Russian MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko recently addressed Islam Makhachev’s new role as the global ambassador for sambo, offering his perspective on the former lightweight champion’s influence on the combat sport.
When asked about his reaction to the news of Makhachev becoming sambo’s world ambassador, Emelianenko kept his response straightforward and supportive. “Positive,” the former Pride heavyweight champion stated. “slam is a significant figure in the world of martial arts. And, of course, if he is known for sambo, he must represent his sport. I’m glad he got to be an ambassador.”
The topic arose during an interview following recent Russian MMA Union elections, where Emelianenko supported the successful candidate Sergey Radchenko. The conversation naturally turned to Makhachev’s growing influence in combat sports, particularly his formal connection to sambo, a discipline that has shaped many elite Russian competitors.
Emelianenko himself has a deep connection to sambo. The interviewer noted that sambo played a crucial role in Emelianenko’s career decisions, including his choice not to join the UFC.
The sport was reportedly one of the main reasons he avoided signing with the promotion, as he wanted the freedom to continue competing in combat sambo, which would have been prohibited under a UFC contract.
When asked whether promoting both sambo and amateur MMA created any conflict between the two sports, Emelianenko dismissed the idea entirely.
“I work closely with the Sambo Federation, both at the Russian and international levels,” he explained. “There has never been any issue of competition between us. The Sambo Federation does not see us as rivals. They’ve never had any complaints.”
During the same interview, Emelianenko also provided an update on his long-discussed boxing match with longtime rival Mirko Cro Cop, confirming that preparations are already underway.
“We hope so. We are preparing for it,” he said, noting that the bout is tentatively targeted for June, potentially as the headline attraction of a Croatian tournament.
While he stressed that an official announcement must come from the organizers, Emelianenko made it clear he is taking the matchup seriously: “We are preparing. Yes, I’m getting ready.”
[Editor’s Note: Quotes have been translated and edited for clarity and readability.]
