

Alexander Grebenkin TKO (punches) ProFC 22

Rostov-on-Don, Russia Win

Murad Kamilov TKO (punches)

Win

Dmitriy Surnev Submission (triangle choke)

Loss

Abdurakhman Nurmagomedov Technical Submission (triangle choke) Golden Fist of Russia 1

Moscow, Russia Win

Igor Saveliev Decision (unanimous) M-1 Selection 2010: Eastern Europe Round 2

Kyiv, Ukraine Loss

Stanislav Molodtsov Submission (armbar) Atrium Pankration Cup 2010

Moscow, Russia