What made the streamer pay $30,000 for a broadcast with an MMA fighter and how a joke turned into a scandal
During a live broadcast, which was supposed to be just another episode for fans, an unexpected fight broke out between a well-known streamer and a Russian MMA fighter in Dubai. The focus was on not only the large sum—$30,000 for the guest’s participation—but also the potentially serious consequences for both sides. Why did a seemingly innocent joke turn into a real conflict, and what consequences will it lead to? This case makes one wonder how dangerous live broadcasts can be when the stakes are so high.
The incident during the live broadcast attracted the attention of millions of viewers
The main roles were played by Subkhan Mamedov, an Azerbaijani streamer known as Subo, and Russian MMA fighter Shovkhal Churchaev. On November 30, 2023, they met in a Dubai studio for a stream, for which Mamedov paid Churchaev an impressive sum—$30,000. The event format involved sharp questions, provocations, and tension, which had become the streamer’s trademark style.
However, the broadcast did not go as planned at all. During the conversation, Mamedov made an offensive joke about Churchaev, which quickly escalated the conflict. According to Sportskeeda, after a verbal exchange, Churchaev demanded an apology, but Mamedov refused. This was followed by an outburst of aggression: Churchaev slapped the streamer several times, hit him with his fists and knees, and then dragged him across the floor.
A video of the incident instantly spread across social networks, going viral. The footage clearly shows the streamer continuing to argue with the fighter even after the first blows, which only fueled the situation. Such a format of a fight right in the studio surprised even seasoned viewers.
What caused the conflict and why the participants could not come to an agreement
Subkhan Mamedov is known for his style—he often teases guests, provoking them into vivid reactions. This time, his joke touched on Churchaev’s professional dignity. Mamedov stated that Churchaev supposedly should “kneel before” UFC president Dana White in order to get a contract.
For context: the UFC is the world’s largest mixed martial arts league, entry into which is considered the pinnacle of a fighter’s career. Such words could be perceived as an insult to a professional who has been building his reputation over years.
Churchaev, expecting a respectful dialogue, lost his composure after repeated jokes. He demanded that Mamedov kneel before him and publicly apologize on air. The streamer refused, justifying his position by the format of the show. This stubborn exchange quickly escalated into violence.
Could escalation have been avoided? Experts are divided: some believe that Mamedov’s provocative style was bound to lead to such an outburst sooner or later, while others point to the fighter’s excessive impulsiveness.
Legal consequences and what experts say about UAE law
The authorities of the United Arab Emirates are known for their strict attitude toward public safety issues. According to Baku.ws, citing lawyer Maksim Silvestri, physical violence in a public place or work environment can result in heavy fines and even imprisonment. Silvestri explained: “Physical violence in a public space is strictly punished, even if the victim provoked the conflict themselves.”
As experts note, a feature of the UAE legal system is the priority of public order. Disturbing the peace, especially when it is captured on video and spread online, inevitably attracts the attention of law enforcement agencies. According to local media, the streamer sustained serious injuries, and the fighter may face not only a fine but also possible criminal liability.
Previously, there have already been cases in the UAE where even less serious episodes ended with large fines and deportation. In Churchaev’s case, the scale of publicity and viral effect only worsen the situation, since the fighter has attracted attention in a similar way before. Last year, Churchaev repeatedly came under media scrutiny, drawing attention to himself with flashy antics. Many linked this behavior to the possibility that the fighter was receiving large fees from advertising contracts with North American online casinos.
There are known cases where Western gambling software developers promoted their products through media personalities involved in public scandals. However, the popular Canadian site Casinobonusca, with reviews of online casinos with no deposit bonuses for Microgaming , refuted this information. The site’s authors stated that the online casino software providers they work with did not confirm any such contracts with Churchaev. The popular online casinos presented on the site often prefer to work with local UFC ambassadors.
Churchaev’s past and his tendency to conflicts outside the ring
Shovkhal Churchaev is a Russian fighter competing in the lightweight category (up to 70 kg). Since his debut in 2018, he has won 8 victories in more than 10 professional bouts. However, his name often appears in scandals and conflicts outside the ring.
In August 2022, Churchaev was already involved in a high-profile fight—he attacked his Iranian opponent Mohammad Heybati during a podcast recording in Moscow. And in September 2023, due to a brawl at a press conference with Shamil Galimov, an upcoming fight was canceled. Sports psychology experts believe that public aggression often indicates a high level of stress and pressure on the athlete, but it can also be an element of image-building.
If you compare this conflict with typical incidents in the fighting industry, it becomes clear: aggression spilling outside the ring is not that rare. However, combined with publicity and online publicity, the consequences can be much more serious. The question remains: will such behavior become an obstacle to the fighter’s further career?
How the audience reacted and whether streaming rules will change
The video of the fight gained millions of views almost instantly, and discussion of the incident flooded social networks. Comments ranged from support for the fighter to condemnation of both participants, and there were frequent calls for stricter control on streaming platforms.
Famous Russian streamer Yuri Khovansky noted: “Such broadcasts are always playing with fire, but no one expected such a turn.” Several well-known athletes also spoke about the need to save face, even under the pressure of provocations.
This case has already become a trigger for discussion about the safety of online broadcasts. The management of several platforms is considering introducing new rules for selecting guests and strengthening moderation, especially for paid broadcasts. As one expert noted: “The powder keg of live broadcasts explodes when boundaries are forgotten.” It remains to be seen what safety measures will become standard in the future—or whether this will remain just another story for the section of oddities.
What key terms mean and why this incident is so widely discussed
Streamers are hosts of online broadcasts who work on video platforms and earn money by attracting viewers. Paid broadcasts involve inviting famous guests to increase popularity and income. The “lightweight” category in MMA refers to fighters weighing up to 70 kg, and the online broadcasting industry has been facing the problem of content and participant behavior control for years.
The very format of paid broadcasts has become popular because it allows viewers to be closer to the stars and see their real emotions. However, as the stakes rise, so do the risks—sometimes broadcasts become an arena for unexpected and even dangerous events.
How this story will end for the participants remains to be seen. The conflict between expectations from a spectacular paid broadcast and the harsh reality reminded everyone that the boundaries of what is acceptable in public broadcasts exist not only for ratings, but also for safety.
