King Mohammed VI grants Moroccan nationality to two MMA champions

This naturalization, formalized by royal decrees, goes far beyond a simple passport. It exempts the two brothers from the usual five-year waiting period before being able to run for certain public or political offices, as stipulated in Article 17 of the Moroccan law on nationality. A rare privilege, reserved for foreigners who have rendered exceptional services to the country.

While Ismail Naurdiev’s sporting achievements have certainly played in his favor, this decision is also part of a broader strategy. Morocco intends to attract talents from around the world and affirm its support for the development of MMA.

Ismail Naurdiev, born in 1996, has proven himself on the international MMA scene. After a brilliant career in Europe, notably with the Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA), he joined the UFC in 2019. Despite promising debuts and a victory over Michel Prazeres, he later left the UFC for the Elite MMA Championship and the Brave Combat Federation.

His brother Islam, also an MMA fighter, shares this attachment to Morocco. Both have expressed their gratitude to the king and dedicated their victories to the country, proudly displaying the Moroccan flag during their fights.

Article 17 of the Nationality Code: Special incapacities for the naturalized:

The naturalized foreigner is subject to the following incapacities for a period of five years: He may not be invested with public functions or elective offices for the exercise of which the quality of Moroccan is necessary; He may not be an elector when the quality of Moroccan is required for registration on the electoral rolls. He may be relieved in whole or in part of the incapacities provided for above, by dahir or by decree taken in the council of the cabinet, depending on whether the naturalization was granted by dahir or by decree.