Zaki Rasooli, widely known in combat sports circles by his ring name “Scrapper” and sometimes referred to as “The Afghan Outlaw”, is an Afghan-born professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter whose career in the cage has often been overshadowed by his outspoken presence on social media.
Recently, Rasooli attracted significant public attention after posting content on TikTok and other platforms that appeared to praise the Taliban. In one video, he reportedly stated, “I am congratulating the Taliban for their four-year victory in Afghanistan.” Afghan media outlets have also reported that Rasooli left a comment on one of his own TikTok videos labeling the United States and Canada as “terrorist” nations.
The statements have sparked backlash among Afghan diaspora communities and human rights advocates, particularly given the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and the international condemnation of the Taliban’s governance since their return to power in August 2021.
While Rasooli has built a reputation in the MMA world for his aggressive fighting style and “outlaw” persona, his political commentary has drawn attention far beyond the sports arena. Supporters argue that he is exercising his freedom of speech and voicing his personal political views, while critics say his comments risk inflaming tensions and spreading divisive rhetoric.
Rasooli’s social media activity highlights the increasingly complex relationship between sports figures, political expression, and digital influence. In the age of viral platforms like TikTok, athletes—whether intentionally or not—often find themselves navigating a public space where sports and politics intersect in real time.
At the time of writing, Rasooli has not issued a formal public clarification or retraction of his statements.
