Islam Makhachev Named SAMBO Ambassador to the World

A landmark meeting between FIAS President Vasily Shestakov and UFC champion Islam Makhachev took place on February 18 at the International SAMBO Center in Luzhniki. The head of the International SAMBO Federation thanked Makhachev for his tremendous contribution to promoting SAMBO worldwide and recognized his achievements with a commemorative FIAS award.

The highlight of the gathering at the SAMBO House was the conferral of the honorary title “SAMBO Ambassador to the World” upon Islam Makhachev. The fighter gratefully accepted the offer from Vasily Shestakov, noting that SAMBO is listed as his base martial art on his official UFC profile. He also expressed his commitment to promoting the sport around the world.

Shestakov presented Islam with a personalized SAMBO kurtka bearing his name and the federation's logo. Makhachev signed a second kurtka and donated it to the FIAS Museum, where it will become part of the permanent collection.

Shestakov also extended a personal invitation for Makhachev to attend as a guest of honor at the milestone 50th World SAMBO Championships, set to take place in Samarkand in November 2026.

“Islam Makhachev is a shining example of how SAMBO can open doors to the highest levels of achievement in world sport. His journey from victories on the SAMBO mat to the UFC championship title inspires millions of people across the globe. We deeply value his contribution to raising the profile of our sport and are proud to bestow upon him the honorary title of SAMBO Ambassador to the World. I am certain that Islam's work in this new role will help bring millions more people into the world of our sport in every corner of the earth,” said FIAS President Vasily Shestakov.