Sheikh-Mansur KHABIBULAEV: “Without respect, there is no sport”

The Combat SAMBO tournament at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu added another title to the impressive record of six-time World Champion Sheikh-Mansur Khabibulaev. Competing in the men’s 64 kg weight category, he confidently worked his way through the bracket to claim the gold medal, once again proving himself the strongest fighter in his division.

Reflecting on the final, Khabibulaev admitted it was far from straightforward:

“My opponent was a very tough wrestler who focused heavily on grappling. I noticed he was weaker in striking, but I decided to take the risk and test myself in his strongest area. It was a gamble, but with God’s help it worked out, and we came away with the victory.”

For Khabibulaev, SAMBO is not just about winning, but also about giving fans a show:

“These matches are not only for us, the athletes. They’re a celebration for the spectators who came to the arena and for those watching around the world. Of course, I want to put on a bright and beautiful performance that people will enjoy. This time it wasn’t exactly as I imagined, but in the end, a win is a win.”

He highlighted his semifinal bout against a Ukrainian fighter as one of the toughest moments of the tournament:

“I’ve known this athlete for years – we met five or six years ago. He’s a very strong and resilient competitor, someone who never gives up and fights to the very end. I couldn’t afford to step back either. Both of us wanted nothing less than victory. It was a very intense and worthy battle.”

Speaking about his approach to risky situations during fights, Khabibulaev emphasized his philosophy:

“Yes, there were moments when I could have finished the match early by pressing harder on the ground. But for me, it’s more important to demonstrate my skill, my strength, my technique. When your opponent has already recognized your advantage, I don’t see the point in pushing to the point of injury. Every fighter has more tournaments ahead, and he has people waiting for him at home. That’s why I try to finish my bouts carefully, without unnecessary risks to my opponent’s health.”

Khabibulaev compared the atmosphere in Chengdu to the world’s biggest sporting stage:

“This tournament felt truly massive. The organization was first-class – the arena, the Athlete’s Village, every detail. Even athletes who had competed at the Olympic Games said the atmosphere here was very similar. And of course, I would love to see Combat SAMBO included in the Olympic program one day. It’s such a spectacular sport, and anyone can understand it.”

Looking ahead, the champion remains focused on new challenges:

“Every year brings a new test. Today you win, but tomorrow you must already prepare for the next competition. The World Championships are coming up soon, and that’s the next challenge for me. As long as I have the energy and desire, I will keep moving forward. I believe there is always room to grow, and an athlete should never stop at what he’s already achieved. Our responsibility is to keep pushing forward and to inspire the younger generation.”

Finally, Khabibulaev underlined the value that, in his view, lies at the very heart of sport:

“For me, a handshake in SAMBO is, first of all, a sign of respect for your opponent. It doesn’t matter what happens outside the mat – once you step onto it, you must show respect. Without respect, there is no sport. It must always come first – whether your opponent is just a rival or even an enemy. That’s the example we must set for the younger generation. If we don’t show these values ourselves, the youth will go in the wrong direction. Respect must be at the core of everything we do.”