Sambo or Jiu-Jitsu? Islam Makhachev Breaks It Down – “Best Sport To Defend Yourself”
Islam Makhachev recently compared Sambo and Jiu-Jitsu, going on to explain which sport is best for defending oneself.
At the UFC 330 media day, the welterweight champion shared his take on the same. Answering that Sambo is indeed the best sport for self-defense, Makhachev also highlighted the practicality of the martial art that developed in the ‘Soviet Union.’ He quipped:
Sambo is the best sport to defend yourself. When you have some problem in the streets, you always have some clothes…It’s not wrestling…You can grab, do some things like Sambo-style. That’s why I think Sambo is the best sport to defend yourself…For example, Jiu-Jitsu, bro, if you have to defend yourself, you have to lay down, but Sambo, you can begin from up.
Check out Islam Makhachev breaking down Sambo vs. Jiu-Jitsu below:
Makhachev is just a couple of days removed from his first welterweight title defense at UFC 330. The Russian will be taking on Ian Machado Garry in the main event. Riding an unbeaten streak since 2015, Makhachev will look to thwart the rangy Garry, who will be challenging for the title for the first time in his MMA career.
Coming off a two-fight win streak, the Irishman’s last win was against Belal Muhammad in November 2025. Makhachev, on the other hand, last beat Jack Della Maddalena last year via unanimous decision to win the 170lbs belt.
Islam Makhachev Recently Received Russia’s highest sporting honor
Islam Makhachev, last month, received Russia’s highest sporting honor for his contributions and for popularizing Sambo.
The 34-year-old was awarded the title of Honored Master of Sport of Russia for his “unprecedented contribution to” Sambo.
Back in February this year, Makhachev was also made a SAMBO Ambassador to the World. At the time of his induction, the UFC welterweight champ said:
People know me, Fedor, and Khabib as SAMBO representatives. I think anyone who understands MMA will agree that the best fighters are SAMBO fighters.
