Former MMA fighter stars in brutal Islamic State video and is declared a terrorist

Cuspert's two faces: on the left, as an MMA fighter, and on the right, as an ISIS fighter. Photo: Super Lutas Production (Disclosure/Reproduction)

German Denis Cuspert, a former MMA fighter, was formally identified by the United States Department of Security as a terrorist after starring in a brutal execution video released by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

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Cuspert, who these days goes by his guerrilla name Abu Talha al-Almani, recently appeared in a video holding the severed head of a man killed by ISIS. The US government classifies Cuspert as an international threat, who has declared his loyalty to the leader of the jihadist group and who plays an important role in recruiting Teutophones. At 39 years old, he is also wanted by the German government suspected of involvement in terrorist activities in the country.

Cuspert had a professional MMA fight in 2009, in which he ended up being knocked out in just nine seconds. In addition, he made a career as a rapper in his home country, including participating in the tour of DMX, performer of the entrance song for Anderson Silva in their struggles.

Shortly afterwards, Cuspert was arrested in Germany for illegal weapons possession, and, after his release, he converted to Islam and joined ISIS in 2012.

He is not the first former MMA athlete linked to the group. Last week, a fighter from Tajikistan was killed in an airstrike while defending ISIS during combat.

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