On February 18, a meeting between Vasily Shestakov, President of the International Sambo Federation (FIAS), and UFC champion Islam Makhachev took place at the Luzhniki International Sambo Center. The key outcome of the meeting was the awarding of the honorary title of "Sambo Ambassador to the World" to Makhachev.

During the ceremony, Vasily Shestakov recognized Makhachev's contribution to the popularization of sambo and presented him with a FIAS commemorative plaque and a personalized sambo jacket bearing the athlete's name and the federation's logo. Islam Makhachev signed another jacket and donated it to the FIAS Museum.

In accepting his new status, the athlete noted that sambo is listed as a primary martial art on his page on the official UFC website and expressed his willingness to promote the sport internationally.

Furthermore, the FIAS President invited Makhachev to participate in the 50th World Sambo Championships, scheduled for November 2026 in Samarkand.