Batu Khasikov
Batu Sergeyevich Khasikov (born June 28, 1980) is a professional Russian kickboxer, multiple world champion (ISKA, WAKO PRO, WKA and W5 K-1 World Champion, WAKO PRO European Champion), social and political activist, member of the People's Khural of Kalmykia (2008–2012) and representative for the Republic of Kalmykia in the Federation Council (2012–2014). On 20 March 2019, Khasikov was appointed by Vladimir Putin to become the 3rd Head of the Republic of Kalmykia. Personal life. He was born to a Kalmyk father and a Tatar mother. On 5 August 2020, Khasikov announced that he tested positive for COVID-19 . Education. Batu graduated from the Moscow State Pedagogical University, the faculty of physical culture. He continued postgraduate study in Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (Candidate of political science, 2012). Career in sports. Khasikov was born in Moscow, and later in his childhood he moved to Lagan, in the Republic of Kalmykia. There he began training in Kyokushin at the age of 11. Having moved to Moscow in 1997, Batu kept training, and in 2000–2001 he won several Seiwakai and Kyokushin competitions. Khasikov then mastered hand-to-hand combat, Kickboxing, sambo, ju-jutsu and muay thai, and  from 2005 competed in kickboxing on continuing basis. In the course of 2005–2010 Batu became a three-time Russian champion (WAKO), WAKO European champion, and gained the championship belts in average weights. In October 2007, Batu defeated Ricardo Fernandes from Portugal (WAKO-Pro), in November 2007, he defeated Harris Norwood (ISKA), in and November 2010, he won a victory over Fabio Corelli (WKA). In 2011, Khasikov defeated renowned kickboxers Albert Kraus and Mike Zambidis in K-1 (W5 World Champion title was gained). On 4 May 2012 on MMA festival “The battle of Kalmykia” Batu Khasikov defeated Warren Stevelmans. In November  of the same year, he won the K-1 WAKO-Pro title after defeating Mohammad Reza Nazari. On 3 November, at the "Battle of Moscow 8" event, Khasikov knocked out the popular Gago Drago. On 24 March 2014 the “Battle of Moscow 15” Fight Nights promoter hosted an event in "Rossiya Luzhniki", where Khasikov and Mike Zambidis had a rematch fight, which was the main event of tournament. That fight was a matter of principle for both opponents. Before the fight, Khasikov announced that he would retire if he won the fight. For Zambidis, the fight was an opportunity to vindicate  himself. The fight was a mighty sensation given Khaskov's status as a senator from the Republic of Kalmykia. From the start, Khasikov pressured Zambidis and controlled the fight throughout, but in the third round, Zambidis showed dangerous signs of retaliation. In a split decision, Khasikov won the fight. On Federation Council meeting, Khasikov was congratulated on victory. Khasikov is the three-time hand-to-hand fight champion of the Main Department of Internal Affairs of the city of Moscow, while he had won more than 200 amateur fights. Politics. From 2003 to 2008, Khasikov worked in police establishment. He  holds the rank of a senior lieutenant. In March 2008, his duties changed course as a result of his election of Federation Council's member of the Republic of Kalmykia. Khasikov is the leader of the "For a Healthy Country" civic organization. The function of organization is healthy lifestyle promotion. Today, the All-Russian Social Movement "For A Healthy country" organizes events in different cities on a regular basis. Fight Nights. Khasikov is the promoter and co-founder of Eurasia Fight Nights. Fight Nights is a mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion in Russia which also promotes shows in other Russian -speaking countries. Its live events and competitions have been broadcast on Russia-2 and REN TV. Before appointment as Federation Council's member, Khasikov was a Fight Nights producer and a Fight Nights fighter. Kickboxing record. ! style=background:white | ! style=background:white | ! style=background:white | ! style=background:white | ! style=background:white | ! style=background:white | ! style=background:white | Honours. Honoured worker of Physical Culture and Sport of the Republic of Kalmykia. The owner of "Golden belt" of Russian Union of martial arts in nomination "The Brightest Victory of  Year" (the 7-th national award ceremony).