On August 3, as part of the Arena pop-MMA promotion, a clash occurred between Israpil Ramazanov, known as Murad, and Vadim Ivanov.
history of conflict
The two fighters rose to prominence in 2021 after a viral video titled Dagestanis threw a taxi driver circulated online, where Ivanov transported Ramazanov. During and after the incident, Ramazanov acted in a provocative manner and threatened the driver, making remarks that soon became memes. He also refused to pay for the ride, reportedly owing Ivanov more than 400 rubles.
The video amassed attention on YouTube, garnering tens of millions of views and turning its figures into recognizable personalities within the pop MMA scene. Chechen fighter and promoter Askhab Tamaev conducted a notable interview with Murad and offered him a place in the Hype Fighting Championship.
In September 2021, Murad was briefly detained by authorities for urinating in a public area. Afterward, a media outlet shared additional details about Israpil Ramazanov’s background.
Records show that in 2009 a Dagestan native was convicted under articles concerning rape and sexual offenses involving a person under sixteen. He received a sentence of four and a half years and reportedly served from 2008 to 2012.
Murad’s first pop MMA opponent was Igor Shved, whom the Dagestan fighter defeated by judging decision. Later, Vadim Ivanov faced Shved and was also ruled victorious by the officials.
The video-inspired feud appeared to steer toward a real contest when the taxi driver referred to Murad as an octagon rival in January, and the actual fight was arranged for August.
how was the fight
Murad entered as the favored combatant, bringing a base freestyle wrestling style and a stronger physical condition. Ivanov, by contrast, appeared less prepared and not at peak athletic form.
The bout followed Muay Thai rules, with three three-minute rounds inside the octagon. Ground wrestling was off limits, and strikes with hands and feet were permitted.
The pace and control in the first round suggested Murad could dictate the outcome. He dominated the center of the cage while Ivanov limited his movement by retreating and occasionally turning away from the action. The referee intervened multiple times, counting down the clock on several occasions.
Ivanov showed little energy early on, his stamina flagging after the opening minute. He even managed a brief moment when he appeared to land a strike, but it did not alter the overall flow of the fight.
The match concluded in the second round after a surge of punches and a decision to concede. A white towel lifted from Ivanov’s corner signified the referee’s stoppage and a technical knockout win for Ramazanov.
Following the fight, Murad downplayed the idea of being labeled a legend. He noted that legends belong to other people and that the story would continue. He apologized for what happened and expressed a desire to move forward, adding that he would continue helping taxi drivers as part of his public presence. He also greeted fans with a respectful message to all his supporters around the world.
Ivanov, meanwhile, reflected on the result with mixed feelings. He said he expected to win with a factor of 80 to 90 percent and acknowledged the contest as more about experience than pure athletic form at that moment. He hinted at ongoing training and suggested that future appearances in pop MMA could remain a possibility with time and results to show. The event organizers later announced that the feud between Murad and the taxi driver had concluded.