Russian MMA fighter stabbed to death in North Ossetia restaurant 

Alan Khadziev was reportedly stabbed in the heart after attempting to intervene in a heated altercation between several visitors at a restaurant.  

A Russian MMA fighter was stabbed to death at a restaurant in Mozdok, North Ossetia.

Alan Khadziev, a two-time world Full Contact Fighting (FCF) champion who had traveled to Mozdok to attend a wedding ceremony with his brother, was reportedly stabbed in the heart after attempting to intervene in a heated altercation between several visitors at the restaurant.

Khadziev, 31, was transported to a nearby hospital where he died in intensive care. The assailant also injured an unnamed 29-year-old male, who is currently hospitalized in serious condition.

Ibragim Tibilov, the president of the North Ossetia MMA Federation, later confirmed the fighter’s passing.

“He came from Moscow to perform a marriage ceremony with his wife,” Tibilov told Tass.ru. “His friends invited him to a restaurant. A brawl occurred there during which Alan, who was trying to keep the fighters apart, was stabbed right in his heart and died.”

According to reports, Khadziev’s brother attacked the suspected assailant with a knife immediately after Khadziev was injured. The assailant later died from his wounds in hospital. The incident is currently being investigated by local police and military officials, as investigation as Khadziev’s brother is reported to be a soldier.

Khadziev’s combat sports resume included experience in a wide range of disciplines, including boxing kickboxing, wushu sanda, judo and freestyle wrestling. Khadziev transitioned to MMA at age 25 and took part in the FCF International Commonwealth Cup in 2015. He won the competition and later received the honorary title of international Master of Sports.

Khadziev is a two-time winner of the World Championships according to the International Federation of Full Contact Fighting. In 2021, he began to take part in bare-knuckle boxing events, knocking out Adam Abubakarov in the opening seconds of their bout.