Fedor
Emelianenko and Islam
Makhachev received ceremonial credentials recognizing their
roles as sambo ambassadors on Nov. 5 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
International Sambo Federation (FIAS) President Vasily Shestakov
presented both fighters with symbolic credentials in the form of
statuettes ahead of the 50th World Sambo Championships, scheduled
for Nov. 6-8 in the Uzbek capital. The credentials recognize their
responsibility to represent and promote the sport
internationally.
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Fedor Emelianenko and Islam Makhachev receive ceremonial
credentials ahead of the 50th World Sambo Championships in
Uzbekistan
Emelianenko is a four-time combat sambo world champion, while
Makhachev also won a world title in the discipline. Both went on to
become champions in mixed martial arts.
The two Russian fighters are scheduled to attend the tournament as
guests of honor alongside other former sambo champions.
Emelianenko was the sport’s first official global ambassador and
has promoted it for years. Makhachev received the honorary title in
February 2026.
Islam Makhachev and Fedor Emelianenko were
officially recognized as Sambo Ambassadors during a ceremony in
Tashkent, Uzbekistan 🇺🇿 Both were presented with their official
letters of credence, ahead of the Sambo World Championships, which
will take place in Tashkent from November 6 to 8. 🇷🇺 Russian MMA
legends Makhachev and Emelianeko both started their way in martial
arts in Sambo, and will be present at the tournament as guests of
honor.— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA)
November 5, 2026