The first video of Chechen pop-MMA fighter Ibrahim Islamov, known by the nickname Nikarkho, has emerged online following a shooting in Vladikavkaz. In footage published on 24 October, he walks along a hospital corridor, holding on to a friend with his left hand. Earlier reports said the fighter had sustained serious gunshot wounds and undergone surgery.

Islamov is carrying a bag in his right hand. Tubes resembling medical drains and a nasotracheal catheter can be seen running from his nose and head beneath his T-shirt.

Numerous post-operative stitches are visible on the fighter’s head. Several long sutures run across his forehead and the front of his head, while others are located closer to his right temple. Signs of healing wounds and skin damage can be seen around them. Despite his clearly visible smile, the footage shows the consequences of a serious injury and surgical intervention.

According to various reports, the shooting followed a confrontation on the night of 17–18 October near the Park Hotel Vladikavkaz. Several shots were fired at Islamov during the incident. One bullet struck him in the head. Islamov and another man were injured. The circumstances are under investigation.

The incident has caused widespread public reaction, which continues to this day. Social media users are actively discussing what happened and putting forward different theories. Earlier, residents of North Ossetia and Chechnya, including prominent figures, bloggers and public and political figures from both regions, called for the confrontation to be kept from turning into an interethnic conflict.

In North Ossetia, many people commenting on the incident tend to believe that the person who shot the Chechen fighter acted in self-defence. In Chechnya and beyond, many have drawn attention to the fact that Islamov was shot not by the man he had fought with, but by another participant in the confrontation. Supporters of this view argue that this casts doubt on whether the shooter’s actions can be classified as self-defence. They have also expressed outrage over claims by some commentators that Islamov was shot in the back.