Russian MMA fighter, Ivan Strelnikov was forced to cover up his controversial Nazi tattoos

Ivan Strelnikov, a Russian MMA fighter, was asked to cover up a tattoo on his stomach showing Nazi symbology before his most recent loss in the ring. After getting defeated by Kenan Guliyev, Ivan Strelnikov moved to 5-3 as a professional. The two met during the Hardcore MMA Season 1 finale when Strelnikov was asked to cover up his “wolfsangel” tattoo with tape.

The sweat and water that had gathered on his body throughout the warmup, however, ensured that the tape had come off following a body shot from his opponent within seconds of the first bell. He eventually lost the fight, and as the result was read, he covered his stomach with a flag.

If one was to draw from Ivan Strelnikov’s personal life, one could see irony as outside the cage he works as a tattoo remover. The Russian has a variety of tattoos. But considering the stigma that follows around people who have tattoos and considering the number of tattoos drawn on him, Ivan Strelnikov was definitely nothing like it. He was even seen cracking jokes with his opponent and between the fight, he also accepted a drink from his opponent.

The Wolfsangel was a popular Nazi symbol, but its historical origins are uncertain. It is currently associated with the Azov Regiment. The symbol is also thought to have magical qualities and could keep off wolves by early medieval pagans.

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Ivan Strelnikov is not the only one scrutinized for Nazi tattoos

Previously a boxing title match has sparked a row in Italy after it emerged that one of the contenders had several neo-Nazi tattoos. The boxer in question Michele Broili was defeated by Hassan Nourdine, in Trieste for the Italian super-featherweight title. Sports officials are investigating how a boxer with tattoos including an SS flag and the inscription SS was able to be a member of the professional Italian Boxing Federation.

Broili also gave his staff the fascist salute before the fight. The Italian Boxing Federation is investigating Michele Broili for allegedly making a Nazi salute during his professional boxing match on Sunday. The federation has stated that it will file a case with the sports justice agency but has not stated why action was not taken earlier.

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