UFC star Islam Makhachev recently opened up about receiving his taekwondo black belt, expressing humility about the honor in a refreshingly candid admission. During an interview ahead of his UFC 330 title defense against Ian Machado Garry, the pound-for-pound number one star revealed his honest feelings about the prestigious martial arts achievement.
When asked about his newly acquired taekwondo black belt, Makhachev’s response was surprisingly modest.
“This belt we have to check,” he said with a laugh, before adding, “One of my coach, he’s a Russian Olympic team coach, you know, he’s also coach me and he give me. I call this gift, you know, not something I really deserve but it’s good.”
Despite being widely recognized as the best athlete in the sport today, Makhachev acknowledged that he hasn’t put in the dedicated work specific to taekwondo that would traditionally warrant a black belt ranking.
His coach, who works with the Russian Olympic taekwondo team, presented him with the belt as a gesture of respect for his overall martial arts achievements.
The Dagestani star also discussed receiving the Master of Sport designation in Russia, the highest award for combat sports in his home country. He now serves as an ambassador for sambo worldwide, a role he takes seriously.
During match week in Philadelphia, Makhachev plans to visit the US Sambo Federation to meet with athletes and promote the grappling art that forms the foundation of his combat style.
“I really happy to represent Sambo around the world. You know, this is the best sports for like defend yourself,” Makhachev explained.
Currently preparing for his welterweight title defense against Garry on May 10, Makhachev appears more comfortable at the higher weight class than during his first stint at 170 pounds. The champion is tied with Anderson Silva for the longest winning streak in UFC history at 16 consecutive victories, and a win over Garry would make him the sole record holder.
