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Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks to the media after his meeting with experts of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, at his official residence in Tokyo on April 6, 2020. – Abe said on April 6 the government plans to declare a state of emergency and proposed a stimulus package worth 1 trillion USD as new coronavirus infections spike in Tokyo and elsewhere. (Photo by STR / JIJI PRESS / AFP) / Japan OUT (Photo by STR/JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty Images)
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Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks to the media after his meeting with experts of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, at his official residence in Tokyo on April 6, 2020. – Abe said on April 6 the government plans to declare a state of emergency and proposed a stimulus package worth 1 trillion USD as new coronavirus infections spike in Tokyo and elsewhere. (Photo by STR / JIJI PRESS / AFP) / Japan OUT (Photo by STR/JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty Images)
Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe once gave a surprising mixed martial art challenge to the president of Russia Vladimir Putin. Putin is famous for his mixed martial arts history. He has previously trained in Judo and has always talked highly about mixed martial arts sports. He was even seen sparring in Judo multiple times.
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Considering Putin’s experience in the sport, the former Japanese prime minister proposed a match between him and the Japanese judoka, Yasuhiro Yamashita.
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While talking to him at an Asia economic forum, Abe said, “Yamashita-san, can you not invite the two presidents with black belts to Japan, via the Japanese judo federation? That way, Mr. Yamashita and the two presidents could show us some training moves.”
Reuters
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin meets with members of Russia’s national team ahead of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, via a video link at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow, Russia January 25, 2022. Sputnik/Aleksey Nikolskyi/Kremlin via REUTERS
The Russian president is a judo enthusiast and once was a black belt in the sport. Hence, besides Abe, many others have also challenged Putin in a combat match several times.
Joe Rogan backed Elon Musk after he challenged Vladimir Putin for single combat
During the tense conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Putin received a backlash from around the world. Amidst this, the South African billionaire Elon Musk challenged the Russian president for single combat.
I hereby challenge
Владимир Путин
to single combatStakes are Україна
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 14, 2022
Apparently, the long-time UFC color commentator, Joe Rogan, not only backed Musk for his challenge but also offered to train him. “Elon Musk wants. He wants to fight Putin. Have you seen that?” Rogan said on his podcast.
“I offered my services. I texted him, I said dude I will arrange all of your training. If you really do fight Putin, I will arrange all your training. It would be so f**king epic,” Rogan concluded.
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The 54-year-old has a long history in MMA and has also competed in amateur kickboxing. Provided his expertise in MMA and close relationship with the Tesla CEO, he chimed in to help Musk.
What do you guys think of Rogan wanting to help Musk in the past? What is your reaction to Abe’s old challenge to Putin? Let us know in the comments section below.
Written by
Edited by
Vibhanshu Kumar