UFC star Islam Makhachev recently stated that he prefers sambo over Brazilian jiu jitsu when it comes to real-world self-defense situations.
During a recent media availability ahead of his welterweight title match against Ian Garry, Makhachev made his position clear when discussing the practical applications of different grappling disciplines. The Dagestani champion emphasized that sambo’s versatility makes it superior for street confrontations.
“I was in the Sambo Federation couple days ago and I just told there also. Sambo is not just to help to become like best figh ter in the world like myself, Fedor Emelianenko, Khabib Nurmagomedov,” Makhachev explained. “You know, it’s just not just become fig hter. Just sambo is the best sport to defend yourself, you know. When you have some problem in the street, you always have some clothes, you know. It’s not wrestling. You can grab, do some things like sambo style.”
The champion’s critique of Brazilian jiu jitsu centered on its reliance on ground combat, which he views as impractical in self-defense scenarios.
“For example, jiu jitsu, bro, if you want to defend yourself, you have to lay down. But you can begin it from up,” Makhachev said, highlighting sambo’s emphasis on standing techniques and throws that allow practitioners to control situations without going to the ground.
Sambo, a Soviet-era martial art that combines judo and wrestling with striking elements, has produced some of mixed martial arts’ most accomplished figh ters. The sport’s comprehensive approach includes takedowns, submissions, and ground control while maintaining the option to strike and defend while standing.
While Brazilian jiu jitsu remains highly effective in controlled competition environments and one-on-one confrontations, Makhachev’s perspective resonates with self-defense experts who prioritize remaining on your feet during altercations.
