Khabib Nurmagomedov’s training facility, Eagles MMA, is currently under investigation following revelations that a member of the gym was involved in the recent terror attacks in Dagestan.

Gadzhimurad Kagirov, an undefeated Russian MMA fighter with only two fights in 2021, has been identified as one of the attackers who was killed during the violent incident. The attack resulted in several casualties, including at least 15 law enforcement officers. However, the total number of victims remains unconfirmed.

Kagirov’s involvement links Eagles MMA to the tragic terrorist attacks. Yet, Eagles MMA is not the only organization under scrutiny for possible ties to religious extremism. According to local authorities, the attackers included mixed martial arts fighters and relatives of a regional official.

Gadzhimurad Kagirov:

Russian state news agency TASS reported that five attackers who targeted places of worship and a police traffic stop in the cities of Derbent and Makhachkala on Sunday had been identified. The attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 15 police officers and four civilians, including an Orthodox priest.

Some attackers were from the Sergokalinsky district, located between the two cities, and were related to the district head, Magomed Omarov. Former MMA fighter Gadzhimurad Kagirov, a cousin of Omarov, was among those who attacked sites in Derbent. Additionally, Omarov’s son and nephew were identified as participants in the attacks.

In response, the head of Dagestan, Sergei Melikov, announced that Omarov had been relieved of his post and expelled from the United Russia party. Melikov emphasized that while Omarov’s direct involvement is under investigation, he bears responsibility for his children’s actions as their parent and a public official.

Melikov criticized Omarov for failing to monitor his children’s activities, which led to their radicalization and participation in the attacks. He stressed the importance of officials being vigilant about the influences on their families, especially in regions with complex social dynamics.

The investigation continues, aiming to uncover the full extent of the connections between the attackers and any potential extremist networks.