The founder and promoter of the Hardcore Fighting league, Anatoly Sulyanov, has floated a high-stakes challenge to blogger Amiran Sardarov and rapper Alisher Morgenstern, offering a $1 million prize for a boxing or MMA bout in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
In a public message, Sulyanov noted that the ongoing dispute between Morgenstern and Sardarov had persisted for more than two weeks. He described both personalities as compelling contrasts and suggested that a clash between them could be the centerpiece of a major event. The proposal included a venue at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai and referenced Morgenstern’s prior willingness to fight for substantial sums, hinting at a potential six-figure payday trailed by a larger offer.
To add a twist, Sulyanov proposed splitting the purse, offering each participant $500,000, with the fight concluding only by knockout or through a medically justified stoppage. He signaled that the ball was in their court and awaited a response through a video message shared on social media channels.
Previously, Sardarov had been critical of Russian stars who chose to pursue opportunities abroad, including Morgenstern, and he urged the rapper to consider returning home after a stint in the United States geared toward building a career overseas.
In one broadcast take, Sardarov addressed Morgenstern directly, urging a return to Russia and expressing a sense of longing for the country. He encouraged Morgenstern to be honest about the choices made abroad and to recognize the challenges that come with living away from home, suggesting that a path back could be possible with better decisions and a clearer perspective.
Morgenstern reportedly left Russia amid claims of promoting drugs through his work. Sardarov asserted that a public apology from the rapper might facilitate a trouble-free return, while emphasizing the need for responsible behavior and a willingness to mature if he comes back.
According to the blogger, Morgenstern would need to demonstrate adaptability and a commitment to positive change if he returns, noting that any reappearance would require a different approach to avoid repeating past problems.
In a separate exchange, Morgenstern admitted hesitancy about returning to his homeland even when a desire to do so existed. He cautioned about potential criminal repercussions and urged accountability should legal challenges arise upon a comeback.
Conversations floated about a formal agreement that would be recognized by state authorities to address possible legal actions upon Morgenstern’s return. Morgenstern voiced concerns about the feasibility of such a document and questioned the confidence that could be placed in the arrangements given prior actions.
Inside the message thread, Morgenstern expressed affection for Russia and a fondness for simple moments, like spending time at a cottage or sitting in traffic on a familiar route. He described fear about returning and hinted at a broader sense of uncertainty about public life and career choices.
Current status shows no official steps taken toward the proposed duel. Yet Sardarov released a screenshot of a private exchange that outlined terms for a possible clash, leading to tension as Morgenstern accused his rival of leaking the conversation and dismissed the idea of a formal face-off as embarrassing.
Last season, Morgenstern aligned with Hardcore Fighting, and discussions had circled around potential opponents, including former Bellator middleweight champion Alexander Shlemenko. Although the unlikely matchup drew attention, it never materialized. Commentators have since suggested that a Morgenstern–Sardarov fight could be more plausible, given the money involved and the entertainment value from a show-business boxing angle. A well-known analyst praised the concept, calling it a legitimate attraction that could showcase both participants’ athletic potential while entertaining a broad audience. He also noted that Sulyanov deserves credit for aiming to organize such events, while cautioning that momentum could wane if either side delays too long.
One expert emphasized that the appeal lies in the collision of two different spheres—a rapper and a blogger—where the spectacle becomes the core draw. The analyst described the scenario as show-business boxing rather than traditional mixed martial arts, highlighting the promotional bake for a high-stakes show. Opinions varied about timing, but there was broad agreement that a real bout could happen if both sides stay committed to pursuing it further, perhaps as early as the autumn season.