Karim Zidan
Karim Zidan is a investigative reporter and feature writer focusing on the intersection of sports and politics. He has written for BloodyElbow since 2014 and has served as an associate editor since 2016. He also writes for The New York Times and The Guardian. Karim has been invited to speak about his work at numerous universities, including Princeton, and was a panelist at the South by Southwest (SXSW) film festival and the Oslo Freedom Forum. He also participated in the United Nations counter-terrorism conference in 2021. His reporting on Ramzan Kadyrov’s involvement in MMA, much of which was done for Bloody Elbow, has led to numerous award nominations, and was the basis of an award-winning HBO Real Sports documentary.
How UFC star Khamzat Chimaev was banned from entering the US
The UFC reportedly wanted Khamzat Chimaev to headline UFC 300. However, he is unable to enter the US due to his connections with warlord Ramzan Kadyrov.
How Bloody Elbow got inscribed on munitions bound for Gaza
Israeli MMA fighter Haim Gozali did not take too kindly to my article exposing his hatred towards Palestinians. So he inscribed my name on an artillery shell bound for Gaza.
We can all learn from Muhammad Ali’s solidarity with Palestine
Muhammad Ali opposed Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories. He also loved and respected his Jewish friends and family.
The new kings of MMA and boxing: Saudi Arabia’s path to sporting dominance
Analyst Stanis Elsborg joins Sports Politika to discuss his groundbreaking research into the power players behind the kingdom's sports strategy in MMA and boxing.
For the UFC, bigotry is the main event
Some of the UFC’s top stars harbour xenophobic and sexist views. Instead of distancing itself from bigots, the organization uses them to sell fights.
Sports cannot—and should not—avoid the war in Gaza
Athletes are being killed, activism is being stifled, and the IOC and FIFA are under pressure to take action—there is no avoiding the Israel-Palestine war.
How to piss off a Russian oligarch
Karim Zidan looks back at his coverage of Ziyavudin Magomedov, the Dagestani oligarch who wanted to buy the UFC who is now languishing in Russian prison.
That time I was cornered into watching MMA with a war criminal
In this week's Office Hours, I look back on more of the more absurd tales from my time in Russia, which include watching MMA with a war criminal.
Mo Salah, Mo Problems
Mo Salah, the Egyptian icon, has long been considered the 'Pride of the Arabs,' yet that status has come into question amid Israel's war on Gaza.
The Israeli MMA fighter celebrating Palestinian deaths
Israeli MMA fighter Haim Gozali is among the prominent figures spewing hate and cheering the slaughter of Palestinians.
Henry Kissinger, the war criminal who preached peace through sports
Beyond his warmongering influence in Washington, Henry Kissinger also knew how to leverage sports as part of his diplomatic arsenal.
Dublin riots expose Conor McGregor’s role in stoking anti-migrant hate
The UFC’s biggest star, Conor McGregor is among the agitators stirring chaos and hate in Ireland. Now he is reportedly being investigated by Irish police.
Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou: Saudi Arabia's juggling act
While Saudi Arabia strives to captivate the world with its lavish events like Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou and lofty national aspirations, it remains unable to mask the stark challenges faced by the kingdom and the wider region
Saudi Arabia paying 'coach' Mike Tyson big money for Ngannou-Fury event
Karim Zidan breaks down the genesis of Francis Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury, and Saudi Arabia's extravagant plans which includes Mike Tyson being paid big money.
UFC 294: Avoiding US sanctions on Chimaev, and censoring speech on Palestine
The UFC, so-called champion of free speech, found a way at UFC 294 to circumvent U.S. sanctions against Ramzan Kadyrov while simultaneously censoring pro-Palestine expressions within its platform.
Is Francis Ngannou turning a blind eye to Saudi Arabia's abuse of migrants?
Francis Ngannou—an African migrant turned champion fighter—has partnered with a kingdom accused of mass murdering African migrants.
MMA fighter indicted in Donald Trump RICO case
Former MMA fighter Willie "Monster" Floyd got indicted as part of the Donald Trump GA RICO case.
How Russia's mercenary groups found their warriors in MMA gyms
MMA fighters were among the Wagner Group mercenaries who found themselves embroiled in an attempted uprising in Russia.
Ukraine boxing event goes underground amid war
15 months after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, boxing returned to the war-torn nation with a unique event held in an underground subway station.
Neo-Nazis have forgotten the first rule of fight club
Karim Zidan delves into the "European Fight Night" neo-Nazi event that took place last weekend in Hungary.
Wrestlers protest against sex abuse in India
Indian wrestlers protest the rampant sexual abuse in local sports by staging a sit-in. A national crisis is looming as a result.
That time Ali Abdelaziz tried to kill my first big Kadyrov story
Karim Zidan looks back on some of the threats he faced from Ali Abdelaziz, MMA’s infamous manager.
Hasbulla arrested following 'wedding celebration'
Hasbulla was detained by police in Dagestan, along with some of his friends, for violating traffic laws.
Kadyrov suspected in boxing champion’s disappearance
Former IBO light-heavyweight champion Umar Salamov disappeared shortly after his most recent boxing bout in September 2022. Kadyrov is likely responsible.
The UFC fighters and Morocco's missing king
Two UFC fighters and brothers are embroiled in palace intrigue involving Morocco's King. Now a crisis is brewing.
French boxer shot dead outside shisha bar
French boxer Wilfried Florentin, 23, was killed Sunday morning following a dispute in a shisha bar in Paris.
MMA fighter’s call for public executions of Trans allies exposes Elon Musk’s Twitter Blue dilemma
Former MMA fighter Jake Shields asked his followers whether they would support public executions for Trans allies. Many blue-checked Twitter accounts did. Elon Musk was not happy.
Wrestlers in India seek justice for alleged sexual abuse
Several Indian wrestlers have filed a police complaint against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president, accusing him of sexual abuse.
Combat sports in the Russia-Ukraine war
Combat sports has emerged as a tool for recruiting soldiers, platforming wartime propaganda, and as a target of international sanction.
DeSantis copies Muhammad Ali photo for ‘War on Woke’ ad
A campaign caricature of Ron DeSantis shows the Florida Governor standing over his opponent like Muhammad Ali following Sonny Liston knockout.