Two of the greatest fighters in mixed martial arts (MMA) history simultaneously received the prestigious SAMBO Grandmaster title this week in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Of course, we’re talking about legendary Russian fighters Fedor Emelianenko and Islam Makhachev.
Emelianenko, 50, hasn’t competed in combat sports in over three years, but his storied career has not been forgotten. Despite never competing in UFC, “The Last Emperor” is widely regarded as one of the best heavyweights to ever compete in MMA.
His resume under the PRIDE banner is second to none and he’s easily one of the greatest Russian combat athletes of all time.
Makhachev, 35, is still competing to this day. The reigning UFC welterweight champion is considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters of the sport over the past decade and is easily one of the best lightweights of all time. Makhachev currently holds the record for the longest win streak in UFC history with 17 and still has a chance to add onto that. However, Makhachev’s days inside of the Octagon do appear to be numbered.
Earlier this week, the two fighters joined the festivities at the 50th World SAMBO Championships in Tashkent. That’s where Emelianenko and Makhachev both received their Grandmaster titles. In addition, Fedor was presented with a special watch marking his 50th birthday as Makhachev received the Russian Honoured Master of Sport in SAMBO badge.
Check it out below:
