Islam Makhachev celebrates his 35th birthday

The International SAMBO Federation congratulates Islam Makhachev on his 35th birthday!

For the global SAMBO community, it is especially gratifying that Islam came into big-time sport through Combat SAMBO, becoming a world champion and two-time Russian champion in the discipline. His victories on the SAMBO mat laid the foundation for his rise to the top of mixed martial arts.

Today, as the reigning UFC welterweight champion, Islam shows that SAMBO is a universal martial art that leads to success in MMA. As the holder of the title “SAMBO Ambassador to the World”, he makes a tremendous contribution to promoting our sport internationally. His example inspires millions of young people, who see how the skills built in SAMBO help athletes dominate at the highest level and become the best in the world. We are proud that the SAMBO school produced such an outstanding athlete and such a remarkable person.

On this day, we wish him strong health, boundless energy, new bright victories and well-being. May the years ahead bring many more sporting achievements, for the benefit of our sport.

We wish Islam and his loved ones all the very best!