The reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, who defended his belt in the confrontation with the Australian Alexander Volkanovski, received the Sali Suleiman medal established by the Ministry of Sports of the Republic of Dagestan.
This award, as well as memorable gifts and personalized watches, was presented to the fighter by the head of the region Sergey Melikov. As a sign of gratitude, the Russian fighter presented the head of the republic with a personalized sports uniform.
“In the face of Islam, they worried and cheered for our sport, for our country, because today the situation is such that when athletes represent our country abroad, they fight not only on the sports ground, but also fight for our values,” he said. Melikov. “Therefore, today many were rooting for Islam not only as an outstanding fighter, but also as an outstanding patriot of our country, who found the opportunity and strength to travel thousands of kilometers from his homeland and win”
“We know what the situation is now – many experts put me on the first line of the best fighters, regardless of weight, some did not, and I think this is due to bias, because there has never been such a thing in history that you won against the first number pound-for-pound, and you were not put in first place, ”Makhachev agreed with Melikov. “It doesn’t bother me at all, because it’s not the most important thing in life. I am a champion and today I have a belt”
Recall that the lightweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski, who led the UFC 284 tournament in Perth, ended with the victory of the Russian fighter by unanimous decision.
Source: https://fighttime.ru/news/item/30804-islam-makhachev-poluchil-medal-za-pobedu-nad-aleksom-volkanovski.html?rand=19907
