6 opinions on the Russian Combat SAMBO Championships

The Russian Combat SAMBO Championships were held in Petrozavodsk on February 10 and 11. This tournament was the qualifier for the draft of the national team: gold medalists will represent the country at the World SAMBO Championships, and silver medalists will compete in the European SAMBO Championships. The FIAS website presents some of the most interesting opinions on the tournament.

Sergey Eliseev

"I liked the level of all the Championship fights from start to finish. There were no unimportant fights," said Sergey Eliseev, President of the All-Russian and European SAMBO Federations.

He noted that the Russian Combat SAMBO Championships were the highlight of the All-Russian Forum "SAMBO Days in Karelia". The Forum's program also included open classes in SAMBO techniques, demonstrations, a conference on the "SAMBO to School" project with the participation of the pilot regions, round tables, master classes in SAMBO and meetings with famous SAMBO wrestlers.

"Everyone lived for this day and practiced SAMBO. We hope the number of people involved will increase," Eliseev added.

Vladimir Voronov

Big-name fighters were expected at the opening of the Championships in Petrozavodsk. Especially Fedor Emelianenko. But the country's best known Combat SAMBO wrestler didn't come to Karelia. His coach, Vladimir Voronov, arrived for the competitions instead. He explained the reason for his famous student's absence in Karelia.

"Fedor is recovering after Japan. He still has some minor injuries, but he's healing. And getting ready for the next tournaments, like the other guys," Voronov said.

Denis Goltsov

Emelianenko's friend and sparring partner Kirill Sidelnikov competed in the +100 kg heavyweight category. The five-time world champion came in only second this time. The reason was an injury received on the way to the final, and the inability to reach the decisive match. As a result, Denis Goltsov won a gold medal in the Russian Combat SAMBO Championships.

"Everything went well, but it was also an achievement of the whole team, who helped me prepare. We did it, we fought our way to the World SAMBO Championships in November. I wouldn't say the fights were difficult; it was more about mental stress. I had two matches with unfamiliar opponents, sort of 'dark horses'. We can expect all kinds of trouble from them," Goltsov said after his victory.

Mikhail Mokhnatkin

St. Petersburg SAMBO wrestler Mikhail Mokhnatkin once again proved his skill by winning a gold medal. He defeated Vadim Nemkov in the final fight in the weight category up to 100 kg.

"My win is the result of hard work every day, but I'm not going to stop there. My opponents are getting stronger every day, and I can't afford to relax. I'd like to thank the FIGHT NIGHTS Team, my whole team from St. Petersburg and Moscow, my coach, wife, friends and everyone who supported me. Together we're stronger," Mokhnatkin said.

Ali Bagautinov

Former renowned SAMBO wrester and successful UFC fighter Ali Bagautinov watched the Championships from the sidelines.

"My background is Combat SAMBO, but after signing a contract with an American promoter, I can't fight here. I competed in this sport for 10 years, and I can see how the level of fighters and the organization of competitions are progressing. Of course, there are still challenges ahead, but we're on the right track," he said.

Alexander Konakov

Head coach of the Russian national Combat SAMBO team Alexander Konakov summed up the tournament.

"I think we've drafted some good wrestlers who will honorably represent Russia internationally. On the first day of competition, all the winners were predictable, except 90 kg. We have a new wrestler, Hadis Ibragimov. We'll see how he performs at the European SAMBO Championships," he said.