The Moscow-backed leader of the Russian region of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, is facing criticism after his sons took part in televised mixed martial arts fights involving children as young as eight.
One of Kadyrov's sons, 10-year-old Akhmad, beat another boy by a technical knockout in the cage during a so-called exhibition bout on a nationally televised fight card Tuesday, while his younger brothers Eli and Adam also won their fights.
The children were brought into the ring with music and announced in the same way as pro fighters, before being rewarded with belts when they won as their father, who was inaugurated to a new term as Chechnya's leader Wednesday, looked on.
Leading Russian MMA pro Fedor Emelianenko, has called the fights "unacceptable'' and dangerous in a statement on his Instagram page.
