The president of the Ingushetia Boxing Federation, Lom-Ali Gazgiriev, rejected claims that Russian MMA fighter Alexander Emelianenko has converted to Islam. His stance shapes the conversation around the topic, as reported by Sports Express.
Gazgiriev was asked clearly: “Did Emelianenko become a Muslim? As far as I know, no.” He emphasized the point, noting that the fighter remains identified as a devout Christian. “There you see her rosary; she’s reciting a prayer. There is a Bible in rehab. He knows,” Gazgiriev added, underscoring his belief about Emelianenko’s religious identity.
The rumor of a conversion to Islam was attributed to Rasul Magomedaliev, the head coach of the Universal Fighters club, who had spoken publicly on the matter. The claim circulated amid ongoing coverage of Emelianenko’s career and personal life.
Emelianenko, a former ProFC world champion, has a storied history in combat sports. He has stood out among many Russian and international champions in sambo, including European titles in sambo combat. In late May, during the main event of the REN TV Fight Club in Moscow, he secured a second-round submission victory over Evgeny Ershov, reinforcing his status in the sport.
Across his professional MMA record, Emelianenko has competed in 40 bouts, delivering 29 victories, with 20 wins by knockout. He has 10 defeats and one draw. Now in his early forties, the fighter has been reported to be in a rehabilitation center in Ingushetia since the start of June, a detail that has fueled further public discussion about his personal life and career, as noted by several media outlets.
Previous statements addressing Emelianenko’s religious stance have varied among observers and officials, contributing to a broader conversation about identity, faith, and public figures in sports. The evolving narrative around him continues to attract attention from fans and commentators alike, with ongoing interest in his competitive future and personal choices.
Observers stress the importance of separating rumor from verified information in dynamic sports stories. For Emelianenko, as with many high-profile athletes, the intersection of faith, public expectations, and athletic performance often becomes a focal point for discussion, drawing responses from teammates, coaches, and federation leaders. The overall picture remains focused on his career achievements, his contribution to combat sports, and the continued attention paid to his personal journey as it unfolds in the public arena.