Russian mixed martial arts (MMA) legend Alexander Emelianenko recently found himself at the center of a religious controversy, following his visit to Saudi Arabia.
Emelianenko, who had been undergoing a seven-month rehabilitation for alcoholism in Ingushetia, sparked speculation about converting to Islam.
During his stay in Saudi Arabia, Emelianenko was seen wearing traditional Arab attire and referring to himself as “Abu Bakr” – a name that’s significant in Islamic history.
This act led many to believe that the fighter had embraced Islam.
However, these assumptions were clarified in an interview with Russian sports journalist Riy Andreev.
Lomali Gazdereev, the head of Ingushetia’s Boxing Federation, said:
He is a Christian believer. He reads his prayers. We brought him to the Bible.
He knows that we will take him to the Bible.
Despite the controversy, Gazdereev emphasized that Emelianenko’s faith does not affect how he is perceived in Ingushetia:
What’s the difference? He is a normal guy.
He will come to what he is destined for in life.
The controversy reached its peak when Emelianenko visited Medina, a holy city in Islam – and referred to himself as “Abu Bakr” while wearing traditional Arab clothing.
The significance of Abu Bakr as the first righteous caliph in Sunni Islam made Emelianenko’s choice of name lead to public backlash.
However, Gazdereev reiterated that Emelianenko remains devoted to his Christian faith.
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